Christmas is here, bringing all the things we love: gifts, family, friends, lights, decorations... and, of course, a beautiful tree that your cat sees as the ultimate toy to topple! Keeping it upright might seem nearly impossible, right? Don’t worry—at Ownat, we’ve got a few tricks to prevent your feline from becoming the ultimate "Grinch." From choosing a sturdy base to keeping your cat occupied with their favorite toys, this article will help you maintain holiday harmony and enjoy a season without any mishaps. Click to find out more!
Ensure a sturdy, heavy base for your tree
One of the main (and perhaps silliest) reasons cats knock over Christmas trees is unstable bases. Ideally, choose a solid, heavy base that can support the tree's weight and withstand your cat’s leaps. If necessary, add extra weights or secure it to the wall. This will make it much harder for your cat to bring it down—even if they decide to climb it.
Place the tree in a safe spot
Avoid setting up the tree near high areas your cat might jump from (you know how they love leaping from shelves!). If you can, place the tree in a corner of the room; this will make it harder for your cat to access. You could also add decorative barriers around the tree for an extra layer of protection—many stores sell them in various designs.
Control the decorations!
Try to choose decorations that aren’t too sparkly or tempting for your feline friend. How? Avoid shiny, dangling ornaments or those with moving parts (as these are their favorites!). Opt for safer materials like wood or fabric, and hang them higher up on the branches, leaving the lower parts more bare to avoid temptation.
Skip the shiny tinsel and garlands
Bright ribbons and garlands are irresistible to many cats. If you can’t skip them entirely, place them higher up and out of your cat’s reach. You could also try less attractive materials like jute or matte fabric that don’t catch the eye as much and won’t become a target.
Offer alternatives
Keeping your cat entertained will reduce their urge to go after the tree. Make sure they have plenty of interesting toys and spend time playing with them to help them channel their energy. Other great options include placing a new scratching post near the tree to redirect their attention, or spraying their toys with catnip to make them even more appealing.
With these simple but effective tips, keeping your Christmas tree upright will be much easier. Ready for the holidays? :)
