Cat Chewing On Christmas Lights

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got a cat and you’re gearing up for the holidays. 

Putting up Christmas lights when you have a curious kitty can be a bit of a challenge. You might have noticed your furry friend eyeing those twinkling lights with a little too much interest. 

Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this.

In this post, I’ll explain why cats like chewing on Christmas lights, how dangerous it is, and how to make them stop.

Why Do Cats Chew On Christmas Lights?

Cats are naturally curious creatures. 

To them, these strings of lights might look like the most exciting new toy in town. The way they move slightly or catch the light can trigger that hunter instinct our cats have. 

And let’s not forget, some cats just love to chew on things, and those wires might feel pretty good on their teeth.

Some kitties might even be drawn to the warmth of the lights or just intrigued by this new thing that’s suddenly appeared in their territory.

Also Read: LED Christmas Lights Dim

How Dangerous Is It For A Cat To Chew On Christmas Lights?

Chewing on Christmas lights can be extremely dangerous for a cat. The biggest risk is electrocution which can cause nasty burns in your cat’s mouth or, in the worst case, be fatal. 

This risk goes up if you’re using older lights with wires that might be wearing thin. 

But that’s not all. If your kitty manages to break a bulb, they could end up swallowing sharp pieces of glass or toxic chemicals found in some lights. 

Even if nothing bad happens right away, a cat that keeps chewing on wires could damage them enough to start an electrical fire in your home.

How To Cat Proof Christmas Lights

Don’t worry, you don’t have to choose between your cat and your Christmas spirit. There are plenty of ways to keep cats from chewing christmas lights:

#1 Keep Lights Higher

This one’s pretty straightforward. If your cat can’t reach the lights, they can’t chew on them. 

Try decorating the upper parts of your Christmas tree or hang lights up high in your room. 

You might have to skip putting lights on the lower branches or along the floor, but it’s worth it.

Also Read: Can you cut christmas lights

#2 Cover Wires

Exposed wires are like an invitation for curious cats. So, let’s hide them! 

You can buy cord covers or tubing made for electrical wires.They come in different colors, so you can match them to your decorations.

These covers will make the wires harder for your cat to get at and less fun to chew on.

If you want to go the extra mile, try wrapping the wires in aluminum foil. Most cats aren’t fans of how it feels or sounds. Or try split loom tubing.

Bonus: it makes your light display look super neat and organized.

#3 Use Deterrent Sprays

Cats have strong opinions about smells, and we can use that to our advantage. 

There are sprays out there that cats really don’t like – like citrus or bitter apple. Spray these around your lights (not on them), and your cat might decide they’re not so interesting after all. 

Just remember to reapply the spray every now and then, especially if you notice your cat getting curious about the lights again.

Some people even switch between different scents to keep their cats guessing.

#4 Create A Barrier

Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense. 

Put something between your cat and the lights. You could use a tree skirt or a little fence around your Christmas tree. They look festive and keep the kitty out.

Or you can keep the tree in a room that can be closed off when you’re not home.

For other light displays, try clear plastic sheets or decorative screens. This way, you can still see and enjoy your lights, but your cat can’t get to them.

Also Read: No plug outside for christmas lights

#5 Unplug When Not in Use

Here’s an easy one – when you’re not around to keep an eye on things, unplug those lights. 

No power means no risk of your cat getting shocked, and cool wires are less interesting to cats than warm ones. And it saves energy too, which is always a plus. 

Make it a habit to unplug before you leave the house or go to bed.

If you’re forgetful (no judgment here), try getting smart plugs or timers. They can turn your lights on and off automatically.

#6 Negative Reinforcement

Now, we usually prefer to reward good behavior in cats, but sometimes you need to discourage the bad stuff, especially when it’s dangerous. 

This doesn’t mean punishing your cat, just making them associate the lights with something they don’t like.

You could use a spray bottle to give them a little spritz of water if they go for the lights, or make a loud noise to startle them away.

#7 Use Low-Voltage Lights

Have you thought about switching to LED Christmas lights?

They use less power, don’t get hot, and come in all sorts of colors and styles. This means if your cat does manage to get to them, the risk is much lower. 

Plus, many LED sets have cool features like dimming or different light patterns. 

You might even find a setting that your cat finds less interesting, which is a win-win.

Wrapping Up

Keeping your cat from chewing on Christmas lights takes a bit of work, but it’s totally doable. 

Mix and match these strategies to find what works best for you and your cat. Remember, no single method is perfect, so keep an eye on how your cat behaves around your decorations. 

If your kitty just won’t leave those lights alone, it might be time to rethink your decorating style.

FAQs

Can A Cat Get Electrocuted From Chewing On Christmas Lights?

Yes, a cat can get electrocuted from chewing on Christmas lights. The electrical current running through the lights can cause serious injuries or even be fatal.

Cat Ate Christmas Light Bulb

If your cat ate a Christmas light bulb, call your vet right away. The glass could hurt their mouth, throat, and stomach.

Do Cats Like Christmas Lights?

They don’t necessarily like Christmas lights, but some cats may be curious about them and may try to play with or chew on them.