You’ve probably seen it before: your cat goes full-on acrobat around the Christmas tree, batting ornaments, climbing branches, and generally causing a sparkly mess. But why are cats so fascinated by Christmas trees?
Cats are just curious little creatures, which is likely the cause, but let's dive into a few reasons why they may be extremely interested in your holiday decor.
Why Are Cats Interested in Christmas Trees?
Cats love to explore new things in their home, so a Christmas tree really is their dream come true. Here are a few reasons why they love them:
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New and interesting: The tree is something very different in their space, which naturally, make your cat very interested.
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Climbing opportunities: Indoor cats don’t always get enough chances to climb, so a tall tree is irresistible.
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Shiny and dangling decorations: Ornaments and tinsel look like toys and invite playful interaction.
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High vantage point: Cats feel safe when they’re up high. A tree is the perfect lookout tower.
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Cozy spot to hide: Although it might not seem very comfortable to you, your cat might even find the tree a cozy spot to take a nap.
Indoor cats often become obsessed because the tree combines all of their favorite elements - height, novelty, scent, and play - into one irresistible package.
Are Christmas Trees Toxic to Cats?
Real fir trees contain oils that can irritate a cat's mouth and stomach if they eat them. While a little nibble probably won't hurt, it's best to keep them from eating too much.
The bigger risk comes from the needles. If your cat swallows them, they could puncture their digestive system. For that reason, an artificial tree might be a better choice. But if you're set on a real tree, look for one that doesn't drop lots of needles.
Potted Christmas trees can be risky, too. The soil might have fertilizers or plant food that are poisonous to cats, so replace it with a new one if you buy a pre-potted tree. Also, a big pot might look like a giant litter box to your cat! Cover the soil with pebbles or something so your cat can't get to it.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips for Cats
Whether it's your cat eating the tree, climbing up it and knocking it over, or knocking glass balls off of the tree, there are a lot of safety concerns around the holidays when it comes to cats.
Here are some safety tips for the Christmas tree to remember when decorating with your feline friend:
- Secure your tree to the wall: Taking precautions to secure your tree to the wall will prevent it from falling on top of your cat or someone else.
- Secure ornaments to the tree: Tie ornaments to the tree to avoid your cat knocking them off.
- Avoid tinsel: Avoid decorating with tinsel or garland to ensure that your cat doesn't ingest it.
- Always supervise your cat around the tree: This can be hard, but try your best to supervise your cat whenever possible around the tree.
- Provide your cat with distractions: Give your cat plenty of toys, scratchers, and interactive things to play with to keep them entertained and active during the holiday season.
- Give your cat safe places to play: Make sure that your cat has plenty of safe places to play, so they don't feel the need to play underneath or on the tree.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Cat Away From Your Christmas Tree
Be patient! Your cat might look intense, but they're probably not trying to ruin your holidays. They don't think about the consequences, they just see something fun and want to play. It's our responsibility to make sure things are safe for them.
Let's make sure Christmas is enjoyable for everyone – including your cat! With a little planning, you can also ensure they have a happy holiday.
Check out our post about the best holiday gift for cat lovers!
