10 Tips to Cat Proof Your Christmas Tree

• 1

  Choose a Safe Location

  

  The ideal position for your Christmas tree is a room where you can shut the door at night. If this isn't possible in your home, try to place the tree in a location with plenty of clear space around it, and away from any furniture (tables, bookcases etc.) that your cat could use to jump on your tree.

  Via Su walls
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• 2

  Create a Strong and Stable Base

  

  Kittens will climb to the top of a Christmas tree in mere seconds, and even if your cat isn't a tree climber there's a good chance he will use the trunk as a scratching post, rub against it, or bump it when pawing at the ornaments. Make sure that your tree has a firm, solid base that isn't going to topple. For extra stability, you may like to secure it to a wall or the ceiling with strong fishing line.

  Via mnn
• 3

  Cover the Base of the Tree

  

  If you have a real tree, it's important that you cover the base so that your cat can't drink the water. Sap from the tree and residual fertilizers, can make the water potentially toxic. You can also keep cats away from the base of the tree by using citrus sprays, other cat deterrent sprays or wrapping crinkled aluminum foil around the base – cats hate the sound.

  Via Wall convert
• 4

  Opt for Simple Decorations

  

  Sparkly store-bought ornaments with lots of glitter and movement are much more tempting for your cat than handmade felt and paper decorations. Tinsel, artificial snow and ribbons are potentially dangerous to your cat if they chew or swallow them and can cause intestinal blockages.

  Via Mak Via flickr
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• 5

  Say NO to Edible Decorations

  

  Chocolate is highly toxic for cats, and other sugary sweets aren't healthy either. Think twice before you add candy canes and chocolate treats to your tree.

  Via Rosey Home
• 6

  Hang Decorations High

  

  Place the majority of decorations on the top two-thirds of your Christmas tree. Delicate, breakable, dangerous or particularly enticing ornaments should be placed up high and the safer felt or paper decorations hung on the lower branches. Anything dangling from the lower branches and at your cat's eye level is going to be their first target.

  Via Wall paper stock.net
• 7

  Attach Ornaments Safely

  

  Avoid using string, ribbon or rubber bands to attach your ornaments to the tree, all of these are potentially hazardous to your cat if swallowed. Instead secure your ornaments with twist ties, the green ones will also blend in nicely with the green branches.

  Via Exclusively Cats
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• 8

  Beware With Christmas Lights & Electrical Wires

  

  No Christmas tree is complete without sparkling lights, but make sure that cords and wires are kept out of reach to prevent your cat chewing them. To prevent the risk of fatal electric shock, tape cords and wires together, or place them in plastic conduits away from your cat's teeth. You can also coat the wires with 'bitter apple' or 'citrus', scents which most cats detest. Always turn off the Christmas lights when the tree is unattended.

  Via Cat health
• 9

  Vacuum Underneath the Tree Frequently

  

  Whether you have a real or artificial tree both can be potentially dangerous to your cat. Depending on the tree species, evergreen pine needles can be toxic if chewed, and because they are so sharp they can pierce or puncture the skin of a curious cat. Artificial trees can also be harmful due to their synthetic materials. Regularly vacuuming or sweeping underneath your tree can minimise the chance of your cat digesting anything he shouldn't.

  Via Petrliu47
• 10

  Place Presents Under the Tree at the Last Minute

  

  Cats view presents with beautifully tied bows and ribbons as an invitation to open them early. Avoid teeth and claw marks on your gifts by waiting till Christmas Eve to put your presents on display.  

  Via Taildom

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