How to Stop Cats From Eating Plastic Trees

Approximately 93.6 million cats were owned in the United States in 2010, reports a survey by the Humane Society of the United States. Many of these cats, while considered beloved pets and even members of the family, have behavioral problems. Some cats are drawn to plastic and will lick, bite, and even eat plastic objects. In the case of plastic trees, cats are further drawn to the look of plant life. Both short-term and long-term solutions can be applied to stop your cat from eating plastic trees.

Things You'll Need

  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Cat toys
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Instructions

  1. Short-Term Solution

    • 1

      Mix a 1/2 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water and pour this solution into a spray bottle.

    • 2

      Spray the leaves, needles, branches and trunk of the plastic tree with the vinegar solution. This will work as a scent and taste deterrent for your cat.

    • 3

      Respray the plastic tree on a weekly basis to keep a strong scent and taste of vinegar on the plastic.

    Long-Term Solution

    • 4

      Provide plenty of toys, catnip and scratchable objects for the cat. Sometimes a cat is destructive because it isn't getting enough interaction or doesn't have enough things to play with.

    • 5

      Encourage your cat to play with these items and praise it when it does so. You can praise your cat by playing with it, speaking its name in a positive tone and petting it.

    • 6

      Spray water at your cat when you catch it eating or biting at the plastic tree. Many cats don't like getting wet and are startled by the sound of the spray bottle and the feel of the water. Try to be as consistent as possible with this action. It may take some time for the cat to associate the negative consequence of getting sprayed with eating the tree.

    • 7

      Say "no" to your cat in a firm, serious voice when spraying it with water. The word "no" is generally something a cat learns to associate with doing something wrong.

    • 8

      Continue this process until your cat learns to stop biting and eating the plastic tree.