Christmas trees and cats don’t mix
Dear Fisher,
I have had many wonderful times rummaging through wrapping paper, ribbons, and the Christmas tree in past years. I’m quite a mature cat, so my humans know I am not going to chew on things I shouldn’t and wouldn’t swallow things that could make me choke. This year I am a little worried because we are expecting a new kitten in our house on Christmas Eve and I am hearing rumblings about changes and new rules. I’m beginning to think my Christmas isn’t going to be very much fun. What do you think?
Izzy
Dear Izzy,
First of all I cannot think what could be more fun than a new kitten coming to live with you. You need to think this through. Just imagine how your maturity and the innocence of your new housemate can make you a star. You have years of stories to tell of how you frolicked through the gifts under the tree and the bauble rearranging you likely managed from atop the tree. You will be idolized. New Kitty will hang on your every meow and yearn for the day when the rules relax and he, too, can enjoy such merriment.
You have given me a very good insight into your humans, too. Think about your own young life back in the day. I am sure you can remember your people taking precautions to keep you out of harms way. Cat plus curiosity plus Christmas tree can turn disastrous if a few rules are not put into place. They placed a great deal of trust in you, and I must add here that not all “mature cats” would be worthy. A Christmas tree without tinsel is still a Christmas tree. Decorations should be kept at a minimum. It is best not to have a lot of dangling ornaments to entice the new little kitten. Of course, the most cat-proof thing to do is set the tree up in the yard, keeping it there for the duration of the holiday. While that would be a nice way to share your holiday spirit with the neighbor people, it might not be very safe for the neighbor cats.
Several ideas your humans can use to dissuade improper behavior are:
- Secure the tree with a strong stable base, or attach clear fishing line to the top of the tree and then to a ceiling hook. No need to re-invent the theory of what goes up must come down.
- Most cats do not like the smell of citrus, so place lemon or orange rinds around the bottom of the tree to stop the climbing urge. For best results, replace the rinds often.
- Sprays, such as Bitter Yuck, can keep critters from chewing on the branches. Humans will know immediately what little kitty was up to when they hear the exclamations, “bitter!” and “yuck!”
- Choose ornaments that are not easily confused with kitty toys. Kittens are not likely to bite into a china candy cane. Or, you might find out that new little kitty is not the brightest bulb on the tree and re-think keeping the tree in the yard.
Visit Cat Lovers Only for more information. Most safety rules apply the the Dog as well – just do not tell the dog you found the information on a cat site.
Be safe, be good, and have a happy holiday.
Your friend,
Fisher
published in tbt Tampa Bay
Out There weekend edition
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