Christmas trees

Well I know we have a couple of months left to go before Christmas, but the thought of it approaching made me think of Christmas trees. We have always been limited as to the size of the tree and the location of decorations, either because of toddlers or cats. Well, finally our kids have grown up enough not to pull down the Christmas tree.

But, the past two Christmases our cats pulled the tree down within 24-48 hours of putting it up. This past year, we had an idea. Just before we put the tree up, we went out and bought the cat's their Christmas. We went to Fred's and bought a 3 layer kitty condo for 60 bucks. They absolutely loved it. They completely left the tree alone.

I'm not sure what we will do about this Christmas as the new has worn of their present from last year and we have a new cat, as well. As fast as she moves I'm not sure a Christmas tree will last an hour with her, much less a whole day.

With dogs all we have to worry about is the lifting of the legs, not sure I want to deal with the taking of a Christmas tree down.

Have you continued a squirt bottle of water to advise them it isn't what is right ?? Just a thought.

Topdog wrote:

With dogs all we have to worry about is the lifting of the legs,

Ha...ha..thanks for the image.

Topdog wrote:

not sure I want to deal with the taking of a Christmas tree down. Have you continued a squirt bottle of water to advise them it isn't what is right ?? Just a thought.

That is a good idea, it helped a lot when they were jumping on the table and counters. But, with a Christmas tree I might have to borrow a guard dog for bedtime.

We have been putting up a Nativity set instead of a Christmas tree. Our cats still had to sniff and investigate it, but they did not mess with it much. I know that a Christmas tree is irresistibly attractive for cats... If we decide to put one up, I'll have to think of how to make it out of their reach. Probably getting a small one and putting it up on a desk might work.

Never had cats to worry about with this where it was a problem. We did have a beautiful shepherd-collie who had a tail that loved to smack the tree down, though. No way of avoiding that one! You could try one of those spray things that came out this year. Put it so that it will spray the cat if they come close.

I used the water bottle method to keep the cats away from the tree. Our cat just tends to lay underneath it for some reason, buyt we do have to be careful she does not pull it down.

Same here--- I can't wait until we put ours up with 2 new kittens! Last year we had to tie it up... It was crazy! We tied it around the middle of the tree (on the inside branches) and then put a nail in the wall and tied the tie to it. Never came down after we tied it.

If you can do this- I would recommend it. You could not see the tie unless you knew where to look!

I don't know if we are even going to have a tree this year because of the cats. One year they climbed up the tree and knocked it over.

None of my cats have ever bother my trees except to swat at the tinsle that hangs down from the lower branches. it amuses the cats and the tree doesn't care. lol

The only problem we have with our dog is that she likes to eat the popcorn we string, especially her first xmas. We sprayed the tree with the stuff that makes dogs not want to eat it. It's not unhealthy but it tastes bad to them...But cats are another problem because they climb all over the place. Ummmm...maybe try to find a way to stabilize the tree more on the bottom rather than just the stand?