We all know how pretty a trimmed tree can be, but if you have pets you need to consider what you put on that tree. Cats love things that dangle and love to climb. I'm sure the dogs and cats in your household think it's great that you brought a tree in just for them.
If you are using a real tree that needs to have water, never put anything in the water that is used to keep a tree alive longer. It may be good for the tree but often times can be deadly for your pet.
Tinsel & icicles are pretty, but again can be deadly for the pet that decides to eat them. They do not digest well and can get tangled up in the intestines causing death, or a very expensive vet bill. The same goes for popcorn on a string.
If you are hanging ornaments, make sure, at least, that the bottom ones are plastic. I use to think it was funny when my dog would stand there playing baseball with his tail and watching the ornaments break against the wall as a kid. Those sharp shards are hard to clean up and I was usually the one who stepped on them.
You can use bitter apple on the lower limbs to keep pets away from the tree, you just have to remember they are there so you don't get zapped. Been there, done that....not a pleasant feeling.
With cats, I don't know what to tell you as far as keeping them from climbing that great scratching post you just purchased. I decided years ago that my household wasn't tree friendly so I keep the trees outside.
I hope everyone has a safe holiday season and can enjoy it with their tree intact.
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