Tips for pet owners - Cats and Christmas - how to protect the tree from cat attacks
If you search for "cat" and"Christmas" on X, the former Twitter, you will find funny photos and videos. Popular above all: the cat takes the tree apart or at least has it under observation. Some people come up with the idea of putting the Christmas tree in a cage for safety reasons. Not the cat.
But as fun as it is and as exciting for the curious animals - Christmas holds dangers for cats. You don't have to do without glittering decorations and atmospheric plants, but you should at least think about what could happen.
The Christmas tree - climbing, chasing baubles and catching tinsel
A Christmas tree is tempting for a cat and invites it to climb and sharpen its claws. The baubles glitter invitingly with the motto "Catch me!"
But if they break, animals and humans can injure themselves on the sharp shards. If the cat climbs the tree, it can get stuck and tip the tree over.
#Weihnachten #Weihnachtsfest #Weihnachtsbaum#Christbaum #Katze #Katzen #katzensicher
Christbaum hinter Gittern
- oder wie man den Weihnachtsbaum
katzensicher macht 😼🎄
. pic.twitter.com/hQEVUni7HA
— 🌙 𝑳𝒖𝒏𝒂 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆 (@_LunaCharlotte) December 21, 2018
The risks cannot be completely avoided if you want to decorate your home festively. However, if you decorate a little more sparingly and place the tree in such a way that it won't topple over immediately in the event of a cat attack, you've already gained a lot.
It is also advisable to offer your cat a change of scenery so that the Christmas tree is not at the top of its to-do list. This could be a scratching post or a cuddly den.
Open fires and burning candles
Pet owners should avoid real, i.e. burning, candles on the tree. If the cat's fur catches fire, it becomes very dangerous for everyone involved. The animal can be seriously injured and will panic when it comes into contact with fire.
What people probably don't immediately think about when it comes to cats and Christmas are the dangers of tinsel and artificial snow. If an animal swallows tinsel, the worst-case scenario is a trip to the vet during the festive season because lumps have become knotted in the animal's stomach.
Artificial snow can be poisonous or at least unhealthy. It should therefore be placed in such a way that cats cannot lick it off. The water in which the Christmas tree is placed should also be out of reach of the animals. This is because resins can dissolve in it, which is why it is no longer suitable for drinking.
Poinsettias - not the only poisonous plants for cats
Some plants that are very popular at Christmas or around the turn of the year contain poisons and should be placed so that they are out of reach of cats. These include poinsettias, Christmas roses, amaryllis, mistletoe, holly branches and sweet clover. Conifers also contain poisonous substances. If the cat has nibbled on them and shows signs of poisoning such as pain, drowsiness, vomiting or diarrhea, a visit to the vet is also advisable.
And last but not least: Christmas can not only be stressful for people, but also for pets. Because everyday life and surroundings change drastically. Suddenly the apartment is full of people. Your cat should have a place where it can retreat undisturbed and enjoy a relaxed Christmas.
Sources:"Herz für Tiere","Katzen-Leben.de"
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Despite the entertainment cats provide during Christmas, they can pose several risks to the festive decorations. For instance, the Christmas tree is an irresistible attraction for cats, tempting them to climb and sharpen their claws. However, if the cat climbs too high, it might tip the tree over. To prevent this, consider putting the tree in a safe location where the cat can't reach it, or provide alternative attractions like a scratching post or a cozy den.
Additionally, many popular Christmas plants can be harmful to cats. Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly branches, sweet clover, and others contain poisons that can cause pain, drowsiness, vomiting, or diarrhea if ingested. Make sure these plants are out of reach of your feline friends to keep them safe during the holiday season.
Source: www.stern.de
