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How to Keep Your Pets Away From the Christmas Tree

Edited By: Tamar Z.

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Don't bother trying to deny it. We know you already have your Christmas tree up. Is there really such a thing as being too early for the Christmas spirit? Some people start their planning as early as the day after Halloween! This way or the other, you probably have at least one type of decoration hanging around your house, considering it's the holiday season. And no one loves to mess with these decorations more than your pets.

Your pets playing with Christmas decorations can cause anything from minor frustration to a major accident that could harm both your house and your pet. Let's learn some methods of keeping our pets, particularly of the feline type, away from Christmas decorations. One rule of thumb applies here: you'll probably need to part with the tinsel. But we've got some festive alternatives for you!

Use Bells

Just like the little bell on your pet's collar informs you of the whereabouts of your pet, it can also let you know when your pet meddles with the branches of the trees and the fairy lights. Consider hanging the precious or fragile ornaments higher up on the tree and hang the bells on the lower branches.

Paper Garland

If your pet ingests tinsel, which is made of PVC, it could lead to a medical emergency. If they ingest some paper, that's only unfortunate - no severe health hazards. You can even buy pre-cut paper strips to make a classic paper garland. But if you're bored with the classic garland loops, try this DIY project with the kids:

Christmas tree flat garland

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Crepe paper sewed garland

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Expert level star garland

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Use Natural Cat Repellant

These options will repel cats from your tree using natural, harmless scents your cats don't like.

Spray pinecones with apple cider vinegar and hang as many as you'd like on the lower branches of the tree.

Place orange peels on the ground beneath your tree.

Spray the entire tree with citronella spray, which will also keep flies away from your home.

You can use the oranges to make dried-fruit garlands as well:

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General Safety Tips for Pet Owners

As pine oil may be harmful to your pets, you should cover the water the tree is in. We recommend using tin foil because the sound and texture of tin foil repels cats and dogs alike.
Consider investing in a pet-proof cord protector if your pet likes chewing on cables.
If you're not up for changing your habits, you can simply purchase a wire and secure your ornaments as tight as possible to the tree to prevent them from falling and shattering. This will not protect your pets from the hazards of ingesting tinsel, though. For that, you can decorate your tree with ribbons or hang paper ornaments, which are lightweight and safe:

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H/T: CountryLiving, MentalFloss.

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