eco friendly Christmas

[lph]

I have visions of him trashing the tree while we're at work. We've never had an issue with cats we've had in the past. Our house is small and there is only one spot where there's room for a tree. There is no way to close off this part of the house from the cats. Suggestions anyone?

tension wire the tree. I'm not kidding! We had several large athletic cats when I was growing up, a rickety tree holder and always a large tree going right up to our high ceiling. We'd attach minimum a short wire to the closest wall, preferably wires to three directions. They looked appropriately festive with garlands on

if it's breaking ornaments you're worried about there's nothing you can do about it. Either hang non-breakable ones, or hang the breakable and most interesting ones up very high. Either way, expect to lose something... a decorated Christmas tree is heaven to any cat left alone

[five one]

tension wire the tree. I'm not kidding! We had several large athletic cats when I was growing up, a rickety tree holder and always a large tree going right up to our high ceiling. We'd attach minimum a short wire to the closest wall, preferably wires to three directions. They looked appropriately festive with garlands on

if it's breaking ornaments you're worried about there's nothing you can do about it. Either hang non-breakable ones, or hang the breakable and most interesting ones up very high. Either way, expect to lose something... a decorated Christmas tree is heaven to any cat left alone

Fortunately we have a nice heavy large tree stand. Although we do plan to wire the tree to the nearest wall, I'm not too concerned with the tree toppling. It's the 15# Maine Coon jumping/climbing into the tree and wreaking havoc. I think we may get it early, put it up, and leave it undecorated for a few days to see what happens. Breakable ornaments with sentimental value will stay in the box this year, particularly because we have hardwood floors. But most of the rest are handmade and unbreakable. I just don't look forward to having to police the living room waiting for the worst to happen. This cat just CANNOT leave things alone.

The only issue we ever had with past cats is pulling away the tree skirt to get to the water trough. I guess we had it easy then.

It should be an interesting few weeks...

[Ana]

When I was in high school, I convinced my family to purchase a live tree instead of a cut one, despite the increased cost. The first one was great: it was cute and nicely shaped. We watered it inside and planted it outside after New Year's.

The next one did not go so well. After Christmas was over, it died. I forget whether it died before or after we planted it but thereafter, we have regressed to traditional cut trees.

[katluvr]

Cat's and Christmas Trees....

I have been VERY fortunate w/ my kitties and the tree. Last year was "kittens" (aka "the girls") first year w/ a tree. They were about 8 months old. I "cringed" to see what it would bring.

I have always hung "cat friendly" ornaments on the bottom. They can swat them around and if so swat them off and play with them. Of course my tree is artifical. They also usually just like to lay on the tree skirt under the tree. (I'll miss Thesis being there this year). I also hang one ornament that is a series of bells. I call it my "cat alarm". If I hear the "tinkling" of the bells I go running. But mostly false alarms.

Now if me brand new sectional sofa would only be so safe. Currenlty still covered top to bottom w/ throws and comforters until I can determine if the kitties think it is a scratching post or something!

K