As the festive season approaches, pet owners are increasingly concerned about their cats’ fascination with Christmas trees. Shani, a cat behavioural specialist from Wild at Heart, has shared eight effective strategies to help prevent cats from damaging this seasonal centerpiece.
Christmas trees can be particularly enticing for feline companions. The elevated branches provide a perfect vantage point, while the shiny decorations mimic prey, inviting cats to explore and, in many cases, wreak havoc. In a recent TikTok video, Shani provided practical advice for pet owners looking to safeguard their trees during this festive time.
Understanding Feline Behaviour
Shani explained that cats naturally possess an instinctual desire to climb, often leading them to treat Christmas trees as their personal playground. “Cats see their world vertically, so if they see a tree, they want to climb it,” she noted. Instead of chastising cats for their behaviour, Shani encourages owners to redirect this instinct to more suitable climbing structures.
To facilitate this, she recommends investing in tall cat trees, ideally at least five feet high. Owners should also reward their cats whenever they use these designated climbing areas, reinforcing the desired behaviour.
Practical Tips for Tree Protection
In her video, Shani outlined several additional methods to protect Christmas trees. Positioning the cat tree near the Christmas tree can be beneficial, but she advises ensuring it is not close enough for cats to reach the ornaments. Securing the tree firmly to prevent it from toppling over is crucial, particularly for real trees, where the water reservoir should be covered.
Shani suggests placing favourite ornaments at the top of the tree and even using bells on lower branches to deter cats, as many felines dislike the sound. Some cats simply enjoy being underneath the tree; owners can accommodate this by providing a comfortable bed or a tunnel for them to explore.
If cats start using the tree trunk as a scratching post, Shani recommends wrapping it in tin foil, which most cats find unappealing. In some cases, covering the base of the tree with tinfoil has proven effective, as one user commented on social media, “I put tinfoil all over the bottom, and it didn’t work at first, but they haven’t touched it for a week and a half now.”
For those looking for alternatives, Shani mentions using pine cones around the base of the tree, as cats generally dislike the sensation of walking on them. Additionally, there are various sprays and scents available that can deter cats from approaching the tree.
Owners should also ensure that any wires or cables are covered to prevent accidents. Shani reminds pet owners to be patient and understanding, stating, “Realise they aren’t climbing the tree or messing with it to annoy you; they are just following their instinctual behaviours.”
While some pet owners find success with these techniques, others continue to face challenges. One individual shared, “We have a tunnel under the tree, a cat tree six feet away, but she still climbs on the tree guard and plays with tinfoil. We’re struggling.”
As families prepare to celebrate the holidays, following these expert tips can help keep both cats and Christmas trees safe during this festive season.
