The Feline Invasion: Protecting Your 8-Foot Artificial Christmas Tree from Your Cat’s Sharp Claws
Let’s face it, if you have a cat and they are inside your house, they are going to be enamored with your 8 foot artificial Christmas trees. So enamored, do not be surprised if they don’t think that your 8 foot artificial Christmas trees are really a new toy for them to play with! And you will find that it can be a challenge to get your cat to leave your 8 foot artificial Christmas trees alone. While it may be funny to watch them bat at this or that, or even hide in between branches — once something is knocked off and ruined, the humor usually fades.
That is why cat owners everywhere may want to take into consideration some of these tips that cat owners throughout the world are using to keep their feline friends out of their 8 foot artificial Christmas trees this Christmas season!
1. Add the smell of citrus to the tree.
Cats hate the smell of citrus. So many people are adding in citrus drops to their tree skirt, or even hanging citrus smells throughout the tree.
2. Do not place your 8 foot artificial Christmas trees near the furniture.
If the cat can find a way to get near it, such as sitting on the couch and jumping, they are going to do it. By avoiding putting the tree near the furniture, you will find that it takes a small bit of the temptation away.
3. Try to avoid placing your ornaments near the bottom of the tree where they hang off the bottom branches. Once again, this is just asking for the cat to play with!
4. Put some tin foil around the base of the tree. If your tree is decorated in silver, then you can probably craft this to make it look great. If not, then you may find it will work to keep the cats away if it is under the tree skirt. Often the sound of walking on the tin foil is what makes the cats turn away.
5. Remember to correct the cat if he or she starts to get onto the tree. Cats are very smart creatures thus, they can learn that this is not something to do. It takes a lot of repetition and being firm with the cat to make it stick though.
6. Ensure that your cat has something else to play with while the tree is up. If they have something else to occupy their time, they may leave your tree alone because they are excited about a new toy or something along those lines.
Remember, you love your cat. And yes, while he or she gets into the tree for the tenth time that day, you may be questioning whether you truly love your cat. However, most people will agree that their furry friends are a part of the family, thus they just need to find ways to deter the behavior. And remember, your vet may have even more ways that you can deter them!