How to Keep Cats Away From Christmas Tree: My Little Holiday Hack
Decorating the Christmas tree is a highlight of the holiday season. But if you’re a cat owner, the joy can quickly turn to frustration as your furry little climber turns your beautifully adorned tree into their personal jungle gym.
But don't worry—I’ve got a clever, budget-friendly solution for how to keep cats away from Christmas trees, and it smells pretty amazing too!
Tools and Materials
- Felt chair pads
- Ornaments
- A small tub of Vicks VapoRub or essential oils
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Cats and Christmas trees are a match made in chaos heaven. The sparkly ornaments, dangling tinsel, and climbable branches are irresistible.
Add to that the piney aroma, and your tree becomes the ultimate feline playground.
But you can outsmart them with a simple scent-based trick.
1. Prepare Your Felt Pads
Start with those trusty felt chair pads. These will be the carriers for the cat-deterring scent.
If you need to trim them to fit your ornaments better, go ahead!
2. Choose the Right Essential Oil or Vicks
Here’s where it gets fun! Cats notoriously dislike strong scents like menthol (hello, Vicks) or citrus.
If you don’t have Vicks, try essential oils like eucalyptus.
3. Attach Pads to Ornaments
Stick the prepared felt pads onto the ornaments. Be strategic! Place them on the side that faces the tree so they’re hidden from view.
For bottom-row ornaments, stick them underneath for an invisible barrier.
4. Hang the Modified Ornaments
Now, hang those ornaments! Focus on placing them at the lower levels of the tree where your curious cats are most likely to paw around.
Want another way to keep your tree cat-free?
Other Christmas Decorating Hacks for Pet Owners
Love this idea? Here are a few more Christmas decorating hacks:
- Skip the tinsel—it’s dangerous for pets.
- Use a heavy tree base to avoid tipping accidents.
- Secure lights tightly to prevent chewing hazards.
FAQs
1. Will this harm my cat?
No, as long as you avoid toxic oils and use scents sparingly, this method is safe.
2. Can I use any essential oil?
Stick to cat-safe ones like citrus or eucalyptus. Avoid tea tree oil.
3. How long does the scent last?
You might need to reapply every week or so.
4. Will this keep cats away completely?
Results vary by cat, but it’s very effective for most!
5. Can I use this method for other pets?
It works best for cats but may deter some curious dogs.
6. How can I safely use essential oils around my cat?
Consult with a veterinarian if you are unsure about the effects of essential oils or Vicks VapoRub on your pet’s health. However, when using essential oils around cats, always prioritize safety by diluting them with a carrier oil, keeping them out of your cat’s reach, and ensuring proper ventilation. Stick to cat-safe oils in small amounts, and avoid toxic options. Never apply essential oils directly to your cat, and monitor for any signs of irritation, such as sneezing or lethargy, stopping use immediately if they occur.
Tired of Cat-astrophes? Learn How to Keep Cats Away from Christmas Trees!
Decorating your Christmas tree is a cherished tradition, and with this simple hack, you can keep it safe from curious kitty claws while maintaining its festive charm.
Why not give this fun and easy DIY a try? Not only will your tree stay intact, but your home will also smell wonderfully festive.
Comments
Join the conversation
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But, my cat loves "Vicks" he goes nuts when I have used it.
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I once had a cat that loved Vicks! It would not have saved my tree! Years later and a different cat, I hung my tree upside-down!
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My wife bought a cat named 'Ganz' but the cat is pretty lethargic and does not seem to be interested in the tree. Actually, Ganz is not that interested in anything at all, just sleeps on the chair all the time.
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Maybe Ganz needs a check up to find out why he's so lethargic. Unless he's really old, he shouldn't be sleeping all the time.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
But wouldn't I and everyone else around smell the Vicks as well?
Since when is Eucalyptus safe for cats?