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The one real suggestion I've gotten is to use an orange scent around the tree. So, we have something of a Williamsburg, Va, theme being tried on the tree right now, with orange peals dangling from each lower limb. There are some commercial projects to keep cats away from this or that, but we're trying this first.
Tough to blame the cat. The Christmas tree looks as if it is designed for him, right? First, it is a tree. Then it has all of these dangling, colorful ornaments hanging from each limb of the Christmas tree.
A real niche web marketing opportunity being missed here if this works: Orange-scented ornaments that the cats don't love. I think there are some orange-scented cleaning products I need to look into.
So, I'll keep you posted on our success. I'm doubtful since the cat is only 6 months old and he is attacking everything. Meanwhile, any suggestions?
1. The solution must be practical. For example, I'm not locking my cats up for 30 days.
2. The solution must cost less than $10. Because, come on.
3. The solution cannot be discipline based, because:
a. my cats behave only when they are being watched, and
b. one of my cats does not respond to punishment
4. The solution must not be ugly. The tree is a decoration, after all.
5. The solution must not annoy the humans just as much as it annoys the cats.
6. The solution must not interfere with the tree - like preventing presents from being stored under it.
I searched the web - it was not helpful. I eventually had a seemingly obvious idea, though I had never thought of it before - I called my vet's office. They recommended peppermint oil around the tree or tobasco sauce on the tree branches. My cats tend to nibble the branches before they hop into the tree, so I opted for tobasco, and also secured it to the wall with string for safety.
While the tabasco was being applied, one of my cats approached to see what I was doing. She squinted her eyes in irritation, and then actually gagged and retched from the smell. Then she walked quickly away. The tobasco smell was strong in the apartment for an hour or two, but then the smell became undectable to the humans.
It still seems clear to the cats, though. They mostly leave the tree alone. My female cat (the one that retched) has only approached the tree once since then, when I was putting presents under it. She taste-tested some of the branches, and gave up when she realized that yes, they are all still spicy. The male cat runs under the tree sometimes, but comes back out squinting and shaking his head.
I don't think any single solution works on all cats. But if none of the common suggestions work on your cat, you might want to give these a shot.
Hmmm, well, if you smoke, you might not notice the smell. Otherwise, blech!
I agree that, from the cat's point-of-view, a Christmas tree looks like an invitation for fun. What could be better? Not only is it a tree that cats love to climb, but it's got all of these shiny, dangling things on it to play with.
1. The solution must be practical. For example, I'm not locking my cats up for 30 days.
2. The solution must cost less than $10. Because, come on.
3. The solution cannot be discipline based, because:
a. my cats behave only when they are being watched, and
b. one of my cats does not respond to punishment
4. The solution must not be ugly. The tree is a decoration, after all.
5. The solution must not annoy the humans just as much as it annoys the cats.
6. The solution must not interfere with the tree - like preventing presents from being stored under it.
You could also try oranges and lemons with whole cloves stuck in them... you'll keep the Williamsburg/Colonial feel, and most cats don't fancy the smell of citrus, or cloves.
Still, it might work...
