A Christmas tree adds festive elegance to a home. However, it can also be an attractive climbing or scratching post for a cat, which can result in major damage around your home or even an emergency trip to the vet. Fortunately, a few simple adjustments can help keep both your cat and tree safe.

4 Tips for Protecting Your Christmas Tree From Your Cat

1. Wrap the Base

Cats often climb up trees from the bottom, so closing this route can make a big difference. Buy and fit a protective wire contraption around your tree stand to make it more difficult to climb. Alternatively, you can wrap the base with tin foil since cats don’t like the feeling of walking on it.

2. Place the Tree Away From Furniture

If a cat can’t climb up your tree from the bottom, they may try hopping over from a nearby couch arm or table. If space allows, place the tree away from furniture or any raised platforms so they can’t take this route. You might even opt for a thinner tree that fits in your space without bumping up against anything.

3. Limit Shiny Decorations

Cats tend to be attracted to tinsel or shiny ornaments. Some cats may even try to eat the tinsel, which is hard for them to digest. Instead, opt for beaded or paper garlands and keep shiny ornaments to a minimum.

4. Use Unappealing Scents

You can buy sprays that add a bitter scent around the base of the tree without filling up the whole room. Alternatively, you can drop orange peels around the tree or even make ornaments from dried oranges since cats don’t like their smell.

If you need a vet to keep your cat safe and healthy this holiday season, reach out to Waipio Pet Clinic in Waipahu, HI. The pet hospital employs a team of caring and knowledgeable veterinarians trained to care for both dogs and cats. With access to high-tech diagnostic and imaging tools, they offer both preventive and emergency care. Visit the website for a full list of services, or call (808) 676-2205 to make an appointment with a vet today.