STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

kittenheels · Coach

Naughty Little Animals and Christmas Trees?

halleybird · Hermes

Only one of my animals is naughty. I have literally nothing on the lower branches, and anything that is remotely interesting to him (usually stuffed or soft) is really high up, so he can't see/smell it easily. I also have to watch strings of lights, because he eats those, too.

Here are tips from the ASPCA:

ATTENTION, PET OWNERS! DECK THE HALLS—BUT DO IT SAFELY, PLEASE
For many of us, 'tis the season to decorate our homes with live Christmas trees and holiday greenery. But did you know that some of these yuletide traditions can be hazardous to your pet’s health?

* Lovely lilies are commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties—including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and the Casa Blanca—can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.

* Bag the boughs of holly and live mistletoe. Sure, they add a nice touch to your holiday décor, but holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten by your pet. And should he sample mistletoe, he could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.

* Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria—and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

* Although the potential toxicity of poinsettias is generally overstated, these showy holiday plants can irritate your pet’s mouth, and may cause nausea and/or mild vomiting.

If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten a potentially toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more poison prevention tips, please visit ASPCA online.

Suasoria · Chanel

There may be hope for you. I swear it seems like once the tree is up, my cat remembers that it's not as much fun as it looks, and she stays away. She's ten now but the first few years were tough. Now I try to put up the tree on a Friday night so I can keep an eye on the cat for the next two days and correct any behaviors I don't like (since I work M-F). By Saturday afternoon, the thrill is gone for her.

I don't use tinsel or garland, but I occasionally use wide French ribbon (the kind with the wire on the edges). It stays where you put it and doesn't blow around in the breeze, so it doesn't attract any kitty's attention.

The lower third of the tree is decorated in unbreakables, like little teddy bears, crocheted doily snowflakes, wooden animals, etc. Occasionally I come home find something that should be on the tree in another part of the house, but so far, no tragedy!

I also suggest positioning the tree away from other furniture - that way nobody can jump on the arm of the couch and then reach the goodies from there.

Elle · Hermes

Along with the suggestions already posted, I always pinch my ornament hooks around each branch instead of just hanging them on top of each branch. That way even if the branch gets bounced or jostled the ornament stays put.

I'd definitely skip the tinsel, and if you are going to use ribbon I'd use the wide variety - one of my parents' cats looooooves to munch on skinny ribbon (most especially the curling variety). The first year we had him and before we knew of his weakness for tasty ribbon, he ate some off a present and ended up having to have surgery because it had attached to his small intestine .

If you're afraid of your kitties trying to climb the tree, you can also attach a hook in your ceiling and string some strong clear fishing line from the tree top to the hook.

Cortney1982 · Chanel

My cat was very good about Christmas trees. She looked but did not touch and liked to nap under it as if she was a gift!

kittenheels · Coach

Courtney - I think your cat is better behaved than mine - they are very curious!

I am definitely going to use wide ribbon - not tinsel...and since I don't have any ornaments...I think I will make sure not to buy anything breakable! No lights either...I bet the kittens would eat those too!

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

I put my tree up undecorated for 2 days so the two cats can check it out. I figure if they try to climb it and knock it over nothing will be broken and they will only try that once. Then I decorate it and put unbreakables on the lower brances because the cats will play with them and the dog will knock them off with her tail.

As for other decor, I put unbreakable stuff down low where the animals can get to it. Other stuff is up high. I have these candy canes that I hang on the door knobs (my house is very tacky at Chrsitmas time!) and the cats love them. I put them up for my own amusment now, becuase they will play with them for hours, just batting them around.

Also, I think pointsettias are poisionous to cats... Not sure though.

-gd

Suasoria · Chanel

I just got a newsletter from a pet rescue org I support, and they suggest putting an exercise pen around the tree. Maybe this would be something worth doing when you aren't home?

needsfashionadvice · Kate Spade

Cortney1982 wrote:

My cat was very good about Christmas trees. She looked but did not touch and liked to nap under it as if she was a gift!

Mine does the same thing! I call her Christmas Kitty this time of year because I swear she loves all things Christmas. Maybe it's the red and the green colors but she can't get enough.

kittenheels · Coach

Awww...that is adorable. I would love to see pictures of your kitties and christmas trees!