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, and careful not to chew on things I shouldn’t and wouldn’t swallow things that could make me choke. This year I’m a little worried because we are expecting a new kitten on Christmas Eve and I’m 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?

Tiger

Dear Tiger,

Remain positive about a new kitten coming to live with you. Your maturity can make you a star. You have years of stories to tell of past holidays. You will be idolized. New Kitty will hang on your every meow.

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. The most cat-proof thing to do is set the tree up in the yard – for the duration of the holiday. While that would be a nice way to share your holiday spirit with the neighbors, it might not be very safe for the neighbor cats.

Several ideas your humans can use to dissuade improper behavior are:

1. 1. 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.
2. 2. 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.
3. 3. 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!”
4. 4. Choose ornaments that are not easily confused with kitty toys. Kittens are not likely to bite into a ceramic 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

10. I don’t wanna socialize with relatives
9. Something at the bottom looks like snow
8. Hiding out after opening gifts pre-Christmas
7. Making a list of who’s naughty and nice
6. Whatever happens, it won’t be my fault
5. Getting to hear all the new gossip down below
4. Hunkered down to get a peak at Santa
3. Recovering from the sugar cookie I swiped
2. Great-aunt Gertrude brought the damn dog again
1. Help! I got up and I can’t get down

Wart: Hey Fisher! You awake?

Fisher: I am now.

Wart: I hear all sorts of rumblings in the closet.

Fisher: She decided to get out the Christmas decorations.

Wart: Oh. For a tree? Do we get a tree this year? Can we play in the tree? Can we bat the ornaments around the living room?

Fisher: I think we might get a tree and No and No. Go back to sleep.

Holidays are a lot of fun for curious cats and dependable dogs. Safety becomes a big issue, though, if pets are not kept from climbing the Christmas tree or chewing on the tree light cord. One of the most important rules is to make sure your beautiful tree is secure. Be very sure it will not come tumbling down, destroying all your heirloom decorations and possibly smashing into the bird’s cage.

Some technical tips on how to have a kitty proof stable Christmas Tree, written by Mary Anne Miller & Anne Moss for the Cat Site.

And if you really want a delightful experience, take a peek at Decorating the tree 101 to see some Christmas critters at work.