How to Keep Cats Out of Your Christmas Tree With Oranges

Doodle T and Me!
by Doodle T and Me!
3 Materials
$10
8 Hours
Easy

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.

Cat

Here's the secret: Cats Do Not Like the Smell of Oranges.

Oranges

1. Slice the oranges

So, to begin, slice oranges into circles.

Slices oranges

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.

Baking the orange slices

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.

Dried orange slices

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.

Threading twine onto the orange slices

5. Hang the ornaments

Hang the oranges on Christmas trees, wreaths, and everywhere that cats will go to wreak havoc with the decorations.

Orange slice Christmas ornaments

The light scent of orange will fill your home, look lovely as ornaments, and most important of all...

Orange slice ornament hanging on a tree

Keep crazy cats out of the Christmas decorations!

Cat by the Christmas tree

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

For more tips and tricks, discover Hometalk's top Christmas tree hacks.

Suggested materials:
  • Naval Oranges   (Grocery Store)
  • Red/White Bakery Twine   (Amazon)
  • Parchment paper   (Amazon)
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3 of 4 comments
  • Doodle T and Me! Doodle T and Me! on Sep 29, 2023

    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. đŸ˜» Jeanne of Doodle T and Me!

  • Patricia Patricia on Sep 30, 2023

    That last photo doesn’t really support your work - cat doesn’t seem bothered by the orange ornament right there behind him. đŸ˜‰

    My two don’t climb, but they sometimes mess with the gifts. So I may try this for the lower branches.

    • Doodle T and Me! Doodle T and Me! on Sep 30, 2023

      Hi Patricia...the "ornament" you are referencing is a sliced orange...this is my crazy smart/difficult cat and she is quite annoyed by the smell, which is perfect, because she has not ventured into the tree...so the experiment works...for now. Thanks for sharing. Jeanne of Doodle T and Me!

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