Happy Holidays! We’re seeing more and more decorations popping up every day. At this time of year, many of our feline patients have their mischief levels cranked up to 11. That’s definitely something for you to keep in mind if you are putting a tree up. A local Sherman Oaks, CA vet offers some tips on keeping Fluffy out of your tree in this article.
Decorate Carefully
Keep Fluffy in mind as you decorate. Your kitty will be most tempted by the things she can easily reach. Put the most tempting objects on the top part of the tree. That includes lights, tinsel, ribbons, and fragile, sharp, or shiny ornaments. The only things you want within paws’ reach should be sturdy, safe decorations.
Block Access
Another thing that may help is blocking Fluffy’s access to the tree. Some people have tried putting a ring of vacuum cleaners around it, or even hanging their trees upside down from the ceiling. However, you don’t have to go that far. A puppy gate may work just fine.
Bribe The Furball
Trying to tell Fluffy to stay out of the tree probably won’t work very well. However, you may fare better with bribery. Give your feline friend some fun toys, and take time to play with her daily. If your furry little friend doesn’t have a cat tower, this is a purrfect time to get her one!
Go Artificial
Fluffy won’t be able to climb a wire tree as easily as she could a real one. Plust, fake trees are safer. Real tree needles can be dangerous to kitties. They not only pose choking hazards, they can also cause serious intestinal blockages if swallowed. Plus, the water can also contain toxins from fire retardants, fertilizers, and other chemicals.
Try A Taste Deterrent
This one may not work for all cats. However, if Fluffy gets a whiff of a scent she doesn’t like, she may decide the tree isn’t all that enticing after all.
Playtime
We always recommend playing with kitties daily. This isn’t just great exercise for them, it also benefits them mentally, by making them really concentrate on things. If you can, tire Fluffy out with a fun play session beforehand. That way, she’ll hopefully be more interested in taking a nap than in taking the tree down.
Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your Tarzana, CA pet hospital, anytime!
