Households urged to put tin foil on Christmas trees this week

Christmas is just around the corner, and many homes across the UK already have their trees decorated and glowing in the corner of the room. But pet owners know that this time of year can quickly become stressful, especially for anyone who has a cat.

Cats are naturally drawn to anything tall, bright or covered in dangling objects, which makes Christmas trees almost impossible for them to ignore. Many owners say their pets climb the branches, hide between the decorations or try to bat at anything shiny that moves. Experts say this happens because, to a cat, a Christmas tree looks like the perfect playground.

It is tall enough to climb, packed with things that swing or shimmer, and full of hiding spots that feel exciting and safe.

But this curiosity can be dangerous. Cats may chew on tinsel, artificial branches, pine needles, lights or ornaments. 

Swallowing any of these can lead to choking or even an intestinal blockage.

According to advice shared by experts at PetMD, there is one simple step households can take this week to protect both their tree and their pets, and it involves using tin foil around the base.

PetMD explains that many cats dislike the sound, texture and appearance of tin foil.

Placing sheets of foil around the bottom of the tree can create a barrier that most cats will avoid. 

It works because the material feels unpleasant under their paws and makes a crinkling noise that deters them from getting too close.

The experts say this method is quick, safe, and effective for cats that repeatedly try to climb or chew the lower branches. 

It can be taped together to form a temporary tree skirt and removed once the festive period is over.

Alongside tin foil, PetMD also recommends a few other ways to keep cats away from decorations.

Cat-deterrent sprays made with bitter-tasting ingredients can stop pets from chewing on branches. 

These sprays can be bought or made at home using water, rosemary, white vinegar and lemon juice.

Motion-activated air sprays are another option. These let out a harmless burst of air and a hissing sound when a cat approaches, which many pets find startling enough to stay away from. 

The experts say these devices work better than spraying a cat with water because they do not cause the animal to associate fear with its owner.

Households are also advised to move furniture away from the tree, as cats often use chairs or sofas as launch points. 

Giving a cat its own climbing tree or a new toy can also help redirect attention.