How do I make the Xmas tree not a cat tree?

[Taz_Zoee]

This stems from Ramanth's thread about keeping the dogs from pottying on the tree.
This will be Jax's first Christmas. He is such a wild man that I'm concerned about the Christmas tree. The last couple of years Paizly has climbed up the center of the tree and likes to hang out in there. When I caught her in there I'd get her out, of course. But I'm afraid Jax will turn the tree over.
Last year we set the tree up and never put decorations on it (boy are we lazy!). I want to put the tree up, because I want to take pictures in front of it for our cards to family and friends.
So any suggestions for me? I know it's probably about impossible. And I might just put only non-breakable ornaments on it, just to be safe.

Oh and btw, it is a fake tree.

[katladyd]

I, too, have an artificial tree and I have a problem every year with Ming trying to mess with it. I have some help in that area as Mac will often sit below the tree and threaten Ming if he even comes near the tree. But he isn't always at his assigned post, so I keep the breakable ornaments near the very top of the tree, use no tinsel or garland, and kind of reinforce the bottom with heavy items on the stand so it won't easily tip over (it's also in a corner for that reason). We still have the occasional "accident", but nothing is hurt, especially the cats!

[chocolatepuppy]

I have a fake tree with unbreakable ornaments and plastic icicles. Missy only sleeps under it! RB Sassy, however, her first Christmas was another story. We had a real tree, which she only climbed once, didn't know how to get down, so never climbed it again. Every day, when I got home from work, the ornaments were GONE! By the time Christmas got here, I was literally throwing them back on the tree. As for the lights, many nights I went to light the tree and a strand wasn't lit. She had pulled out a bulb! She was only five months old then, and never touched the tree after the first year.

[Karen]

Fishing line! Seriously, anchor the tree to the wall, just tie fishing line around the trunk then run a piece over to the wall, where you can anchor in a discreet spot. Do at least two, three if you can, and that will make the tree much harder to tip over. It's either that or be prepared to be vigilant with a spray bottle when you are home, and keep him out of the room when you're not home! It's kind of easier to make the tree more stable use unbreakable ornaments, and let them explore until they are bored with it! No tinsel, though - you probably already know that can wreak havoc with kitty tummies, so it's best to avoid temptation!

[lvpets2002]

Hey all I have to say is Good Luck && Can you Video all the activity with the kitties & the tree.. keep us posted ok..

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Only advise I have is use unbreakable ornaments and take lots of pictures.
I, myself, gave up on having a tree years ago. Something I do not regret, specially now with the terrible twosome: Chip and Chuck.

[catmandu]

I have not had a tree for many years as I know that the Kitten trio are steeplejacks by nature and they would all love to yell
TIMBBEERRR!!!
Karen's idea of reinforcing the tree sounds like the best solution to me!!!

[Taz_Zoee]

We have never used tinsel since I've lived with Bruce. He doesn't like it, and I know how it is for kitties. Growing up we used it all the time.

I do like the idea of anchoring it to the wall with fishing line. I will have to have Bruce do that. It is in a corner so that would be super easy to do. It will also give me peace of mind for when we aren't home and I won't have to lock him up the whole time.
So that's the solution!! Thanks so much Karen. Anchor the tree and use unbreakable ornaments. That's too bad, because we have clear glass bulbs for each member of the family (us and the pets) that I have written names and the year on with a silver sharpie. Oh well, they can come out later on after Jax is more calm (will that ever happen? LOL).

I will do my best to have the video camera ready when Jax first discovers the tree. Hee hee

[cassiesmom]

artificial tree... non-fragile ornaments...

My brother's family has a real Christmas tree. Milo likes to lie under it but (knock on wood) he's never tried to go *up*.

[cassiesmom]

I have not had a tree for many years as I know that the Kitten trio are steeplejacks by nature and they would all love to yell
TIMBBEERRR!!!
Karen's idea of reinforcing the tree sounds like the best solution to me!!!

I'm thinking that Tubster Panther could take care of this for you by himself ... or maybe with a little help from Miquelito?! I'm laughing as I picture this !

[lvpets2002]

Do be carefull with the fishing line due to it is a very fine durable line & can cut you & or the babies real easy if they start trying to chew on it & crossing it.. Lets maybe use some type of rope.. I know find some long shoe laces & tie all together to make a long one.. Or use a cloths line rope..

[Freedom]

Here I have 10 cats (11 up to Aug 2008) and never had a cat climb a tree, real or artificial. Maybe I have abnormal cats?

Bat at the ornaments on the lower branches, oh yes. Even to th point of having them of and strewn around the house.
Sit under the tree and doze? Definitely!

Paws crossed, this year will be NO different around here.

[Karen]

Do be carefull with the fishing line due to it is a very fine durable line & can cut you & or the babies real easy if they start trying to chew on it & crossing it.. Lets maybe use some type of rope.. I know find some long shoe laces & tie all together to make a long one.. Or use a cloths line rope..

We usually put it high up enough so the kitties cannot get it. And it's strung tight and against the wall for the most part, so out of the way for people as well.

[mrspunkysmom]

We anchored the tree to the wall as well and not just for kitties. Much better that way. Also plastic or unbreakable ornaments were on the bottom branches.

[moosmom]

It's simple...dont' put up a tree!!! With 5 cats, I'd rather not decorate than have to clean up broken ornaments or dragging a cat to the vet to have the tinsel pulled from the cat's butt.