If you have a cat and are also active in any online social media platform, you have undoubtedly seen an abundance of photos with Christmas trees designed for cat lovers. You know what I am talking about: upside down trees, trees secured in crates or cages, and trees with no limbs on the lower half.
We all know that a Christmas tree or any other holiday decorations, for that matter, are just an invitation to a winter wonderland playground for your cat. Whee! Lots of fun! While I am all about cats having fun, I am also on board the safety train. So, bearing that in mind, how can we cat-proof our holiday decorating plans?
According to animalbehaviorcollege.com, there are a few handy dandy tips you can rely on to ensure you have the holiday décor you desire while your cat can safely enjoy the fruits of your decorating labors.
The Christmas Tree
Oh, boy! This is truly a captivating sight for cats. It can also be dangerous. If you prefer a real tree, take note that the pine needles can injure your cat’s mouth if he decides to chew on them. The sap from the tree is also a harmful irritant. Plus, these trees are often treated with a chemical preservative, so be aware. Then there is the tree stand. This can be bad for your cat. Be sure to cover the top of the opening with plastic wrap or foil and then cover that with a tree skirt. And if you have a flocked tree, bear in mind the chemicals used to create that fake snow are highly toxic to cats.
Ornaments, Garland and Other Decorations
Like toddlers, you should never leave a cat alone in a room full of so many temptations. If you have garland or ornaments on a mantle, for example, take your cat with you when you leave the room and shut the door. If you have an open floor plan, just minimize the potential dangers to your cat.
Candles
Candles and cats do not go together. So, simple truth: don’t leave candles unattended when lit and be sure to place them where your cat cannot reach them. (I know – easier said than done!) Also, be sure to extinguish any candles when cats are present.
Mistletoe
This holiday décor staple, along with mistletoe, can make your cat quite ill should he consume them. Plants grown from bulbs – such as lilies, tulips and amaryllis – are also quite toxic to cats. While munching on a poinsettia won’t necessarily take your cat to the grave, it can make him sick. Aim for realistic silk flowers or non-toxic ones, like orchids, roses and African violets. Granted, your cat shouldn’t even grab a taste of these, but if he does, he will most likely encounter a belly ache.
Presents
As fun as it is to decorate gifts with bows and fancy decorations, a cat can get into these and swallow any pieces. Translation? Not good!
So, how to deal with your cat’s persistent curiosity this holiday season?
You are going to be busy decorating, baking, wrapping and more. Your other job is to provide safe distractions for your cat. Offer a treat on occasion. Provide a new catnip toy. Replace old scratching posts. This will make your cat feel as if he is still a part of the festivities.
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
