How to Make Cat Repellent to Put on a Christmas Tree
A beautifully decorated Christmas tree is one of the biggest delights of the holiday season. To your cat, however, the tree is a tempting playground filled with opportunities to climb, pounce, swat and hide. Though you cannot entirely eliminate the risk of Fluffy climbing the tree or swatting ornaments off the branches, you can discourage her with scents disliked by most felines. Citrus and strong herbal scents, including eucalyptus and peppermint, are unpleasant to the typical cat. Spray your Christmas tree with homemade cat repellent to send Fluffy scurrying.
Step 1
Fill a 1-quart spray bottle with water.
Step 2
Add a teaspoon of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to the water.
Step 3
Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange oil into the bottle.
Step 4
Cap the bottle and shake the mixture thoroughly.
Step 5
Spray the repellent onto the entire Christmas tree. Add extra spray to the lower branches and the trunk of the tree.
Step 6
Respray the tree several times each week.
Tip
Hang peppermint candy canes on the tree for an extra deterrent to a persistent feline.
Tip
You can also hang dried citrus peels on the tree or scatter them around the base.
Tip
Keep your cat secured in another room away from the tree at night and during the day while you are away from home.
Things You Will Need
- Spray bottle
- Water, 1 quart
- Eucalyptus or peppermint oil, 1 teaspoon
- Lemon or orange oil, 1 tablespoon
- Measuring spoons
References
Writer Bio
Living in California, Michelle Ullman is a professional writer with particular expertise in home, garden and pet/nature topics. Her work is published on many websites. She loves crafts and has a deep interest in design and DIY projects.
Photo Credits
- Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
- Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
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