From: Kala, New Ulm, MN
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005
Subject: Oh no!
Here's a pet-related question for you...
My husband and I put up our Christmas tree on Monday and found that our cats had tipped it over during the night. It seemed to be ok; I think it was taking water yet at the time. But now it's been tipped again, and we didn't have time to deal with it before work, so the tree went out into our garage (our very cold Minnesota winter garage). Is our tree doomed?
Answer: I don't think the tree is doomed, but I know some kitty cats who need a serious "timeout."
The temperature in the garage won't hurt the tree, in fact cold is much better than warm. The bad thing is having the cut surface of the trunk exposed to air for more than a few hours. If that's happened, cut another 1/2 inch or so off the bottom before putting back up in the stand and in water. This will re-open the tissue which absorbs water. Also, depending on how cold it is in your garage, if it's much below freezing, the branches could be brittle and susceptible to snapping, so handle with care if the tree is frozen.
You should invest in a sturdier tree stand if your cats are going to continue behaving badly. Depending on your room set-up, you could also try securing the tree with some fishing line tied to something stationary like an end table or something, to keep it from tipping again.
"Cats Behaving Badly" ... wasn't that a one-hit wonder band in the 80's?.....
Showing posts with label Pets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pets. Show all posts
Friday, December 16, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
More Pets ...
What a wild and wacky day. The Web site was down for a while. Suffice it to say, that makes for a difficult time at the association because we rely on the Web site to disseminate so much information, including this blog.
We received more “best tree for a cat” questions today...it’s kind of weird how a topic will be asked about in bunches. We received 5 or 6 questions about cats and Christmas Trees in a 24 hour period. In addition to what I replied yesterday, a comprehensive web site that has tips for pet safety during the holidays is http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/12-27-2003-48932.asp.
We’re having great media coverage of the Trees for Troops program. FedEx picked up trees in New York state, Minnesota and Oregon today. Tomorrow they are picking up trees in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and California.
Found an interesting news story today broadcast on an Atlanta TV station. There was a scientist from a university in North Carolina urging people to heed the warning labels on fake trees that they contain lead. Of course, here in St. Louis, we’re well aware of the health hazards of lead.
Yet another reason to use a natural farm-grown Christmas Tree instead of a fake, plastic one. We have collected other not-so-well-known tidbits about fake trees on the “Fake Tree” page.
We received more “best tree for a cat” questions today...it’s kind of weird how a topic will be asked about in bunches. We received 5 or 6 questions about cats and Christmas Trees in a 24 hour period. In addition to what I replied yesterday, a comprehensive web site that has tips for pet safety during the holidays is http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/12-27-2003-48932.asp.
We’re having great media coverage of the Trees for Troops program. FedEx picked up trees in New York state, Minnesota and Oregon today. Tomorrow they are picking up trees in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and California.
Found an interesting news story today broadcast on an Atlanta TV station. There was a scientist from a university in North Carolina urging people to heed the warning labels on fake trees that they contain lead. Of course, here in St. Louis, we’re well aware of the health hazards of lead.
Yet another reason to use a natural farm-grown Christmas Tree instead of a fake, plastic one. We have collected other not-so-well-known tidbits about fake trees on the “Fake Tree” page.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Pets & Trees
OK...here’s a good question, not uncommon. Kim writes:
What kind of tree should I get?? I have 2 cats, one adult female and one 7 month old male. I also have a 3 year old grandson in my home. I had been using an artificial tree for the last couple of years but would like to return to a real one this year as this will be the first real Christmas for my grandson.
Thank you, Kim
First of all, I’m glad you’ve decided to switch back to a Real Christmas Tree!
I’m not sure an absolute answer can be given for what kind of tree to get. I would say this: if you’re concern is about the tree being tipped over from active cats or inquisitive 3 year-old kids, the species doesn’t matter, the stand is very important. Make sure you use a very stable and heavy tree stand, and try a smaller tree - say 5-6 feet tall only. Those are lighter and less likely to tip over.
Some people have recommended using a Blue Spruce for the first time if you have cats. The rationale being, if a cat tries to climb inside the tree, the Blue Spruce has prickly, sharp needles...not fun to climb in. But that same trait can also make them harder to decorate, just use some work gloves or gardening gloves.
No matter what species you get, I think you’ll be happy when you realize the special memories you helped create with your grandson when you go out to pick out the very special tree for your family to enjoy. You simply can’t get those same kind of memories if you drag a box of a fake tree out of storage.
What kind of tree should I get?? I have 2 cats, one adult female and one 7 month old male. I also have a 3 year old grandson in my home. I had been using an artificial tree for the last couple of years but would like to return to a real one this year as this will be the first real Christmas for my grandson.
Thank you, Kim
First of all, I’m glad you’ve decided to switch back to a Real Christmas Tree!
I’m not sure an absolute answer can be given for what kind of tree to get. I would say this: if you’re concern is about the tree being tipped over from active cats or inquisitive 3 year-old kids, the species doesn’t matter, the stand is very important. Make sure you use a very stable and heavy tree stand, and try a smaller tree - say 5-6 feet tall only. Those are lighter and less likely to tip over.
Some people have recommended using a Blue Spruce for the first time if you have cats. The rationale being, if a cat tries to climb inside the tree, the Blue Spruce has prickly, sharp needles...not fun to climb in. But that same trait can also make them harder to decorate, just use some work gloves or gardening gloves.
No matter what species you get, I think you’ll be happy when you realize the special memories you helped create with your grandson when you go out to pick out the very special tree for your family to enjoy. You simply can’t get those same kind of memories if you drag a box of a fake tree out of storage.
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