How to Keep Cats Out of Your Christmas Tree With Oranges
My exhaustive quest for something - anything - to keep cats out of the Christmas tree is complete.
I found the solution and all it took was a dozen Florida naval oranges and 6 hours of baking time. Ready? Let's go.
Here's the secret: Cats Do Not Like the Smell of Oranges.
1. Slice the oranges
So, to begin, slice oranges into circles.
2. Bake the orange slices
Set the oranges on parchment paper on baking sheets. Bake in a low-temperature oven (150 degrees F) for 6 hours.
Parchment paper...Amazon LINK.
Disclaimer: On my first attempt, I tried setting out the oranges in the sun for 3 days and while the oranges did dry out, the drying wasn't sufficient.
Once the oranges were brought into the warmth of the house, the oranges started to rot and turn black. The 6-hour oven drying is the way to go.
4. Thread baking twine onto the orange slices
Once thoroughly dry, thread the oranges with red/white baking twine. Create a loop for hanging the dried oranges on the tree.
Red/White Bakery Twine...Amazon LINK.
5. Hang the ornaments
Hang the oranges on Christmas trees, wreaths, and everywhere that cats will go to wreak havoc with the decorations.
The light scent of orange will fill your home, look lovely as ornaments, and most important of all...
Keep crazy cats out of the Christmas decorations!
Merry Christmas!
What do you think of this cat vs Christmas tree hack? Let me know in the comments below.
Fondly, Jeanne - Doodle T and Me!
DIY Christmas Decorations
Comments
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Hi Lp: All cats are different...lucky for you, none of your cats are interested in climbing into the tree...we have one that is, and one that is more frightened of the tree and stays clear...however, both enjoy sleeping on the lovely, luxuriously soft velvet tree skirt under the tree...I can deal with that. 😻 Jeanne of Doodle T and Me!
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That last photo doesn’t really support your work - cat doesn’t seem bothered by the orange ornament right there behind him. 😉
My two don’t climb, but they sometimes mess with the gifts. So I may try this for the lower branches.
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