The holidays are coming up quick. Many of us are already planning our favorite seasonal events and traditions. Of course, our feline patients have a few seasonal rituals of their own … such as toppling Christmas trees. Here, a local Champions Forest, TX vet offers some advice on (hopefully) keeping Fluffy out of the tree.

Decorate Carefully

When decorating, keep the majority of the decorations on the top two-thirds of the tree. Just put a few things on the bottom. These should be things that are safe for Fluffy, and won’t break if she does knock them down.

Distract Her

Does your kitty have a cat tower? Make it seem fun and new by putting some fun playthings around it, and sprinkling catnip on and around it. You may also want to give Fluffy a few of her gifts early.

Block It Off

The easier the tree is for your furry pal to access, the higher the chances are that she’ll end up on—or in—it. Choose a spot that doesn’t offer an easy launchpad. Corners are good. Avoid putting the tree near things like desks, sofas, or armchairs if you can. You may also want to consider blocking the tree off with a puppy gate.

Training

You should never punish your furball for attacking the tree. Fluffy really can’t help it: after all, to her, the tree looks like a giant tower decorated in toys! However, you can make her think twice. When your feline pal approaches the tree, do something that will startle her. You can clap your hands, squirt her with water, or sound an alarm tone on your phone.

Go Artificial

Fluffy may very well be able to scale a real tree, but she won’t have much luck with an artificial one. You’ll also save money—and resources—in the long run.

Playtime

Kitties are very playful, which is one reason they’re so much fun to have around. Use Fluffy’s natural zoominess against her. Take a few minutes a day to play with your feline buddy. Hold a laser pointer or wand toy for her, and let her wear herself out chasing that. She’ll probably just fall asleep after. (Don’t be surprised if she naps under the tree: after all, cats are precious gifts.) Happy Holidays from all of us here at your Champions Forest, TX animal clinic. We’re here to help!