The New Year is ahead, and along with the festive mood, the main attribute of the celebration comes to the house – the Christmas tree. But where toys sparkle and smell of pine needles, a tailed prankster is sure to appear. A Christmas tree and a pet are not always a safe combination. And if we are talking about a clawed furry, it is better to think in advance how to protect the New Year's beauty from cat attacks, and your pet from dangerous adventures. Here are some tips to help you do this as efficiently as possible.
Citrus Defense
A cat's curiosity is an irresistible force. But there is something that can throw even the most courageous tailed explorer off course: the smell of citrus fruits. A little “New Year’s magic” – water, a couple of drops of lemon, orange or lavender essential oil, a diffuser – and you are already an experienced holiday defense strategist. It is enough to lightly treat the needles, stand and toys – voila: the pet will not even think about approaching the source of such a “terrible” aroma for him. True, even among cats there are some brave souls. If yours is not the shy type, you will have to use other tricks.
How to choose the “right” Christmas tree for the “wrong” cat
Experienced owners admit: an artificial Christmas tree is much less problematic for a home with a cat. It does not crumble, does not prick, and swallowing its needles is much more difficult. And the structure itself is lighter, which means that when the striped acrobat inevitably tries to test the strength of the tree, the consequences will be much milder. Especially if you choose a low model: a small tree is more stable and much less likely to provoke “feats” in the style of “jump, catch, win.”
A holiday without incident: how to protect the Christmas tree from the furry prankster. Photo: Website pxhere.com (18+)
We fasten, fix, hide
The Christmas tree, standing simply on the floor, is an invitation written with shining toys: “Get in!” To prevent it from working:
- put the tree in the corner – fewer approaches to attack,
- strengthen the base: a wide stand or a bucket of stones,
- do not place cabinets and shelves next to each other – otherwise the cat will ambush you,
- At night, close the room with the Christmas tree and let him sleep alone.
And the most prudent ones attach the top to the ceiling. In case the cat's plan B turns out to be very inventive.
A holiday without incident: how to protect the Christmas tree from the furry prankster. Photo: Website pxhere.com (18+)
What if you did get in?
Of course, you can try to explain in cat language that a Christmas tree is not a tree for hunting. But usually educational artillery is used: a spray bottle of water and sharp clapping of hands. Consistency is the main key to victory. However, sometimes even that doesn’t help.
If one day you enter a room and see: the Christmas tree is lying on its side, toys are all over the apartment, and a cat is sitting in the middle of this triumph of the winner – accept it. He won the battle. Let him celebrate.
Play with your furry prankster more often, distract him with your favorite toys – and then the Christmas tree will become just a backdrop for family happiness. And the holiday is the one everyone has been waiting for. Even the mustachioed ones.
