I haven’t had a Christmas tree in about 7 or 8 years. The reason? I got cats. Fat Kitty is very mischievous and likes to get into EVERYTHING. Plus–he’s eaten every house plant I’ve ever had.
This year I decided it was time to see if in fact, Fat Kitty would destroy a Christmas tree. Honestly it hasn’t felt like much of a holiday without the decorations these last few years…
The rain paused long enough last night for Michael and I to pick up a tree. I wanted something small and cute. The tree lot had a cute puppy that helped me pick out the perfect tree.
I found the tree I wanted ($15 too!) and we went home. Fat Kitty was immediately intrigued.
He sniffed, nibbled, poked and prodded.
The tree was pretty dry so that meant I could decorate after dinner.
The tree is small and I only had a few decorations that I’ve saved.
Fat Kitty seemed bored after awhile. He went into the other room and laid on the couch, actually.
At one point Fat Kitty came out and batted around one of the foam ball ornaments I bought at the Dollar Store. I figured I’d put those unbreakable things at the bottom of the tree with the candy canes–and save the nice ones for the top of the tree.
Fat Kitty grew bored of the foam balls and left the room again.
Finally it was time for the lighting of the tree!
It looks so great! And it smells wonderful. I am so happy we have a tree! And this morning the tree was still standing and all of the ornaments were intact!
After the tree decorating and lighting I baked some cookies:
It was a great night! I am so happy we got a tree–after so many years of not having one. Plus it’s the first tree Michael and I’ve gotten together. I’m a romantic, what can I say?
On a side note, Fat Kitty will most DEFINITELY destroy wrapped presents under the tree….he LOVES ribbon, bows and wrapping paper. In fact he’s obsessed. We’ll probably wait to put the presents under there…
P.S. I am STILL sore from Monday’s Plie Squats!
QUESTION: Do your pets destroy your Christmas tree? How do you prevent it?
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
I don’t have any pets so don’t have to worry about that, but we got a big tree for the first time in years this year and I LOVE it!
kalin
we have a fake tree (two actually!) and my cat keeps grooming it! i’ll here rustling and look over to see her lovingly licking the branches! so weird!
she’s pretty sure the trees are full of toys for her. since the balls on the tree were all Target post-christmas 75% off sale i let her bat them around. So far, two have broken. I think two broken (cheap!) balls are a decent price to pay for a happy happy kitten.
Lisa Eirene
That sounds pretty cute!
Becca
Oh bless you! Glad you finally got your tree. We bought our first fake last year, because I find needles and getting rid of real trees so stressful! I have to say I’m especially glad now, as my pregnant nose is turning up at all kinds of smells, and I think fresh pine scent would send me straight to the porcelain telephone.
This is our first year with dog and tree, so we put it on top of an Ikea Lack table. She keeps on standing next to it and wagging her tail, so I don’t know how long our super-cheap baubles are going to last!
Lisa Eirene
I hope it lasts! I bet the puppy is super cute though.
Lisa
There is something precious about the Christmas tree and the cats – they enjoy laying on the tree skirt under it when it’s lit up. Then we have the disgusting tradition – our cats eat the fake tree. They use the wire branches as a sort of toothbrush and end up swallowing bits of green plastic. When their stomachs can’t take anymore they barf it up. Hooray for feline Holiday traditions!
Lisa Eirene
YUM! Sounds like my cats. They like to eat things to make themselves barf… Gross.
Amanda
I have a 3 year old 105lb black lab and he usually leaves the tree alone. Except for his first Christmas he decided to eat the head off of my sheep ornament. It was pretty disturbing finding a decapitated sheep on Christmas morning.
Lisa Eirene
HAHAHA!! That is too funny!!! Disturbing but funny!
Lori Lynn
I’ve had a tree either, b/c of my cats! They can be quite naughty! LOL
I’ve actually been thinking about having one this year too, partially b/c I’ll actually be home during the holidays, whereas before I was always traveling.
marie
We just adopted a new kitten! We haven’t let her out of her “safe room” yet b/c first cat is still adjusting and she has a cold. But we are VERY curious to see how she treats the tree and gifts. We already can’t put bows on anything.
Lisa Eirene
Oh I hope you are posting kitten photos! I bet she destroys the tree.
December Goals » 110 Pounds and Counting
[…] of mistletoe, hot cocoa, chilly days and roaring fires in the fireplace. I am so happy that the Christmas Tree Experiment last year worked well! It was the first year I’d ever had a tree with my kitties. They were […]