Christmas time is just around the corner! As we’re sure you’ll be excited in the lead-up and will be starting to decorate your home, there is a furry member of your family that you need to think of first, and we’re not just talking about their presents!
Christmas trees and cats aren’t always a fantastic mix, so it’s important to give some thought before you put one up in your home. In this blog, we cover all you need to know about cats and Christmas trees, answering many popular questions about how to put one up in your home while keeping your cat safe.
Are Christmas trees dangerous for cats?
Christmas trees can be put up in your home if you are a cat owner, as they aren’t especially dangerous for cats. However, there are some considerations that you should bear in mind first.
Firstly, you should ensure that the base of your Christmas tree is sturdy and secure. This way, if your cat does decide to have a go at climbing it, it will be much less likely to topple over.
We also recommend keeping any ornaments hung on your tree higher up rather than lower down. Any low-dangling decorations may be tempting for your cat to play with and could potentially smash and hurt them. For this reason, you should avoid glass decorations and opt for shatter-proof ornaments and decorations instead, as they're safer for cats if they do get knocked off the Christmas tree
Similarly, your cat may try to eat any tinsel or angel hair that is hung lower down, which can cause blockages if ingested. They may also try to chew on wired lights, which can cause burns or electrocution. So, hanging any decorations high is the best way forward.
While Christmas trees aren’t seriously dangerous to cats, there is the risk that your cat could ingest the tree’s needles, as discussed below.
Are Christmas trees toxic to cats?
Christmas trees can be mildly toxic to cats. Some varieties produce oils that can irritate cats' mouths and stomachs if ingested, such as fir and pine trees. In addition, your cat may be tempted to drink the water at the tree’s base, which can be harmful as it may contain fertilisers, pesticides, or bacteria. This will mean you will need to cover the tree stand to prevent them from doing so.
As a result, we recommend choosing an artificial Christmas tree instead of a real one for cat owners, as this tends to be a safer option.
If you do choose a real Christmas tree, we would recommend choosing a non-drop variety, which are types that don’t drop needles as much as others. This way, your cat will be much less likely to try to eat the needles. Although the safest option is to use an artificial tree.
How to stop a cat from climbing a Christmas tree
Many cats consider themselves quite the adventurers, so Christmas trees can be troublesome with cats’ desire to climb up them. We’re certain you’ll agree that a star or an angel, rather than your cat, is the only thing that needs to be high up on your tree, to prevent any harm to your cat or damage to your home.
There are several ways to deter cats from staying away from your Christmas tree. One option is to place tin foil near the base of the tree, as they neither like the feel nor the sound of stepping onto it.
As you’ll know, cats have a very powerful sense of smell, so using this can also help. To keep within the festive spirit, you can leave seasonal clementines at the base of the tree, or similarly use orange peels or citronella to produce a scent that your cat won’t be fond of. Alternatively, a cat deterrent spray will also work in a similar fashion.
A great method that will keep your cat from fixating on your tree is to provide them with plenty of toys and items to keep them distracted. By providing them with a good number of toys, scratching posts or pads, playing with them, and giving them lots of attention and praise while not playing with your tree, they’ll be much less likely to feel the need to explore it.
Products to look after your cat at Closer Pets
Cats and Christmas trees can exist together in your home if you’re a cat owner, but you’ll just have to take some extra steps to make sure that they’re safe for your cat to be around.
If you’d like to treat your cat to some cat products that they’ll love this Christmas, we have many innovative choices at Closer Pets to improve both your and their lives. This includes our automatic cat feeders and cat water fountains to easily keep them well fed and hydrated, as well as our cat flaps to let them roam outdoors as they please.
Have any questions about our cat products and how they can help around your home? Get in touch with our team today, and we’ll be more than happy to give you a helping paw!