The holidays are just around the corner. One thing we know for sure: many of our feline patients will be in full frisky mode over the next few weeks. We can help! A Las Vegas, NV vet offers tips on keeping your kitty out of the tree in this article.
Choose The Right Spot
If you put the tree right next to a sofa, chair, or desk, you’ll be giving your cat a ready-made kitty launch pad. That’s just asking for trouble! Try to isolate the tree.
Secure The Tree
Make sure that the tree is on a good, sturdy base. You may want to secure the top of the tree to the wall or ceiling with fishing line.
Go Artificial
Fake trees are much harder for kitties to climb than real ones. Consider getting a fake tree this year. This is also cheaper in the long run.
Set Boundaries
There are things you can do to make the tree off-limits to your pet. You can use a puppy gate, though that may not provide the cozy look you’re going for. Consider buying a tree guard. Taste deterrents may also help.
Decorating Tactics
Keep your playful pet in mind as you are decorating the tree. Put most of the ornaments, lights, and tinsel on the top half of the tree. Hang just a few unbreakable decorations on the bottom part. This is also safer, as lights, tinsel, ribbon, and other decorations can be dangerous to cats.
Bribery
Distracting your frisky feline may also help. Give your kitty some of her gifts early, and play with her every day. If your cat tires herself out playing, she may be more inclined to napping beneath the tree than climbing it.
Trickery
You should never punish your cat for trying to climb the tree. After all, trees provide kitties with shelter, safety, napping spots, and nail-care stations in the wild. However, you can discourage your furry friend from approaching the tree. When your cute pet gets too close to it, do something that will annoy her without hurting her. Squirt her with water, clap your hands, or make a loud noise. That may just do the trick!
All of us here at Aloha Animal Hospital, your local Las Vegas, NV vet clinic, want to wish you a happy holiday season. Please feel free to contact us anytime!
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