Happy Holidays! Over the next few weeks, many of you will be busy with shopping, decorating, and preparing for seasonal events and festivities. Of course, our feline buddies have a few things on their agenda as well. At the top of that list? Conquering that pretty tree! A local Urbana, IL vet offers some tips on keeping Fluffy out of your holiday tree below.
Decorate Carefully
Keep your mischievous little furball in mind as you decorate. Fluffy won’t be able to resist batting at anything that is dangling within paws’ reach. Make sure to only put a few ornaments on the lower branches of the tree. These should be things that won’t break if your kitty knocks them down. Put the majority of your decorations, including the tinsel, lights, ribbons, and anything small or sharp, on the top part.
Block Kitty’s Access
Choosing the right spot for your tree can also help. Try not to put the tree next to anything your furry buddy can easily use as a jumping-off point, such as a sofa or desk. You can also use a puppy gate to keep Fluffy away.
Add Extra Support
If you have a super frisky cat, you may want to add some extra support. One option is to secure the top of the tree to the wall or ceiling with fishing line. It won’t show, but may keep the tree standing. It’s also important to get a sturdy base, one that won’t wobble.
Bribe The Furball
Telling Fluffy to stay out of the tree probably won’t get you very far. However, giving her some new toys and taking time to play with her may do the trick. For one thing, if you tire your feline friend out with a fun round of Catch The Red Dot, she may be more interested in napping under the tree than in trying to climb it. If you have a cat tower, now is the time to make it extra-enticing. Sprinkle catnip around it, and maybe move it or turn it to make it seem new again.
Go Artificial
Artificial trees can be a safer bet, just as they are hard for kitties to actually climb. You’ll also save money down the road, as you can reuse it!
Happy Holidays from Good Friends Animal Hospital, your Urbana, IL pet clinic. Call us anytime!
