Why Cats Love Christmas Trees

Every Christmas season, many cat owners struggle to keep their feline friends away from their beautifully decorated Christmas trees. But why are cats so attracted to Christmas trees in the first place?

1. The Trees Smell Good: Christmas trees, especially real ones, have a strong scent that can be intriguing to cats. Cats are well-known for their heightened sense of smell, which is fourteen times stronger than that of a human. Therefore, the fresh scent of pine might just be too irresistible for them. 2. They are Attracted to Light and Shimmer: Christmas trees are decorated with numerous shining lights and ornaments. Cats, especially the playful ones, are fascinated by these glittery and shiny objects and can’t resist batting and pouncing on them. 3. Natural Climbers: Cats love climbing trees. To them, your Christmas tree is no different than a tall, exciting piece of indoor foliage that needs to be explored. The urge to conquer such heights and satisfy their curiosity can be very strong in them. 4. Hunting Instinct: The dangling baubles, ribbons and tinsel on a Christmas tree resemble prey to a cat's instinct. This can stimulate their predatory behaviors, leading them to attack the decorations. 5. New Change: Cats are often curious about new changes in their environment. Therefore, the sudden appearance of a big, brightly-lit object in their home attracts them, wanting them to inspect and familiarize themselves with it. However, as fun as this can be for our cats, it is crucial to remember that Christmas trees and their decorations can pose a safety risk for them. From electric shocks from gnawed-on light cables, injuries from broken glass ornaments, to intestinal blockages from ingested tinsel, many hazards lurk. Hence, cat owners must find a way to both protect their Christmas tree and keep their feline friend safe during the festive season.

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