Are you putting a tree up this year? If so, you may want to keep your kitty in mind. Attacking trees is one of Fluffy’s favorite holiday traditions! In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair animal clinic, a local vet offers tips on keeping your frisky feline out of the tree.

Secure The Tree

Choose a tree with a sturdy base. You may want to secure the top of the tree to the wall or ceiling with fishing line.

Choose The Right Spot

Location is also important. Try not to put the tree too close to a desk, sofa, or anything else Fluffy can use as a kitty launchpad.

Decorate Carefully

We recommend putting the majority of your ornaments on the top part of the tree. This will (hopefully) make the tree less inviting to your kitty. It’s also important for safety reasons: tinsel, ribbons, lights, fragile ornaments, and ornament hooks are all dangerous to our furry pals. All you want on the lower branches are a few things that won’t break if Fluffy knocks them down.

Go Artificial

Artificial trees aren’t easy for cats to climb, so they may be a better choice for people with frisky furballs. Plus, you’ll save money in the long run, as you’ll be able to reuse it.

Make it Unappealing

There are some things you can do to make the tree less attractive to your playful pet. A puppy gate may work, though of course that may not do much for the overall aesthetic. You can also try taste deterrents.

Training

When Fluffy gets too near the tree, do something to startle her. Make a loud noise, stomp your food, or clap your hands. This will annoy and/or startle your feline buddy, which may just do the trick.

Bribe The Furball

As the saying says, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Give your kitty some of her gifts early, and play with her every day. The point is to tire Fluffy out a bit. Hopefully, after a fun session of Catch The Red Dot, she’ll be more interested in napping under the tree than trying to climb it. After all, no holiday scene is complete without a purring cat! Happy Holidays! Please contact us here at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair animal clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!