by Valerie Gawthrop

Created on: November 30, 2009   Last Updated: December 01, 2009

It's easy to train a cat as long as you're training it to do something it already intends to do. Ignoring the Christmas tree is not on any self-respecting cat's agenda. So how do you minimize the damage to your tree and your cherished pet?

Reduce the temptation by purchasing an artificial tree. In the wild, cats are arboreal. The domestic cat reverts to instinct when given half a chance. A real tree is for climbing. Tabby won't be as attracted to the artificial variety. Still, your cat will be curious. Safeguard your tree by using a heavy-duty patio umbrella stand instead of the flimsy base provided with the tree. If you want something more decorative and have room to store your tree partially assembled, set the bottom trunk section into a large decorative urn and fill with quick drying cement. This will provide a heavy and beautiful base resistant to tipping. Remember, this only works on artificial trees.

Most mature cats will satisfy their natural curiosity quickly and resort to swatting the tempting ornaments within their reach. Put fragile decorations out of harm's way or better yet, design the entire tree to be kitty proof. There are thousands of beautiful options. Never put tinsel on a tree when you have cats. Shiny, stringy things are simply irresistible and dangerous when swallowed.

Discourage Tabby from biting through light cords by securing lights tightly to the tree branches. Don't let cords droop. Whenever a cord dangles it's an enticement to your pet. There are rubber coated green clips that look like tiny horseshoes. You twist these around the light cords and the tree branches. Use Velcro to attach the power strip to the trunk of the tree. This can be hidden by placing it in the back of the tree and high enough that the branches cover it keeping loose plugs out of the way while making it easy to flip the lights on and off.

Dampen Tabby's spirit by squirting her with a water pistol every time she acts like she's going to attack the tree. Unfortunately this only works when you're around to catch her. She'll figure this out quickly and wait until she knows you're in bed to stage her next assault.

Okay, the water gun is fully loaded and you've made the tree as safe as you can. Time to add one more line of defense. Blow up as many balloons as your oxygen supply allows. Simple children's party balloons are what you're looking for. Buy them in colors to go with your decorations. Tie the balloons to the trunk with ribbon, filling the entire area beneath the tree. You already know that you can't put packages under there with cats in the house, right? Cats don't like the way the balloons move and the noise they make when popped will cause any animal to shy away. Does this sound cruel? It isn't. You screaming at your beloved pet because he just broke an heirloom ornament is much more traumatic than a loud noise.

Older cats will usually adapt to a tree and ignore it with time. Kittens on the other hand will make your life miserable by their natural inclination to believe that everything is a toy. To save your sanity, edit your decorations until the kitten matures. Christmas is all about sharing and enjoying the holiday with family including the furry ones.

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