Keeping Fluffy Out Of Your Tree

The holiday season is upon us! Of course, at this time of year, our feline friends’ frisky sides really come out. Fluffy has definitely taken out her share of Christmas trees! A local Roswell, NM vet offers some advice on keeping your furry pal out of the tree in this article.

Decorate Carefully

Your kitty probably won’t be able to resist a shiny ornament dangling in front of her face. Keep this in mind when decorating. Put the majority of the ornaments on the top two-thirds of the tree. Put just a few things on the bottom. These should be unbreakable, and safe for Fluffy to play with. It’s also worth noting that anything small or sharp is a potential hazard. That includes things like pine needles, ornament hooks, tinsel threads, and small manger pieces. Ribbons and cords are also unsafe.

Go Artificial

Do you know or suspect that your cat is going to try and climb the tree? Use an artificial one instead. They’re harder for Fluffy to scale, and may also save you money in the long run.

Training

We know, kitties usually train their humans, rather than it being the other way around. Perhaps the better description here would be changing Fluffy’s opinion. If you clap your hands or squirt your feline buddy with water when she approaches the tree, she may be startled and annoyed enough to become wary of it.

Bribery

If all else fails, try distracting your furball with some new toys and fun play sessions. If Fluffy wears herself out playing with a new catnip mouse, she may be more interested in curling up under the tree than in trying to scale it.  

Location

Picking the right spot is also important. Try to put the tree in a corner, in a spot that offers your furball limited access to it. Try not to put it next to a desk, couch, or anything else that would make a convenient kitty launchpad for your feline pal.

Support

This one is more geared at keeping your tree standing than keeping your playful pet out of it. Secure the top of the tree to the wall or ceiling with fishing line. This won’t show, but will provide added support. Also, make sure that the tree has a sturdy base.

Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your local Roswell, NM pet clinic, anytime!