Do you have a cat? If so, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle when you put up your holiday tree this year. Keeping Fluffy out of the tree isn’t always easy! Our feline friends have been climbing trees for thousands of years, and use them for shelter, safety, and vantage points in the wild. Your adorable pet may be quite thrilled to find a tree suddenly appearing in her domain, complete with dangling ornaments for her to play with! Here, a Bucks County, PA vet discusses kitties and Christmas trees.

Picking The Tree

If your four-legged buddy has a habit of trying to climb trees, you may want to get an artificial one. Fake trees are much harder for Fluffy to climb than real ones. You’ll also want to be sure to pick a tree with a sturdy base. If your tree is wobbly, it won’t be hard for your kitty to knock it over!

Location

Picking the right location for your tree is very important! A corner is a good option. Try not to put the tree beside a desk, chair, or sofa: these things make great launching pads for mischievous cats.

Choosing Decorations

Tree branches with things dangling from them may very well be irresistible to a playful furball. When you decorate your tree, place any breakable objects on the top half of the tree, away from Fluffy’s cute paws. Hang the more durable items on the lower branches.

Safety Concerns

Trees can actually be quite dangerous to kitties! Tinsel, ribbons, ornament hooks, glitter, and fragile ornaments can all endanger your feline friend. If you get a real tree, be sure to cover the tree’s water, so your pet can’t drink it. The water could contain harmful chemicals and residues that could make Fluffy quite sick. Ask your vet for more information.

Tips

Consider using fishing line to secure the top of the tree to the wall or ceiling. The fishing line won’t show, but it may help keep the tree standing. Also, make sure your furball has plenty of fun toys to play with. If Fluffy tires herself out chasing after a catnip mouse, she may be more interested in napping under the tree than climbing up it!

Do you have questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care? Contact us, your Bucks County, PA animal clinic, anytime!