How to Train Cats Not to Attack a Christmas Tree
Sparkling lights, dangling ornaments and glittery garlands on a Christmas tree all beckon frisky felines to commit mischief. Some cats enjoy removing ornaments as soon as you hang them but others wait until you finish decorating the entire tree to attack. Whether your tree is real or artificial, you can take action to discourage your cat's misbehavior. Try different types of deterrents until you find one that works with your felonious feline; not all cats are deterred by the same things.
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Things You'll Need
- Citrus-scented air freshener
- Bits of orange or lemon peel
- String
- Tree skirt
- Bitter orange spray
- Lemon juice
- Bitter apple spray
- Non-breakable ornaments
- Ribbon or twist tie
- Fresh or dried rosemary or oregano
- Pine-scented air freshener
- Plastic sheet or carpet mat
- Tree stand
- Nails
- Hammer
- Plywood
Instructions
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Sit a citrus-scented air freshener under or near your Christmas tree. Hang bits of orange or lemon peel on strings and tuck them discretely within the tree or on its lower branches to keep the cat away. If you are using a tree skirt, hide the bits of peel under it. Spray the tree with bitter orange or mist it with lemon juice to prevent your cat from chewing on the branches. Bitter apple spray also works to deter cats.
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Discourage poor behavior by making your tree less inviting to your kitty. Don't use glass or other shiny, breakable ornaments; instead, use non-breakable ornaments with a dull sheen. Tie ornaments snugly and close to the tree's branches with a ribbon or twist tie instead of allowing them to dangle freely from ornament hooks. Avoid using garland and strands of lights that draw the cat's attention.
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Add a fresh aroma to your home while subsequently keeping your cat from attacking the tree by using fresh or dried herbs. Hang small bunches or miniature decorative wreaths made of rosemary or oregano on the tree. Rub dried herbs onto your tree skirt and shake off any excess. Many cats do not like the smell of such potent herbs and will avoid the tree. Placing pine-scented air fresheners near or in the tree is another option.
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Spread a plastic sheet or carpet mat with protruding rubber nubs under the tree. The rough surface of the mat is uncomfortable for cats to walk on.
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Affix your Christmas tree firmly in place using a sturdy base. Use a heavy tree stand or nail your lightweight tree stand to a section of plywood to provide extra stability in case your cat launches an airborne attack. Keep furniture far enough from the tree so your cat can't leap from it onto the tree.
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Tips & Warnings
Never use a spray bottle to keep your cat from attacking the Christmas tree. The cat will associate the punishment with you, not the tree, and will simply avoid the tree only when you are present.
Some cats will eat items, like aluminum foil, that harm them. Do not use any item as a deterrent that your cat will eat.
References
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
