Owning a cat and trying to figure out how to keep your cat out of the Christmas tree can be a daunting task. Whether it’s an artificial or real tree, cats have an instinctive curiosity that drives them to explore the decorations and play with the branches. However, it is possible to train your cat to respect and stay away from the Christmas tree.
Here are some effective tips to prevent them from ruining your holiday decorations:
A large number of decorations are attractive to cats and dogs, which can lead to destructive outcomes when they get into the Christmas tree decorations. In some cases, people hang upside-down artificial trees from their ceilings as part of their decorations. For those of you who are curious (I was), here is an example of how it looks. Are you willing to give it a go?
How to Keep Cats Away from Christmas Tree
1. Secure the Tree: The first step in preventing your cat from climbing the Christmas tree is to secure the tree. Use a sturdy base or mat to prevent the tree from toppling over. Additionally, attach the tree securely to the wall or floor to prevent it from being knocked over by your cat.
2. Create a Barrier: Another way to keep your cat out of the Christmas tree is by creating a barrier around it. Use a tall, secure fence or create a blockade using furniture or heavy objects. Ensure that the barrier is tall enough to deter your cat from jumping over it.
3. Use Essential Oils: Cats have a keen sense of smell, and certain essential oils can help deter away. Spray a mixture of citrus-scented oils such as lemon or orange around the tree, as cats tend to dislike these scents.
Fun Tip
Soak bows or ribbons in orange oil (You can find what Orange Oil is here!); you will need to tie them all over the inner and lower branches of the Christmas tree.
4. Provide Alternative Activities: Instead of focusing their attention on the Christmas tree, provide your cat with alternative activities. Offer interactive toys, catnip toys, or scratching posts to keep them engaged and entertained.
5. Place a Motion Sensor: Motion sensors can be a useful tool to deter your cat from approaching the Christmas tree. Place one at the base of the tree, and when it senses movement, it will emit a loud sound or emit a burst of air to scare your cat away.
Use a Cat-Friendly Tree
If your cat is a persistent climber, consider investing in a cat-friendly Christmas tree. These special trees are designed to appeal to cats, featuring durable branches, a feline-friendly scent, and ornaments that are designed for cats to play with.
How to Train Your Cat
Be patient and consistent when training your cat to stay away from the Christmas tree. Start by placing your cat on a leash and gradually lead them to the tree. When your cat shows interest in the tree, distract them and reward them with treats for staying away. Repeat this process multiple times to reinforce the behavior.
Kitty-Proofing Your Christmas Tree
When the ornaments are dangling, the lights are twinkling, and the presents are underneath the tree, there is nothing quite like the glow of a Christmas tree. That is, until one of your four-legged friends knocks it over, sending it flying.
The mess that follows can be a real hassle to clean up. To avoid such a hassle, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep your tree upright and out of the reach of kittens, kitties, and pets.
Here are some suggestions we compiled from readers to help keep their cats from climbing holiday trees.
Want to save your Christmas tree from the clutches of your feline friend?
Say no more! We’ve got purr-fect hacks to keep your tree standing tall and cat-free.
Psst, we’re letting you in on a top-secret kitty tip: Take some ribbons and douse them in orange oil (check it out here!). Then, tie them all over the inside and bottom branches of your Christmas tree. It’s like a magical forcefield, keeping your feline friend away from the tree’s tempting twigs!
- Set up your Christmas tree and leave it for a day or two until the cats realize that the tree you have decorated isn’t something they like.
- Tin foil is hated by cats. Put tin foil around the tree’s base if they get curious.
- Another suggestion was to keep a water bottle or squirt gun on hand and hiss whenever they approached it.
- Cats don’t like pepper. Sprinkle black or red flakes around or near the Christmas tree.
- Your tree base could be decorated with orange peels.
- To discourage your kitties from getting too close to your oranges, one reader suggested placing cloves inside the oranges and hanging them from your tree.
- Put a Toddler gate around your Christmas tree to keep the cats out of it.
Top Cat Hacks for Christmas Trees
Christmas trees are a staple of the holiday season but can be a hassle to set up and decorate. That’s why we’ve compiled some top cat hacks to make the process easier!
Firstly, if you have a curious cat who loves to climb, consider using a tree stand with a wide base to prevent tipping. You can also anchor the tree to the wall or ceiling for added stability. Another option is to place the tree in a room that your cat doesn’t have access to.
When decorating your tree, avoid using tinsel or garland, as these can be dangerous if ingested by your cat. Instead, opt for non-toxic decorations and secure them tightly to the branches to prevent them from falling off and becoming a choking hazard.
If your cat loves to play with ornaments, consider placing only unbreakable ornaments on the lower branches, and keep fragile ones higher up. You can also make DIY cat-friendly ornaments using materials like felt or yarn.
Finally, make sure your cat has access to plenty of toys and scratching posts to keep them occupied and deter them from climbing the tree. With these cat hacks, you and your furry friend can enjoy a safe and festive holiday season.
Purrfect Pointers to Avoid Christmas Tree Havoc with Your Feline Friend
Check out this genius idea for a ready-to-go wall tree! It’s a tapestry that twinkles with LED lights, transforming your space into a Christmas wonderland. No more wrestling with prickly, bulky trees!
And here’s a hot tip: switch to shatterproof ornaments. These eco-friendly baubles are coated with a harmless powder, making them kid, pet, and grandma-proof! They’re made of tough material, so no more sweeping up shattered glass.
If your furry friend loves to scale trees, opt for a slim model and anchor it to the wall.
Plus, throw up a toddler gate or sprinkle orange peels at the base to keep them away. And if all else fails, try spraying a diluted peppermint oil mist on the tree to deter curious paws.
Fun Tip!
This is the number one idea that has been successful in keeping many readers’ cats out of the Christmas tree in the past. It is the most effective way to do it. Spray peppermint oil on the tree (you may have to dilute it a bit). In my last search for peppermint oil, I found a high-rated one for less than $5 on Amazon. Should it change, please let me know, and I’ll update it right away. Thanks!😻
What Plants to Keep Away from Cats
If you are a cat owner, it is important to be aware of the plants that may be harmful to your furry friend. Cats are curious creatures and may nibble on plants, which can lead to health issues.
Some common plants that are toxic to cats include lilies, tulips, daffodils, and chrysanthemums. These plants can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and even kidney failure in severe cases. Other plants to keep away from cats include aloe vera, ivy, and poinsettias.
It’s always a good idea to do your research before bringing a new plant into your home and to keep any potentially harmful plants out of reach of your feline friend and other pets.
Flora Foes for your Furry Friends
You will want to keep these plants away from your feline friends. Enemies of your pet’s blooms!
- Pine Needles
- Amaryllis
- Holly
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettia
Also, ensuring holiday pet safety is very important for your kitten and kitty, cat and cat, or your cat and cats. Just like we have to instruct children, pets must be taught that there are dangers as well!
Santa’s List for Feline Friends:
Santa’s list just got a whole lot cooler, folks! What do we have here? Oh, just the purr-fect Christmas treats for our feline friends!
Hold on to your stockings, because Santa’s top pick is the Catnip Christmas Pudding – a treat stuffed to the brim with catnip, sure to make your kitty go wild with joy! And that’s not all!
We’ve got Catnip Santa Hats, complete with festive decor and catnip galore, and for the naughty cats, the Catnip Tree, loaded with toys and treats! Watch your cat’s face light up with glee as they chow down on these holiday treats! Wait, there’s more!
Stuff your kitty’s stocking with Friskies Party Mix Holiday Edition Original Crunch adult cat treats, and watch the party begin!
Made with real chicken as the number one ingredient, these treats come in fun shapes like Christmas trees, mittens, and stars! Flavors of liver and turkey will have your cat meowing for more!
These snacks also help keep their teeth clean, making them a yummy and guilt-free indulgence!
It’s time to turn up the holiday music and let your cat be the life of the party!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so you will want to ensure to Cat-Proof your Christmas tree. We hope these ideas help!
Grumpy Cat Gift Ideas
Grumpy cat has become an internet sensation, and for good reason. With that famous frown, grumpy cat has captured the hearts of millions around the world.
Whether you’re a cat lover or not, there’s something about that sour expression that draws you in. That’s why grumpy cat gifts have become so popular.
From t-shirts to mugs to plush toys, there’s no shortage of grumpy cat merchandise out there. And during the holiday season, what better way to spread some cheer than by giving the gift of grumpiness?
Cat moms and dads will appreciate the humor and personality that comes with a grumpy cat Christmas gift. So if you’re looking for a present that will make them smile (even if it’s a grumpy one), look no further than the world of grumpy cat gifts.
Wrapping Up
With this article, we have answered many of your questions, such as “Do orange peels keep cats away from Christmas trees”, in order to help you prevent your tree from becoming a cat tree bed. Also, to give you some of the best tips on how to keep your cat out of your Christmas tree.
Reread the article if you still have a Christmas tree jellycat since many readers found it to be a very valuable source of information.
By following these tips, you can successfully keep your cat out of the Christmas tree, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful holiday season without worrying about your cat destroying your decorations. Remember, patience and consistency are key when it comes to training your cat, so be persistent and not get discouraged if it takes time for them to learn the new behavior. Happy holidays!
Ha ha ha…a baby gate will not work…at least not with our cat. We had a skinny tree, and a 48″ dog kennel wrapped around the tree last year, and the little stinker just used the wires on the kennel as a way to swat the ornaments off. He’s a brat. I am going to try the orange oil idea. Lets hope for the best.
Oh no, LOL. I hope the orange oil works well for you! Fingers crossed. 🙂
we have 3 cats. hopefully these will help lol
Thanks for the great tips. I love the picture!
Good ideas!
My cat is guilty of this. Lol.
Oh my Lord, our cat is a menace.
Too funny lol
Great tips. My cat likes to do this.
Thank you! I am glad this was helpful. Happy Holidays!