It is not difficult to find several videos on the internet showing the complex relationship between cats and Christmas trees. Cats are very curious animals, so just imagine how flashing lights, colorful ornaments and even gifts are very attractive elements for them. This curious relationship has an explanation: the keen hunting instinct of felines. So you don't have to attach the tree to the ceiling orleave it in a little enclosure, we've put together some tips on how to cat-proof your Christmas tree. Curious? Then keep following!

Cats and Christmas trees: understand this curious relationship!

Garlands, baubles, bells, hanging ornaments and flashing lights: just imagine how your kitty feels seeing so much information and "cool stuff to play with" in front of him. The Christmas tree is a fascination for kitties, because they are hunters by nature and all this stimulation instigates them to express this behavior. As they are animals that usually like to be a loton top of furniture and shelves, they don't care much about the size of the tree. For them, what matters is to catch the prey anyway. No other way: in a matter of seconds your tree can be on the ground.

Before you fight with your kitty, understand that the hanging objects work like a wand for cats, which stimulates them to jump and hunt. The lights, which flash constantly, refer to small prey. At the tip of the tree, then, there is an even larger and lonely prey - a target that felines find very easy to catch. On the other hand, taking care of a cat is also about ensuring its safety,falling tree or ornaments can hurt the feline, so you need to promote a safe environment. What can we do, then, to have a harmonious relationship between cats and Christmas trees?

Cats and Christmas tree: some tricks can help you

You don't have to give up having a Christmas tree. Some people usually surround the tree so that the feline doesn't approach, but this doesn't always work, as some kittens really like to jump on top of the structure. So, we have separated some tips that can help improve this relationship between cats and Christmas trees - without harming the animal or ending the magic of the celebration. Check out:

1) Place aluminum foil or masking tape at the base of the tree

If your kitty has a habit of playing with the presents and ornaments that are closer to the base of the tree, you can surround the stand with aluminum foil or masking tape. Cats do not like these materials, neither to scratch their nails nor to step on, as they can stick to their paws. This alternative does not hurt the animal and, in fact, will make him understand that, when he gets close to the tree,you can step on something you don't like.

2) Consider a smaller Christmas tree

Of course, a big Christmas tree full of decorations is an eye-catcher, but you can have a smaller tree and make it just as beautiful as a big one. Also, if the cat jumps on a small tree, the damage will be easier to solve.

3) Wait a while before decorating the Christmas tree

How about giving your kitten some time to get used to the tree? Instead of setting it up all at once and piquing the cat's curiosity, try decorating the tree little by little. On the first day, leave the tree without any decorations and watch how he reacts. Then, put the balls, the lights, and go on observing what attracts your cat or not. That way, you'll know exactly what makes him fascinatedand you can avoid these decorations to keep the tree standing.

4) Avoid reinforcing this behavior when playing with the cat

It's very cute when your cat does funny things to catch an object that is suspended, but by thinking it's cool, you are reinforcing a behavior that can later lead to the tree falling. When he expresses an interest in playing, find other toys that he likes and redirect his attention.

5) Use decorations made of other materials and that will attract less attention from the kitten

We know that for some people it is very important to have a flawless Christmas tree. But you can look for other ornaments that attract less attention from the cat and that will continue to make the tree beautiful, such as felt and paper ornaments, which when dropped will not break. Plastic balls, for example, can be just as elegant as balls made of less resistant materials. Avoid using thefestoon, which can choke the cat.