As the holiday season approaches, many pet owners face the challenge of keeping their cats away from Christmas trees. Shani, a cat behaviour specialist at Wild at Heart, has shared eight effective tips to help prevent feline mischief during this festive period. Her advice, delivered in a TikTok video, aims to assist cat owners struggling to maintain the integrity of their holiday decorations.
Cats are naturally curious and possess strong hunting instincts, which often lead them to treat Christmas trees as playgrounds. The shiny ornaments and the tree’s height can entice even the most well-behaved cats. Shani emphasizes that while owners may feel frustrated, cats are simply acting on their instincts.
Practical Strategies for Cat Owners
To combat this issue, Shani recommends several strategies. Firstly, she suggests investing in tall cat trees, ideally at least five feet tall. By providing a designated climbing space, owners can redirect their cats’ natural behaviours away from the Christmas tree. “Every time you see your cat use the cat tree, you need to reward and reinforce that behaviour,” she notes.
Positioning the cat tree near the Christmas tree can be beneficial, but care must be taken to ensure it is not too close for the cat to reach the ornaments. Additionally, securing the Christmas tree to prevent it from tipping over is crucial. For those using real trees, Shani advises covering the water reservoir with a guard to avoid any accidents.
Another innovative suggestion includes placing favourite ornaments at the top of the tree and adding bells to the lower branches. Shani explains that many cats are deterred by the sound of bells, which may help keep them at bay.
Additional Deterrents and Creative Solutions
Cats often seek refuge under the tree, so providing a comfortable bed or tunnel can satisfy their desire for closeness without compromising the decorations. If cats use the trunk as a scratching post, Shani recommends covering it with tin foil, as most cats dislike the texture. Some owners have even opted to cover the entire bottom of the tree with foil as a deterrent.
Other effective materials include pine cones, which can deter cats due to their uncomfortable surface. Shani also highlights various sprays and scents available in pet stores that can be applied to the tree to ward off cats.
Pet owners are reminded to secure any loose wires and cables to prevent accidents. Shani encourages patience, stating, “Realize they aren’t climbing the tree or messing with the tree to annoy you; they are just acting on instinct.”
Feedback from viewers on Shani’s TikTok video indicates mixed success with these methods. One commenter shared that using tin foil at the base of their tree was initially ineffective but eventually led to success, stating, “They haven’t touched it for a week and a half now.” Another user humorously remarked on the mystery of why cats dislike foil so much.
Despite the variety of techniques, some cats remain undeterred, with one owner commenting on their ongoing struggle despite providing alternative climbing options.
As the holiday season unfolds, Shani’s advice offers pet owners a chance to enjoy their festive decorations while ensuring their feline friends remain safe and engaged.
