I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. But I know there are a
lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.

My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. Of course for
the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. I wasn't much
into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to my
in-law's house in another state for Christmas.

When my daughter was born, I decided she needed a tree. Had a real one that
first year and artificial ones after. First a little one then big ones. I
only used unbreakable ornaments until she was 4. I have some antique
ornaments and we collect a lot that look like animals, flowers and other
fancy things. I'm not so much into the plain ones.

Well, Maui never bothered the tree at all. Or the presents for that matter.
But she is gone now.

Our two new cats are mom and baby. Mom just turned three and baby is one.
Mom is somewhat curious but not that bad. Baby however just had a growth
spurt and can now climb to new heights. She is into anything and
everything. Because I make jewelry, I have some retail type racks for
earrings and necklaces on my dresser. She was up there this morning batting
the jewelry around. She also found the three little pumpkins that I bought
for my daughter. They were in a net bag. She had the bag in her mouth and
was dragging it around trying to get the pumpkins out. Mom seemed
fascinated with the pumpkins as well and liked to sniff them.

So I got to thinking... What might they do to a Christmas tree? The
thoughts weren't good. So I told my daughter we would not put up our tree
this year. Got a new one last year. Tall and slim. Pale pink with dark
pink lights. Very pretty and goes well with our selection of ornaments.
But I had visions of the baby climbing it, biting at the lights and batting
at the ornaments. Daughter didn't think the wall tree would be safe either
because where we put it on the wall is a place they could easily reach if
they got into the window.

So... I found a two foot high sliver tree with white lights and small
plastic balls at Target. It's a little pathetic looking but seemingly
unbreakable and festive. I bought it. Figured it would be easy enough to
pick up and take elsewhere if the cats start biting the lights.

But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? Will the
baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree with real glass
ornaments? I know she would try to eat tinsel. So I wouldn't use that.
She did eat a piece of pink Easter grass. No clue where she got that from.
But she did eat it and puked it. People have told me to hang the tree from
the ceiling but I haven't a clue how to do that. And when I ask them what
they mean by hanging it they just look at me like I am an idiot. One person
said she just used a macramé plant hanger. I thought perhaps she meant that
she was using one of those maybe foot high real decorated trees. But she
said she had a really big one. That wouldn't work here anyway because I
have low ceilings. I would have to have like an 8 inch tree hung close to
the ceiling for them not to get to it. They can both jump really high. I
am beginning to think that Maui was in some way abnormal. She just never
jumped on things at all.

On Oct 18, 3:28*pm, "Julie Bove" > wrote:
> I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. *But I know there are a
> lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>
> My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. *Of course for
> the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. *I wasn't much
> into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to my
> in-law's house in another state for Christmas.
>
> When my daughter was born, I decided she needed a tree. *Had a real one that
> first year and artificial ones after. *First a little one then big ones.. *I
> only used unbreakable ornaments until she was 4. *I have some antique
> ornaments and we collect a lot that look like animals, flowers and other
> fancy things. *I'm not so much into the plain ones.
>
> Well, Maui never bothered the tree at all. *Or the presents for that matter.
> But she is gone now.
>
> Our two new cats are mom and baby. *Mom just turned three and baby is one.
> Mom is somewhat curious but not that bad. *Baby however just had a growth
> spurt and can now climb to new heights. *She is into anything and
> everything. *Because I make jewelry, I have some retail type racks for
> earrings and necklaces on my dresser. *She was up there this morning batting
> the jewelry around. *She also found the three little pumpkins that I bought
> for my daughter. *They were in a net bag. *She had the bag in her mouth and
> was dragging it around trying to get the pumpkins out. *Mom seemed
> fascinated with the pumpkins as well and liked to sniff them.
>
> So I got to thinking... *What might they do to a Christmas tree? *The
> thoughts weren't good. *So I told my daughter we would not put up our tree
> this year. *Got a new one last year. *Tall and slim. *Pale pink with dark
> pink lights. *Very pretty and goes well with our selection of ornaments..
> But I had visions of the baby climbing it, biting at the lights and batting
> at the ornaments. *Daughter didn't think the wall tree would be safe either
> because where we put it on the wall is a place they could easily reach if
> they got into the window.
>
> So... *I found a two foot high sliver tree with white lights and small
> plastic balls at Target. *It's a little pathetic looking but seemingly
> unbreakable and festive. *I bought it. *Figured it would be easy enough to
> pick up and take elsewhere if the cats start biting the lights.
>
> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? *Will the
> baby outgrow her curiosity? *Are you able to put up a tree with real glass
> ornaments? *I know she would try to eat tinsel. *So I wouldn't use that.
> She did eat a piece of pink Easter grass. *No clue where she got that from.
> But she did eat it and puked it. *People have told me to hang the tree from
> the ceiling but I haven't a clue how to do that. *And when I ask them what
> they mean by hanging it they just look at me like I am an idiot. *One person
> said she just used a macram� plant hanger. *I thought perhaps she meant that
> she was using one of those maybe foot high real decorated trees. *But she
> said she had a really big one. *That wouldn't work here anyway because I
> have low ceilings. *I would have to have like an 8 inch tree hung close to
> the ceiling for them not to get to it. *They can both jump really high. *I
> am beginning to think that Maui was in some way abnormal. *She just never
> jumped on things at all.

I hope you got the mother cat spayed.

On 10/18/2011 6:28 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
> I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. But I know there are a
> lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>
> My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. Of course for
> the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. I wasn't much
> into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to my
> in-law's house in another state for Christmas.
>
> When my daughter was born, I decided she needed a tree. Had a real one that
> first year and artificial ones after. First a little one then big ones. I
> only used unbreakable ornaments until she was 4. I have some antique
> ornaments and we collect a lot that look like animals, flowers and other
> fancy things. I'm not so much into the plain ones.
>
> Well, Maui never bothered the tree at all. Or the presents for that matter.
> But she is gone now.
>
> Our two new cats are mom and baby. Mom just turned three and baby is one.
> Mom is somewhat curious but not that bad. Baby however just had a growth
> spurt and can now climb to new heights. She is into anything and
> everything. Because I make jewelry, I have some retail type racks for
> earrings and necklaces on my dresser. She was up there this morning batting
> the jewelry around. She also found the three little pumpkins that I bought
> for my daughter. They were in a net bag. She had the bag in her mouth and
> was dragging it around trying to get the pumpkins out. Mom seemed
> fascinated with the pumpkins as well and liked to sniff them.
>
> So I got to thinking... What might they do to a Christmas tree? The
> thoughts weren't good. So I told my daughter we would not put up our tree
> this year. Got a new one last year. Tall and slim. Pale pink with dark
> pink lights. Very pretty and goes well with our selection of ornaments.
> But I had visions of the baby climbing it, biting at the lights and batting
> at the ornaments. Daughter didn't think the wall tree would be safe either
> because where we put it on the wall is a place they could easily reach if
> they got into the window.
>
> So... I found a two foot high sliver tree with white lights and small
> plastic balls at Target. It's a little pathetic looking but seemingly
> unbreakable and festive. I bought it. Figured it would be easy enough to
> pick up and take elsewhere if the cats start biting the lights.
>
> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? Will the
> baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree with real glass
> ornaments? I know she would try to eat tinsel. So I wouldn't use that.
> She did eat a piece of pink Easter grass. No clue where she got that from.
> But she did eat it and puked it. People have told me to hang the tree from
> the ceiling but I haven't a clue how to do that. And when I ask them what
> they mean by hanging it they just look at me like I am an idiot. One person
> said she just used a macramé plant hanger. I thought perhaps she meant that
> she was using one of those maybe foot high real decorated trees. But she
> said she had a really big one. That wouldn't work here anyway because I
> have low ceilings. I would have to have like an 8 inch tree hung close to
> the ceiling for them not to get to it. They can both jump really high. I
> am beginning to think that Maui was in some way abnormal. She just never
> jumped on things at all.
>
>
I didn't put up a tree for several years for a few reasons, and one was
young cats in the house. Last year I put one up and I do hang it from
the ceiling. It just means put a hook in the ceiling (a hook you hang
on the back of a bathroom door for a bathrobe works) and tie some
fishing line or other fine string around the top of the tree, and the
other end around the hook. The tree still reaches the floor and is in a
tree base. It prevents them from knocking it over. I hang unbreakable
ornaments where they can be reached by curious cats, but be careful with
the hooks. It doesn't stop from finding an ornament from higher up on
the floor now and then.

"Chemo the Clown" > wrote in message
...
On Oct 18, 3:28 pm, "Julie Bove" > wrote:
> I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. But I know there are a
> lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>
> My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. Of course for
> the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. I wasn't much
> into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to my
> in-law's house in another state for Christmas.
>
> When my daughter was born, I decided she needed a tree. Had a real one
> that
> first year and artificial ones after. First a little one then big ones. I
> only used unbreakable ornaments until she was 4. I have some antique
> ornaments and we collect a lot that look like animals, flowers and other
> fancy things. I'm not so much into the plain ones.
>
> Well, Maui never bothered the tree at all. Or the presents for that
> matter.
> But she is gone now.
>
> Our two new cats are mom and baby. Mom just turned three and baby is one.
> Mom is somewhat curious but not that bad. Baby however just had a growth
> spurt and can now climb to new heights. She is into anything and
> everything. Because I make jewelry, I have some retail type racks for
> earrings and necklaces on my dresser. She was up there this morning
> batting
> the jewelry around. She also found the three little pumpkins that I bought
> for my daughter. They were in a net bag. She had the bag in her mouth and
> was dragging it around trying to get the pumpkins out. Mom seemed
> fascinated with the pumpkins as well and liked to sniff them.
>
> So I got to thinking... What might they do to a Christmas tree? The
> thoughts weren't good. So I told my daughter we would not put up our tree
> this year. Got a new one last year. Tall and slim. Pale pink with dark
> pink lights. Very pretty and goes well with our selection of ornaments.
> But I had visions of the baby climbing it, biting at the lights and
> batting
> at the ornaments. Daughter didn't think the wall tree would be safe either
> because where we put it on the wall is a place they could easily reach if
> they got into the window.
>
> So... I found a two foot high sliver tree with white lights and small
> plastic balls at Target. It's a little pathetic looking but seemingly
> unbreakable and festive. I bought it. Figured it would be easy enough to
> pick up and take elsewhere if the cats start biting the lights.
>
> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? Will the
> baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree with real glass
> ornaments? I know she would try to eat tinsel. So I wouldn't use that.
> She did eat a piece of pink Easter grass. No clue where she got that from.
> But she did eat it and puked it. People have told me to hang the tree from
> the ceiling but I haven't a clue how to do that. And when I ask them what
> they mean by hanging it they just look at me like I am an idiot. One
> person
> said she just used a macram� plant hanger. I thought perhaps she meant
> that
> she was using one of those maybe foot high real decorated trees. But she
> said she had a really big one. That wouldn't work here anyway because I
> have low ceilings. I would have to have like an 8 inch tree hung close to
> the ceiling for them not to get to it. They can both jump really high. I
> am beginning to think that Maui was in some way abnormal. She just never
> jumped on things at all.

I hope you got the mother cat spayed.

She already was. They were shelter cats.

"Cheryl" > wrote in message
...
> I didn't put up a tree for several years for a few reasons, and one was
> young cats in the house. Last year I put one up and I do hang it from the
> ceiling. It just means put a hook in the ceiling (a hook you hang on the
> back of a bathroom door for a bathrobe works) and tie some fishing line or
> other fine string around the top of the tree, and the other end around the
> hook. The tree still reaches the floor and is in a tree base. It
> prevents them from knocking it over. I hang unbreakable ornaments where
> they can be reached by curious cats, but be careful with the hooks. It
> doesn't stop from finding an ornament from higher up on the floor now and
> then.

Ahhh... I see. I assumed that the tree was just hanging in the air.
Thanks!

On Oct 18, 7:21*pm, Cheryl > wrote:
> On 10/18/2011 6:28 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
> > I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. *But I know there are a
> > lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>
> > My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. *Of course for
> > the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. *I wasn't much
> > into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to my
> > in-law's house in another state for Christmas.
>
> > When my daughter was born, I decided she needed a tree. *Had a real one that
> > first year and artificial ones after. *First a little one then big ones. *I
> > only used unbreakable ornaments until she was 4. *I have some antique
> > ornaments and we collect a lot that look like animals, flowers and other
> > fancy things. *I'm not so much into the plain ones.
>
> > Well, Maui never bothered the tree at all. *Or the presents for that matter.
> > But she is gone now.
>
> > Our two new cats are mom and baby. *Mom just turned three and baby is one.
> > Mom is somewhat curious but not that bad. *Baby however just had a growth
> > spurt and can now climb to new heights. *She is into anything and
> > everything. *Because I make jewelry, I have some retail type racks for
> > earrings and necklaces on my dresser. *She was up there this morning batting
> > the jewelry around. *She also found the three little pumpkins that I bought
> > for my daughter. *They were in a net bag. *She had the bag in her mouth and
> > was dragging it around trying to get the pumpkins out. *Mom seemed
> > fascinated with the pumpkins as well and liked to sniff them.
>
> > So I got to thinking... *What might they do to a Christmas tree? *The
> > thoughts weren't good. *So I told my daughter we would not put up our tree
> > this year. *Got a new one last year. *Tall and slim. *Pale pink with dark
> > pink lights. *Very pretty and goes well with our selection of ornaments.
> > But I had visions of the baby climbing it, biting at the lights and batting
> > at the ornaments. *Daughter didn't think the wall tree would be safe either
> > because where we put it on the wall is a place they could easily reach if
> > they got into the window.
>
> > So... *I found a two foot high sliver tree with white lights and small
> > plastic balls at Target. *It's a little pathetic looking but seemingly
> > unbreakable and festive. *I bought it. *Figured it would be easy enough to
> > pick up and take elsewhere if the cats start biting the lights.
>
> > But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? *Will the
> > baby outgrow her curiosity? *Are you able to put up a tree with real glass
> > ornaments? *I know she would try to eat tinsel. *So I wouldn't use that.
> > She did eat a piece of pink Easter grass. *No clue where she got that from.
> > But she did eat it and puked it. *People have told me to hang the tree from
> > the ceiling but I haven't a clue how to do that. *And when I ask them what
> > they mean by hanging it they just look at me like I am an idiot. *One person
> > said she just used a macram� plant hanger. *I thought perhaps she meant that
> > she was using one of those maybe foot high real decorated trees. *But she
> > said she had a really big one. *That wouldn't work here anyway because I
> > have low ceilings. *I would have to have like an 8 inch tree hung close to
> > the ceiling for them not to get to it. *They can both jump really high. *I
> > am beginning to think that Maui was in some way abnormal. *She just never
> > jumped on things at all.
>
> I didn't put up a tree for several years for a few reasons, and one was
> young cats in the house. *Last year I put one up and I do hang it from
> the ceiling. *It just means put a hook in the ceiling (a hook you hang
> on the back of a bathroom door for a bathrobe works) and tie some
> fishing line or other fine string around the top of the tree, and the
> other end around the hook. *The tree still reaches the floor and is in a
> tree base. *It prevents them from knocking it over. *I hang unbreakable
> ornaments where they can be reached by curious cats, but be careful with
> the hooks. *It doesn't stop from finding an ornament from higher up on
> the floor now and then.

I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live in
the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
inside for many days.
How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. The only experience I have
are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. I don't
want to declaw them, but is that necessary? etc.

On Oct 18, 8:18*pm, A Moose in Love >
wrote:
> On Oct 18, 7:21*pm, Cheryl > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On 10/18/2011 6:28 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
> > > I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. *But I know there are a
> > > lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>
> > > My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. *Of course for
> > > the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. *I wasn't much
> > > into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to my
> > > in-law's house in another state for Christmas.
>
> > > When my daughter was born, I decided she needed a tree. *Had a real one that
> > > first year and artificial ones after. *First a little one then big ones. *I
> > > only used unbreakable ornaments until she was 4. *I have some antique
> > > ornaments and we collect a lot that look like animals, flowers and other
> > > fancy things. *I'm not so much into the plain ones.
>
> > > Well, Maui never bothered the tree at all. *Or the presents for that matter.
> > > But she is gone now.
>
> > > Our two new cats are mom and baby. *Mom just turned three and baby is one.
> > > Mom is somewhat curious but not that bad. *Baby however just had a growth
> > > spurt and can now climb to new heights. *She is into anything and
> > > everything. *Because I make jewelry, I have some retail type racks for
> > > earrings and necklaces on my dresser. *She was up there this morning batting
> > > the jewelry around. *She also found the three little pumpkins that I bought
> > > for my daughter. *They were in a net bag. *She had the bag in her mouth and
> > > was dragging it around trying to get the pumpkins out. *Mom seemed
> > > fascinated with the pumpkins as well and liked to sniff them.
>
> > > So I got to thinking... *What might they do to a Christmas tree? *The
> > > thoughts weren't good. *So I told my daughter we would not put up our tree
> > > this year. *Got a new one last year. *Tall and slim. *Pale pink with dark
> > > pink lights. *Very pretty and goes well with our selection of ornaments.
> > > But I had visions of the baby climbing it, biting at the lights and batting
> > > at the ornaments. *Daughter didn't think the wall tree would be safe either
> > > because where we put it on the wall is a place they could easily reach if
> > > they got into the window.
>
> > > So... *I found a two foot high sliver tree with white lights and small
> > > plastic balls at Target. *It's a little pathetic looking but seemingly
> > > unbreakable and festive. *I bought it. *Figured it would be easy enough to
> > > pick up and take elsewhere if the cats start biting the lights.
>
> > > But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? *Will the
> > > baby outgrow her curiosity? *Are you able to put up a tree with real glass
> > > ornaments? *I know she would try to eat tinsel. *So I wouldn't use that.
> > > She did eat a piece of pink Easter grass. *No clue where she got that from.
> > > But she did eat it and puked it. *People have told me to hang the tree from
> > > the ceiling but I haven't a clue how to do that. *And when I ask them what
> > > they mean by hanging it they just look at me like I am an idiot. *One person
> > > said she just used a macram� plant hanger. *I thought perhaps she meant that
> > > she was using one of those maybe foot high real decorated trees. *But she
> > > said she had a really big one. *That wouldn't work here anyway because I
> > > have low ceilings. *I would have to have like an 8 inch tree hung close to
> > > the ceiling for them not to get to it. *They can both jump really high. *I
> > > am beginning to think that Maui was in some way abnormal. *She just never
> > > jumped on things at all.
>
> > I didn't put up a tree for several years for a few reasons, and one was
> > young cats in the house. *Last year I put one up and I do hang it from
> > the ceiling. *It just means put a hook in the ceiling (a hook you hang
> > on the back of a bathroom door for a bathrobe works) and tie some
> > fishing line or other fine string around the top of the tree, and the
> > other end around the hook. *The tree still reaches the floor and is in a
> > tree base. *It prevents them from knocking it over. *I hang unbreakable
> > ornaments where they can be reached by curious cats, but be careful with
> > the hooks. *It doesn't stop from finding an ornament from higher up on
> > the floor now and then.
>
> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. *I live in
> the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
> However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
> inside for many days.
> How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. *The only experience I have
> are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. *I don't
> want to declaw them, but is that necessary? *etc.

Figure a good thou a year for vet bills, food, litter......
Yeah, they lose hair like crazy.

"Julie Bove" wrote:
>
>But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? Will the
>baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree with real glass
>ornaments?

I put up a real tree every year, none of my cats have ever attempted
to climb or in any way bother the ornaments... all they do is claim
their sleeping spots underneath. They like the blinking lights best,
they lie on their backs looking up and go into a hypnotic trance... I
shut off the lights when I go to bed but they sleep under their tree
all night.

On 10/18/2011 8:18 PM, A Moose in Love wrote:

> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live in
> the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
> However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
> inside for many days.
> How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. The only experience I have
> are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. I don't
> want to declaw them, but is that necessary? etc.

First, there is no reason to declaw a cat. They come with claws and if
you don't like that feature, pick another pet.

They mostly do shed, and they scratch things. You can give them things
that belong to them to scratch on, and trust me, they learn that they
belong to them and they can scratch to their hearts content. You have to
learn what they like to scratch. Some like vertical, some like
horizontal. I offer both for scratching. I have cat trees that fit the
decor of the rooms they are in, and are located where they can climb and
love to look over their domain. I have smaller scratching posts at the
corner of furniture that the cats would like to scratch, but the posts
are more delightful for them so they use them.

Vet bills are something you can't predict. I once used a vet insurance
policy but the first time they paid out it was so small it wasn't worth
it. I just plan for it in my budget. Regular exams for my cats are
about $35 but it can vary, and of course shots or other treatment will
be more.

Go for high quality food because it will likely lead to lower vet bills
from better nutrition.

Environmental enrichment is important. More than one cat will help them
have buddies. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't, but they
have their own kind around and usually bond even just for grooming or
playing (which can get rough). They may never be buddies but could
surprise you because their purrsonalities change and they can settle
down after they get comfortable.

I just offer plenty of climbing places because they love to be on top.
They like windows to survey their outside domain even if they don't go
out their. I went one further step and had a screened in porch built
for them. I'm still getting things in there for them so for now, it's
just a chair and a couple of perches to be "up" which is what they like.
They like to chew grass but it always make them hork and the grass
hasn't grown yet in their outside thing so they fight over the few
strands that do grow.

Here's a pic from part of a series from my deck renovation.
http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg

On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:28 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

>
> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? Will the
> baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree with real glass
> ornaments?

I don't know if you're going to have a tree climber or not, some
peoples cats do that. Their owners seem to think it's cute but I
would hate it! I have lots of great ornaments that I don't want
broken so I put them higher in the tree when there's a cat in the
house and only have unbreakable ornaments where the cats can reach
them because they think those dangling ornaments are kitty toys.

--
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:35:24 -0400, Cheryl >
wrote:

>On 10/18/2011 8:18 PM, A Moose in Love wrote:
>
>> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live in
>> the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
>> However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
>> inside for many days.
>> How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. The only experience I have
>> are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. I don't
>> want to declaw them, but is that necessary? etc.
>
>First, there is no reason to declaw a cat. They come with claws and if
>you don't like that feature, pick another pet.
>
>They mostly do shed, and they scratch things. You can give them things
>that belong to them to scratch on, and trust me, they learn that they
>belong to them and they can scratch to their hearts content. You have to
>learn what they like to scratch. Some like vertical, some like
>horizontal. I offer both for scratching. I have cat trees that fit the
>decor of the rooms they are in, and are located where they can climb and
>love to look over their domain. I have smaller scratching posts at the
>corner of furniture that the cats would like to scratch, but the posts
>are more delightful for them so they use them.
>
>Vet bills are something you can't predict. I once used a vet insurance
>policy but the first time they paid out it was so small it wasn't worth
>it. I just plan for it in my budget. Regular exams for my cats are
>about $35 but it can vary, and of course shots or other treatment will
>be more.
>
>Go for high quality food because it will likely lead to lower vet bills
>from better nutrition.
>
>Environmental enrichment is important. More than one cat will help them
>have buddies. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't, but they
>have their own kind around and usually bond even just for grooming or
>playing (which can get rough). They may never be buddies but could
>surprise you because their purrsonalities change and they can settle
>down after they get comfortable.
>
>I just offer plenty of climbing places because they love to be on top.
>They like windows to survey their outside domain even if they don't go
>out their. I went one further step and had a screened in porch built
>for them. I'm still getting things in there for them so for now, it's
>just a chair and a couple of perches to be "up" which is what they like.
> They like to chew grass but it always make them hork and the grass
>hasn't grown yet in their outside thing so they fight over the few
>strands that do grow.
>
>Here's a pic from part of a series from my deck renovation.
>http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg

That's a nice deck, looks new. But I hope you're not going to always
have such a crappy lawn. Take that damn grill off your deck before
you have a disaster... put it on your crappy lawn, at least 15 feet
from anything that can burn.

On 10/18/2011 10:02 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:35:24 -0400, >
> wrote:
>
>> On 10/18/2011 8:18 PM, A Moose in Love wrote:
>>
>>> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live in
>>> the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
>>> However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
>>> inside for many days.
>>> How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. The only experience I have
>>> are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. I don't
>>> want to declaw them, but is that necessary? etc.
>>
>> First, there is no reason to declaw a cat. They come with claws and if
>> you don't like that feature, pick another pet.
>>
>> They mostly do shed, and they scratch things. You can give them things
>> that belong to them to scratch on, and trust me, they learn that they
>> belong to them and they can scratch to their hearts content. You have to
>> learn what they like to scratch. Some like vertical, some like
>> horizontal. I offer both for scratching. I have cat trees that fit the
>> decor of the rooms they are in, and are located where they can climb and
>> love to look over their domain. I have smaller scratching posts at the
>> corner of furniture that the cats would like to scratch, but the posts
>> are more delightful for them so they use them.
>>
>> Vet bills are something you can't predict. I once used a vet insurance
>> policy but the first time they paid out it was so small it wasn't worth
>> it. I just plan for it in my budget. Regular exams for my cats are
>> about $35 but it can vary, and of course shots or other treatment will
>> be more.
>>
>> Go for high quality food because it will likely lead to lower vet bills
>>from better nutrition.
>>
>> Environmental enrichment is important. More than one cat will help them
>> have buddies. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't, but they
>> have their own kind around and usually bond even just for grooming or
>> playing (which can get rough). They may never be buddies but could
>> surprise you because their purrsonalities change and they can settle
>> down after they get comfortable.
>>
>> I just offer plenty of climbing places because they love to be on top.
>> They like windows to survey their outside domain even if they don't go
>> out their. I went one further step and had a screened in porch built
>> for them. I'm still getting things in there for them so for now, it's
>> just a chair and a couple of perches to be "up" which is what they like.
>> They like to chew grass but it always make them hork and the grass
>> hasn't grown yet in their outside thing so they fight over the few
>> strands that do grow.
>>
>> Here's a pic from part of a series from my deck renovation.
>> http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg
>
> That's a nice deck, looks new. But I hope you're not going to always
> have such a crappy lawn. Take that damn grill off your deck before
> you have a disaster... put it on your crappy lawn, at least 15 feet
> from anything that can burn.

Shows how much you know. It's an old deck refinished with a composite
coating finished just this weekend. The lawn has suffered during the
work.

On 10/18/2011 10:02 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:35:24 -0400, >
> wrote:
>
>> On 10/18/2011 8:18 PM, A Moose in Love wrote:
>>
>>> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live in
>>> the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
>>> However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
>>> inside for many days.
>>> How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. The only experience I have
>>> are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. I don't
>>> want to declaw them, but is that necessary? etc.
>>
>> First, there is no reason to declaw a cat. They come with claws and if
>> you don't like that feature, pick another pet.
>>
>> They mostly do shed, and they scratch things. You can give them things
>> that belong to them to scratch on, and trust me, they learn that they
>> belong to them and they can scratch to their hearts content. You have to
>> learn what they like to scratch. Some like vertical, some like
>> horizontal. I offer both for scratching. I have cat trees that fit the
>> decor of the rooms they are in, and are located where they can climb and
>> love to look over their domain. I have smaller scratching posts at the
>> corner of furniture that the cats would like to scratch, but the posts
>> are more delightful for them so they use them.
>>
>> Vet bills are something you can't predict. I once used a vet insurance
>> policy but the first time they paid out it was so small it wasn't worth
>> it. I just plan for it in my budget. Regular exams for my cats are
>> about $35 but it can vary, and of course shots or other treatment will
>> be more.
>>
>> Go for high quality food because it will likely lead to lower vet bills
>>from better nutrition.
>>
>> Environmental enrichment is important. More than one cat will help them
>> have buddies. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't, but they
>> have their own kind around and usually bond even just for grooming or
>> playing (which can get rough). They may never be buddies but could
>> surprise you because their purrsonalities change and they can settle
>> down after they get comfortable.
>>
>> I just offer plenty of climbing places because they love to be on top.
>> They like windows to survey their outside domain even if they don't go
>> out their. I went one further step and had a screened in porch built
>> for them. I'm still getting things in there for them so for now, it's
>> just a chair and a couple of perches to be "up" which is what they like.
>> They like to chew grass but it always make them hork and the grass
>> hasn't grown yet in their outside thing so they fight over the few
>> strands that do grow.
>>
>> Here's a pic from part of a series from my deck renovation.
>> http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg
>
> That's a nice deck, looks new. But I hope you're not going to always
> have such a crappy lawn. Take that damn grill off your deck before
> you have a disaster... put it on your crappy lawn, at least 15 feet
> from anything that can burn.

Here's the rest of the "after" pics of the deck.

http://i56.tinypic.com/2rc1hd3.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2iu9n3a.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/2w69q3o.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/1z8cpk.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2dh9njt.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/14kd2qc.jpg

Cheryl > wrote:
>Brooklyn1 wrote:
>> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:35:24 -0400, >
>> wrote:
>>> Here's a pic from part of a series from my deck renovation.
>>> http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg
>>
>> That's a nice deck, looks new. But I hope you're not going to always
>> have such a crappy lawn. Take that damn grill off your deck before
>> you have a disaster... put it on your crappy lawn, at least 15 feet
>> from anything that can burn.
>
>Shows how much you know. It's an old deck refinished with a composite
>coating finished just this weekend. The lawn has suffered during the
>work.

I said it looks new, I didn't say it is new.
And get the ****ing grill off that deck, I don't give a shit about you
but if your cats are underneath in that screened area they can get
roasted... you're far worse than an airhead, you're a certified
psychotic.

On 10/18/2011 10:41 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> > wrote:
>> Brooklyn1 wrote:
>>> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:35:24 -0400, >
>>> wrote:
>>>> Here's a pic from part of a series from my deck renovation.
>>>> http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg
>>>
>>> That's a nice deck, looks new. But I hope you're not going to always
>>> have such a crappy lawn. Take that damn grill off your deck before
>>> you have a disaster... put it on your crappy lawn, at least 15 feet
>>> from anything that can burn.
>>
>> Shows how much you know. It's an old deck refinished with a composite
>> coating finished just this weekend. The lawn has suffered during the
>> work.
>
> I said it looks new, I didn't say it is new.
> And get the ****ing grill off that deck, I don't give a shit about you
> but if your cats are underneath in that screened area they can get
> roasted... you're far worse than an airhead, you're a certified
> psychotic.

LOL!!!!

On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:10:07 -0400, Cheryl >
wrote:

>On 10/18/2011 10:02 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
>> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:35:24 -0400, >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 10/18/2011 8:18 PM, A Moose in Love wrote:
>>>
>>>> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live in
>>>> the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
>>>> However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
>>>> inside for many days.
>>>> How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. The only experience I have
>>>> are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. I don't
>>>> want to declaw them, but is that necessary? etc.
>>>
>>> First, there is no reason to declaw a cat. They come with claws and if
>>> you don't like that feature, pick another pet.
>>>
>>> They mostly do shed, and they scratch things. You can give them things
>>> that belong to them to scratch on, and trust me, they learn that they
>>> belong to them and they can scratch to their hearts content. You have to
>>> learn what they like to scratch. Some like vertical, some like
>>> horizontal. I offer both for scratching. I have cat trees that fit the
>>> decor of the rooms they are in, and are located where they can climb and
>>> love to look over their domain. I have smaller scratching posts at the
>>> corner of furniture that the cats would like to scratch, but the posts
>>> are more delightful for them so they use them.
>>>
>>> Vet bills are something you can't predict. I once used a vet insurance
>>> policy but the first time they paid out it was so small it wasn't worth
>>> it. I just plan for it in my budget. Regular exams for my cats are
>>> about $35 but it can vary, and of course shots or other treatment will
>>> be more.
>>>
>>> Go for high quality food because it will likely lead to lower vet bills
>>>from better nutrition.
>>>
>>> Environmental enrichment is important. More than one cat will help them
>>> have buddies. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't, but they
>>> have their own kind around and usually bond even just for grooming or
>>> playing (which can get rough). They may never be buddies but could
>>> surprise you because their purrsonalities change and they can settle
>>> down after they get comfortable.
>>>
>>> I just offer plenty of climbing places because they love to be on top.
>>> They like windows to survey their outside domain even if they don't go
>>> out their. I went one further step and had a screened in porch built
>>> for them. I'm still getting things in there for them so for now, it's
>>> just a chair and a couple of perches to be "up" which is what they like.
>>> They like to chew grass but it always make them hork and the grass
>>> hasn't grown yet in their outside thing so they fight over the few
>>> strands that do grow.
>>>
>>> Here's a pic from part of a series from my deck renovation.
>>> http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg
>>
>> That's a nice deck, looks new. But I hope you're not going to always
>> have such a crappy lawn. Take that damn grill off your deck before
>> you have a disaster... put it on your crappy lawn, at least 15 feet
>> from anything that can burn.
>
>Here's the rest of the "after" pics of the deck.
>
>http://i56.tinypic.com/2rc1hd3.jpg
>
>http://i52.tinypic.com/2iu9n3a.jpg
>
>http://i55.tinypic.com/2w69q3o.jpg
>
>http://i51.tinypic.com/1z8cpk.jpg

Looks like a slum... get that propane tank out of there and get the
grill off the deck. There's something wrong with your widdle brain.

>http://i52.tinypic.com/2dh9njt.jpg
>
>http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg
>
>http://i55.tinypic.com/14kd2qc.jpg

> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:28 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:
>
>>
>> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? Will the
>> baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree with real
>> glass
>> ornaments?

Our trees have survived toddler twins and rather crazy cats. We began with
a bare tree. Nobody bothered it. Added a few ornaments. Also safe. Added
lights. The cats thought beneath the tree was a grand place to nap and
really missed it when we took it down. However . . . somewhere there's a
Utube thing showing a fun season of Christmas tree and cats having a grand
time of it. You never know. Polly

On 10/18/2011 10:47 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:10:07 -0400, >
> wrote:
>
>> On 10/18/2011 10:02 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
>>> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:35:24 -0400, >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 10/18/2011 8:18 PM, A Moose in Love wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live in
>>>>> the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
>>>>> However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
>>>>> inside for many days.
>>>>> How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. The only experience I have
>>>>> are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. I don't
>>>>> want to declaw them, but is that necessary? etc.
>>>>
>>>> First, there is no reason to declaw a cat. They come with claws and if
>>>> you don't like that feature, pick another pet.
>>>>
>>>> They mostly do shed, and they scratch things. You can give them things
>>>> that belong to them to scratch on, and trust me, they learn that they
>>>> belong to them and they can scratch to their hearts content. You have to
>>>> learn what they like to scratch. Some like vertical, some like
>>>> horizontal. I offer both for scratching. I have cat trees that fit the
>>>> decor of the rooms they are in, and are located where they can climb and
>>>> love to look over their domain. I have smaller scratching posts at the
>>>> corner of furniture that the cats would like to scratch, but the posts
>>>> are more delightful for them so they use them.
>>>>
>>>> Vet bills are something you can't predict. I once used a vet insurance
>>>> policy but the first time they paid out it was so small it wasn't worth
>>>> it. I just plan for it in my budget. Regular exams for my cats are
>>>> about $35 but it can vary, and of course shots or other treatment will
>>>> be more.
>>>>
>>>> Go for high quality food because it will likely lead to lower vet bills
>>> >from better nutrition.
>>>>
>>>> Environmental enrichment is important. More than one cat will help them
>>>> have buddies. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't, but they
>>>> have their own kind around and usually bond even just for grooming or
>>>> playing (which can get rough). They may never be buddies but could
>>>> surprise you because their purrsonalities change and they can settle
>>>> down after they get comfortable.
>>>>
>>>> I just offer plenty of climbing places because they love to be on top.
>>>> They like windows to survey their outside domain even if they don't go
>>>> out their. I went one further step and had a screened in porch built
>>>> for them. I'm still getting things in there for them so for now, it's
>>>> just a chair and a couple of perches to be "up" which is what they like.
>>>> They like to chew grass but it always make them hork and the grass
>>>> hasn't grown yet in their outside thing so they fight over the few
>>>> strands that do grow.
>>>>
>>>> Here's a pic from part of a series from my deck renovation.
>>>> http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg
>>>
>>> That's a nice deck, looks new. But I hope you're not going to always
>>> have such a crappy lawn. Take that damn grill off your deck before
>>> you have a disaster... put it on your crappy lawn, at least 15 feet
>>> from anything that can burn.
>>
>> Here's the rest of the "after" pics of the deck.
>>
>> http://i56.tinypic.com/2rc1hd3.jpg
>>
>> http://i52.tinypic.com/2iu9n3a.jpg
>>
>> http://i55.tinypic.com/2w69q3o.jpg
>>
>> http://i51.tinypic.com/1z8cpk.jpg
>
> Looks like a slum... get that propane tank out of there and get the
> grill off the deck. There's something wrong with your widdle brain.
>
>> http://i52.tinypic.com/2dh9njt.jpg
>>
>> http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg
>>
>> http://i55.tinypic.com/14kd2qc.jpg

What about the tarp rolled up next to the propane tank?

On 10/18/2011 10:47 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:10:07 -0400, >
> wrote:
>
>> On 10/18/2011 10:02 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
>>> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:35:24 -0400, >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 10/18/2011 8:18 PM, A Moose in Love wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live in
>>>>> the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
>>>>> However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
>>>>> inside for many days.
>>>>> How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. The only experience I have
>>>>> are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. I don't
>>>>> want to declaw them, but is that necessary? etc.
>>>>
>>>> First, there is no reason to declaw a cat. They come with claws and if
>>>> you don't like that feature, pick another pet.
>>>>
>>>> They mostly do shed, and they scratch things. You can give them things
>>>> that belong to them to scratch on, and trust me, they learn that they
>>>> belong to them and they can scratch to their hearts content. You have to
>>>> learn what they like to scratch. Some like vertical, some like
>>>> horizontal. I offer both for scratching. I have cat trees that fit the
>>>> decor of the rooms they are in, and are located where they can climb and
>>>> love to look over their domain. I have smaller scratching posts at the
>>>> corner of furniture that the cats would like to scratch, but the posts
>>>> are more delightful for them so they use them.
>>>>
>>>> Vet bills are something you can't predict. I once used a vet insurance
>>>> policy but the first time they paid out it was so small it wasn't worth
>>>> it. I just plan for it in my budget. Regular exams for my cats are
>>>> about $35 but it can vary, and of course shots or other treatment will
>>>> be more.
>>>>
>>>> Go for high quality food because it will likely lead to lower vet bills
>>> >from better nutrition.
>>>>
>>>> Environmental enrichment is important. More than one cat will help them
>>>> have buddies. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't, but they
>>>> have their own kind around and usually bond even just for grooming or
>>>> playing (which can get rough). They may never be buddies but could
>>>> surprise you because their purrsonalities change and they can settle
>>>> down after they get comfortable.
>>>>
>>>> I just offer plenty of climbing places because they love to be on top.
>>>> They like windows to survey their outside domain even if they don't go
>>>> out their. I went one further step and had a screened in porch built
>>>> for them. I'm still getting things in there for them so for now, it's
>>>> just a chair and a couple of perches to be "up" which is what they like.
>>>> They like to chew grass but it always make them hork and the grass
>>>> hasn't grown yet in their outside thing so they fight over the few
>>>> strands that do grow.
>>>>
>>>> Here's a pic from part of a series from my deck renovation.
>>>> http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg
>>>
>>> That's a nice deck, looks new. But I hope you're not going to always
>>> have such a crappy lawn. Take that damn grill off your deck before
>>> you have a disaster... put it on your crappy lawn, at least 15 feet
>>> from anything that can burn.
>>
>> Here's the rest of the "after" pics of the deck.
>>
>> http://i56.tinypic.com/2rc1hd3.jpg
>>
>> http://i52.tinypic.com/2iu9n3a.jpg
>>
>> http://i55.tinypic.com/2w69q3o.jpg
>>
>> http://i51.tinypic.com/1z8cpk.jpg
>
> Looks like a slum... get that propane tank out of there and get the
> grill off the deck. There's something wrong with your widdle brain.
>
>> http://i52.tinypic.com/2dh9njt.jpg
>>
>> http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg
>>
>> http://i55.tinypic.com/14kd2qc.jpg

What about the weed growing over the screen door that doesn't belong there?

You can't see the chipmunk holes under there. Should I fill them in?

On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:58:10 -0400, Cheryl >
wrote:

> On 10/18/2011 10:47 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> >>
> >> Here's the rest of the "after" pics of the deck.
> >>
> >> http://i56.tinypic.com/2rc1hd3.jpg
> >>
> >> http://i52.tinypic.com/2iu9n3a.jpg
> >>
> >> http://i55.tinypic.com/2w69q3o.jpg
> >>
> >> http://i51.tinypic.com/1z8cpk.jpg
> >
> > Looks like a slum... get that propane tank out of there and get the
> > grill off the deck. There's something wrong with your widdle brain.
> >
> >> http://i52.tinypic.com/2dh9njt.jpg
> >>
> >> http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg
> >>
> >> http://i55.tinypic.com/14kd2qc.jpg
>
> What about the tarp rolled up next to the propane tank?

I don't care what he says, that deck is spectacular. Hard to believe
you revived an old deck, because it looks brand new.

--
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

A Moose in Love wrote:
> On Oct 18, 7:21 pm, Cheryl > wrote:
>> On 10/18/2011 6:28 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>>> I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. But I know there
>>> are a lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>>
>>> My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. Of
>>> course for
>>> the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. I wasn't
>>> much
>>> into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to
>>> my in-law's house in another state for Christmas.
>>
>>> When my daughter was born, I decided she needed a tree. Had a real
>>> one that first year and artificial ones after. First a little one
>>> then big ones. I only used unbreakable ornaments until she was 4. I
>>> have some antique ornaments and we collect a lot that look like
>>> animals, flowers and other fancy things. I'm not so much into the
>>> plain ones.
>>
>>> Well, Maui never bothered the tree at all. Or the presents for that
>>> matter. But she is gone now.
>>
>>> Our two new cats are mom and baby. Mom just turned three and baby
>>> is one. Mom is somewhat curious but not that bad. Baby however just
>>> had a growth spurt and can now climb to new heights. She is into
>>> anything and
>>> everything. Because I make jewelry, I have some retail type racks
>>> for earrings and necklaces on my dresser. She was up there this
>>> morning batting the jewelry around. She also found the three little
>>> pumpkins that I bought for my daughter. They were in a net bag. She
>>> had the bag in her mouth and was dragging it around trying to get
>>> the pumpkins out. Mom seemed
>>> fascinated with the pumpkins as well and liked to sniff them.
>>
>>> So I got to thinking... What might they do to a Christmas tree? The
>>> thoughts weren't good. So I told my daughter we would not put up
>>> our tree this year. Got a new one last year. Tall and slim. Pale
>>> pink with dark
>>> pink lights. Very pretty and goes well with our selection of
>>> ornaments.
>>> But I had visions of the baby climbing it, biting at the lights and
>>> batting at the ornaments. Daughter didn't think the wall tree would
>>> be safe either because where we put it on the wall is a place they
>>> could easily reach if they got into the window.
>>
>>> So... I found a two foot high sliver tree with white lights and
>>> small plastic balls at Target. It's a little pathetic looking but
>>> seemingly unbreakable and festive. I bought it. Figured it would be
>>> easy enough to pick up and take elsewhere if the cats start biting
>>> the lights.
>>
>>> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again?
>>> Will the baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree
>>> with real glass ornaments? I know she would try to eat tinsel. So I
>>> wouldn't use that.
>>> She did eat a piece of pink Easter grass. No clue where she got
>>> that from. But she did eat it and puked it. People have told me to
>>> hang the tree from the ceiling but I haven't a clue how to do that.
>>> And when I ask them what they mean by hanging it they just look at
>>> me like I am an idiot. One person said she just used a macram�
>>> plant hanger. I thought perhaps she meant that she was using one of
>>> those maybe foot high real decorated trees. But she said she had a
>>> really big one. That wouldn't work here anyway because I
>>> have low ceilings. I would have to have like an 8 inch tree hung
>>> close to the ceiling for them not to get to it. They can both jump
>>> really high. I
>>> am beginning to think that Maui was in some way abnormal. She just
>>> never jumped on things at all.
>>
>> I didn't put up a tree for several years for a few reasons, and one
>> was young cats in the house. Last year I put one up and I do hang it
>> from the ceiling. It just means put a hook in the ceiling (a hook
>> you hang on the back of a bathroom door for a bathrobe works) and
>> tie some fishing line or other fine string around the top of the
>> tree, and the other end around the hook. The tree still reaches the
>> floor and is in a tree base. It prevents them from knocking it over.
>> I hang unbreakable ornaments where they can be reached by curious
>> cats, but be careful with the hooks. It doesn't stop from finding an
>> ornament from higher up on the floor now and then.
>
> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live in
> the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
> However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
> inside for many days.
> How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. The only experience I have
> are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. I don't
> want to declaw them, but is that necessary? etc.

Declawing a cat means to amputate their toes. Not something I would *ever*
do. However if the claws get too long and sharp, the very tips can be
clipped just like we clip our own nails. The baby lets us do this. Mom
does not. Groomers will do it for a fee. And the vet will do it when they
are in there.

Cats certainly can shed. All cats will do it to some extent seasonally.
They get a thicker winter coat and when Spring comes, it will shed off.
Maui had sort of a mixed coat. Very thick hair, shorter on her back and
long fur on the tummy. At times she could shed quite a lot. These cats are
suspected to be part Siamese. They have very short, sparse hair and so far
seem to shed very little if any. Long haired cats require daily brushing
and some breeds such as Persians require eye cleaning as well. Cats usually
do not need baths.

My cats never go outdoors. I had to sign papers that I would not allow them
outdoors. It can be dangerous to let a cat out in this area. We live on a
street that can be busy at times and there are wild animals in the area.
Many people do let their cats run wild but I won't do this. If I get enough
money though, I will have built an enclosure in the backyard so the cats can
go out in it on nice days. We do have an area that is currently a kid's
playground but since my daughter is older it is no longer being used. This
would be a good place to put a cat enclosure.

Vet bills really do vary depending on why the cat is going to the vet. And
they can vary from vet to vet. Sometimes there are mobile vets who go from
place to place giving shots. This can be very inexpensive. You can also
get inexpensive shots at various pet stores. And some stores now offer
veterinary services for less. Some vets treat cats only. We just go to a
regular vet.

When Maui developed a growth on her eye it was about $1,000 to have it
removed. I only remember that price because she had the operation mere days
before she had to be put to sleep from kidney failure. Because her kidneys
and thyroid were bad, she had to go to the vet frequently and her meds were
not cheap. But she was nearly 18 when she died so she had a long life.

She also had to have her teeth descaled and have some tooth extractions.
You can get toothbrushes and paste for cats but she would never let me brush
her teeth. Our current baby has let us brush a few teeth at a time. In
fact she seems to enjoy the toothbrush. Her mom, not so much. So I feed
them dental treats once in a while that are supposed to help.

Kalmia wrote:
> On Oct 18, 8:18 pm, A Moose in Love >
> wrote:
>> On Oct 18, 7:21 pm, Cheryl > wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> On 10/18/2011 6:28 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>>>> I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. But I know
>>>> there are a lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>>
>>>> My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. Of
>>>> course for
>>>> the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. I wasn't
>>>> much
>>>> into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to
>>>> my in-law's house in another state for Christmas.
>>
>>>> When my daughter was born, I decided she needed a tree. Had a real
>>>> one that first year and artificial ones after. First a little one
>>>> then big ones. I only used unbreakable ornaments until she was 4.
>>>> I have some antique ornaments and we collect a lot that look like
>>>> animals, flowers and other fancy things. I'm not so much into the
>>>> plain ones.
>>
>>>> Well, Maui never bothered the tree at all. Or the presents for
>>>> that matter. But she is gone now.
>>
>>>> Our two new cats are mom and baby. Mom just turned three and baby
>>>> is one. Mom is somewhat curious but not that bad. Baby however
>>>> just had a growth spurt and can now climb to new heights. She is
>>>> into anything and
>>>> everything. Because I make jewelry, I have some retail type racks
>>>> for earrings and necklaces on my dresser. She was up there this
>>>> morning batting the jewelry around. She also found the three
>>>> little pumpkins that I bought for my daughter. They were in a net
>>>> bag. She had the bag in her mouth and was dragging it around
>>>> trying to get the pumpkins out. Mom seemed
>>>> fascinated with the pumpkins as well and liked to sniff them.
>>
>>>> So I got to thinking... What might they do to a Christmas tree? The
>>>> thoughts weren't good. So I told my daughter we would not put up
>>>> our tree this year. Got a new one last year. Tall and slim. Pale
>>>> pink with dark
>>>> pink lights. Very pretty and goes well with our selection of
>>>> ornaments.
>>>> But I had visions of the baby climbing it, biting at the lights
>>>> and batting at the ornaments. Daughter didn't think the wall tree
>>>> would be safe either because where we put it on the wall is a
>>>> place they could easily reach if they got into the window.
>>
>>>> So... I found a two foot high sliver tree with white lights and
>>>> small plastic balls at Target. It's a little pathetic looking but
>>>> seemingly unbreakable and festive. I bought it. Figured it would
>>>> be easy enough to pick up and take elsewhere if the cats start
>>>> biting the lights.
>>
>>>> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again?
>>>> Will the baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree
>>>> with real glass ornaments? I know she would try to eat tinsel. So
>>>> I wouldn't use that.
>>>> She did eat a piece of pink Easter grass. No clue where she got
>>>> that from. But she did eat it and puked it. People have told me to
>>>> hang the tree from the ceiling but I haven't a clue how to do
>>>> that. And when I ask them what they mean by hanging it they just
>>>> look at me like I am an idiot. One person said she just used a
>>>> macram� plant hanger. I thought perhaps she meant that she was
>>>> using one of those maybe foot high real decorated trees. But she
>>>> said she had a really big one. That wouldn't work here anyway
>>>> because I
>>>> have low ceilings. I would have to have like an 8 inch tree hung
>>>> close to the ceiling for them not to get to it. They can both jump
>>>> really high. I
>>>> am beginning to think that Maui was in some way abnormal. She just
>>>> never jumped on things at all.
>>
>>> I didn't put up a tree for several years for a few reasons, and one
>>> was young cats in the house. Last year I put one up and I do hang
>>> it from the ceiling. It just means put a hook in the ceiling (a
>>> hook you hang on the back of a bathroom door for a bathrobe works)
>>> and tie some fishing line or other fine string around the top of
>>> the tree, and the other end around the hook. The tree still reaches
>>> the floor and is in a tree base. It prevents them from knocking it
>>> over. I hang unbreakable ornaments where they can be reached by
>>> curious cats, but be careful with the hooks. It doesn't stop from
>>> finding an ornament from higher up on the floor now and then.
>>
>> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live in
>> the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
>> However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
>> inside for many days.
>> How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. The only experience I have
>> are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. I don't
>> want to declaw them, but is that necessary? etc.
>
> Figure a good thou a year for vet bills, food, litter......
> Yeah, they lose hair like crazy.

Ballerina and Jazzy do not seem to shed at all. And then there are those
hairless cats.

I pay $40 for a large bag of the NOW! food. It is grainless. One bag lasts
a long time. I got these cats back in March or April and I think they are
on their 3rd or 4th bag now. They also each get an Appetizer for breakfast.
These cost about $1 on sale. For dinner they each get a small can of Fancy
Feast which I have gotten on sale for about 50 cents each. Once in a while
I will get a coupon for it. And they do love their treats! I have gotten
lots of treat on sale with coupons. And Winco sells tuna treats that are 99
cents a bag. Those are their favorites. These cats do not eat people food
at all. Maui would always beg for our food. She loved mashed potatoes,
Pringles, Fritos, cheese and in her later years, chicken and turkey and
gravy. Not that she got these things often. But if you were to leave your
plate unattended... Well... You can guess what came next.

Cheryl wrote:
> On 10/18/2011 8:18 PM, A Moose in Love wrote:
>
>> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live
>> in the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running
>> free. However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are
>> cooped up inside for many days.
>> How much are vets fees, do they shed, etc. The only experience I
>> have are with cats that lived on our farm, and ran around outside. I
>> don't want to declaw them, but is that necessary? etc.
>
> First, there is no reason to declaw a cat. They come with claws and
> if you don't like that feature, pick another pet.
>
> They mostly do shed, and they scratch things. You can give them
> things that belong to them to scratch on, and trust me, they learn
> that they belong to them and they can scratch to their hearts
> content. You have to learn what they like to scratch. Some like
> vertical, some like horizontal. I offer both for scratching. I have
> cat trees that fit the decor of the rooms they are in, and are
> located where they can climb and love to look over their domain. I
> have smaller scratching posts at the corner of furniture that the
> cats would like to scratch, but the posts are more delightful for
> them so they use them.
> Vet bills are something you can't predict. I once used a vet
> insurance policy but the first time they paid out it was so small it
> wasn't worth it. I just plan for it in my budget. Regular exams for
> my cats are about $35 but it can vary, and of course shots or other
> treatment will be more.
>
> Go for high quality food because it will likely lead to lower vet
> bills from better nutrition.
>
> Environmental enrichment is important. More than one cat will help
> them have buddies. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't,
> but they have their own kind around and usually bond even just for
> grooming or playing (which can get rough). They may never be buddies
> but could surprise you because their purrsonalities change and they
> can settle down after they get comfortable.
>
> I just offer plenty of climbing places because they love to be on top.
> They like windows to survey their outside domain even if they don't go
> out their. I went one further step and had a screened in porch built
> for them. I'm still getting things in there for them so for now, it's
> just a chair and a couple of perches to be "up" which is what they
> like. They like to chew grass but it always make them hork and the
> grass hasn't grown yet in their outside thing so they fight over the
> few strands that do grow.
>
> Here's a pic from part of a series from my deck renovation.
> http://i54.tinypic.com/11cdson.jpg

I love having two cats! They do get along very well and I don't have to
worry that they will be lonely if I have to be out of the house for several
hours at a time.

Brooklyn1 wrote:
> "Julie Bove" wrote:
>>
>> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again?
>> Will the baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree
>> with real glass ornaments?
>
> I put up a real tree every year, none of my cats have ever attempted
> to climb or in any way bother the ornaments... all they do is claim
> their sleeping spots underneath. They like the blinking lights best,
> they lie on their backs looking up and go into a hypnotic trance... I
> shut off the lights when I go to bed but they sleep under their tree
> all night.

Really? Well that is encouraging.

sf wrote:
> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:28 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>>
>> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again?
>> Will the baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree
>> with real glass ornaments?
>
> I don't know if you're going to have a tree climber or not, some
> peoples cats do that. Their owners seem to think it's cute but I
> would hate it! I have lots of great ornaments that I don't want
> broken so I put them higher in the tree when there's a cat in the
> house and only have unbreakable ornaments where the cats can reach
> them because they think those dangling ornaments are kitty toys.

That's what I was told by a lady who has cats. But she now has a 6 month
old kitten and she says she is not putting up her regular tree this year
because the kitten chews on cords. She said she might go get the same tree
that I did. So I don't feel so bad.

Polly Esther wrote:
>> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:28 -0700, "Julie Bove"
>> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? Will the
>>> baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree
>>> with real glass
>>> ornaments?
>
> Our trees have survived toddler twins and rather crazy cats. We
> began with a bare tree. Nobody bothered it. Added a few ornaments. Also
> safe. Added lights. The cats thought beneath the tree was a
> grand place to nap and really missed it when we took it down. However . .
> . somewhere there's a Utube thing showing a fun season of
> Christmas tree and cats having a grand time of it. You never know. Polly

And then there's this:

http://www.fluffytails.ca/christmas.asp

On 10/18/2011 5:28 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
> I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. But I know there are a
> lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>
> My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. Of course for
> the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. I wasn't much
> into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to my
> in-law's house in another state for Christmas.

Major snip of long-winded story.

Use a water squirt bottle. That will discourage the cat/kitten(s)
quickly! When they approach the tree, squirt! Very simple remedy and a
fast Pavlovian learning curve. Use common sense, but perhaps that's not
so easy for your cat or your household.

Sky

--

Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice!!

"Sky" > wrote in message
...
> On 10/18/2011 5:28 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>> I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. But I know there are
>> a
>> lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>>
>> My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. Of course for
>> the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. I wasn't much
>> into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to my
>> in-law's house in another state for Christmas.
>
> Major snip of long-winded story.
>
> Use a water squirt bottle. That will discourage the cat/kitten(s)
> quickly! When they approach the tree, squirt! Very simple remedy and a
> fast Pavlovian learning curve. Use common sense, but perhaps that's not
> so easy for your cat or your household.
>
I doubt that would work. I tried the water thing with Maui. Didn't
discourage her at all. And I'm not going to be home all the time to protect
the tree.

On 10/19/2011 1:04 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
> > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 10/18/2011 5:28 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>> I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. But I know there are
>>> a
>>> lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>>>
>>> My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. Of course for
>>> the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. I wasn't much
>>> into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to my
>>> in-law's house in another state for Christmas.
>>
>> Major snip of long-winded story.
>>
>> Use a water squirt bottle. That will discourage the cat/kitten(s)
>> quickly! When they approach the tree, squirt! Very simple remedy and a
>> fast Pavlovian learning curve. Use common sense, but perhaps that's not
>> so easy for your cat or your household.
>>
> I doubt that would work. I tried the water thing with Maui. Didn't
> discourage her at all. And I'm not going to be home all the time to protect
> the tree.

Figures - you always seem to have many excuses for your family member's
behaviors, including your own.

Sky

--

Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice!!

On 10/18/2011 8:18 PM, A Moose in Love wrote:

> I'm just curious, what's involved in having a cat as a pet. I live in
> the city, and think that dogs should be unchained and running free.
> However cats, it doesn't seem to hurt them that they are cooped up
> inside for many days.

Most any cat will want to go outside for at least a little while
each day. Cats who are trapped indoors are not as happy.

Unfortunately outdoor life poses some risks for cats. It's a trade-off
and there is no single answer.

We formerly would leave a cat trapped inside for up to four days
while we were out of town, but we eventually came to understand
they do not like this and it can even wear a bit on their health.
Now we seldom leave them inside for as much as 24 hours.


Steve

"Sky" > wrote in message
...
> On 10/19/2011 1:04 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>> > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 10/18/2011 5:28 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>> I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. But I know there
>>>> are
>>>> a
>>>> lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>>>>
>>>> My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. Of course
>>>> for
>>>> the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. I wasn't
>>>> much
>>>> into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to my
>>>> in-law's house in another state for Christmas.
>>>
>>> Major snip of long-winded story.
>>>
>>> Use a water squirt bottle. That will discourage the cat/kitten(s)
>>> quickly! When they approach the tree, squirt! Very simple remedy and a
>>> fast Pavlovian learning curve. Use common sense, but perhaps that's not
>>> so easy for your cat or your household.
>>>
>> I doubt that would work. I tried the water thing with Maui. Didn't
>> discourage her at all. And I'm not going to be home all the time to
>> protect
>> the tree.
>
> Figures - you always seem to have many excuses for your family member's
> behaviors, including your own.

Well I don't know why you would think one thing would work for all.
Besides, the baby LOVES water. She likes having water squirted on her. She
gets in the shower with me.

On 10/18/2011 9:47 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> Looks like a slum... get that propane tank out of there and get the
> grill off the deck. There's something wrong with your widdle brain.

Sheldon, you are nuts. That is a nice job on a re-finished deck and
there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a gas grill on it. The
only time I cringe is when I see people putting those huge deep fryers
(for turkeys) on a wooden deck... or an open fire pit. A gas grill like
that is no more dangerous than a kitchen stove.

I especially like the way they framed and screened in the supports...
giving them a nice screen room at little extra cost. Most people with
raised decks usually just end up using that space for storage.

I think they did a nice job.

George L

On 10/18/2011 10:51 PM, Polly Esther wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:28 -0700, "Julie Bove"
>> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? Will the
>>> baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree with real
>>> glass ornaments?
>
> Our trees have survived toddler twins and rather crazy cats. We began
> with a bare tree. Nobody bothered it. Added a few ornaments. Also safe.
> Added lights. The cats thought beneath the tree was a grand place to nap
> and really missed it when we took it down. However . . . somewhere
> there's a Utube thing showing a fun season of Christmas tree and cats
> having a grand time of it. You never know.

My cat doesn't bother the tree much at all; still, from my previous cats
I learned that it's wise to not put your most cherished ornaments near
the bottom, and those you do, crimp the wire hanger so it won't come off
easily if batted. If your cat is a climber, you might want to
secure the tree to wall somehow. I've tied it to a curtain rod in the
past.

But it's never been such a problem I would consider forgoing a
Christmas tree.

nancy

On 10/18/2011 7:21 PM, Cheryl wrote:

> I didn't put up a tree for several years for a few reasons, and one was
> young cats in the house. Last year I put one up and I do hang it from
> the ceiling. It just means put a hook in the ceiling (a hook you hang on
> the back of a bathroom door for a bathrobe works) and tie some fishing
> line or other fine string around the top of the tree, and the other end
> around the hook. The tree still reaches the floor and is in a tree base.
> It prevents them from knocking it over. I hang unbreakable ornaments
> where they can be reached by curious cats, but be careful with the
> hooks. It doesn't stop from finding an ornament from higher up on the
> floor now and then.

Ha, it's such a long thread that I missed this one that I repeated.

BTW, Cheryl, your deck looks awesome, and it's a big one, too! Nice.

nancy

"Julie Bove" <>
> And then there's this:
>
> http://www.fluffytails.ca/christmas.asp
>
YES, Julie. That's what I was remembering. Thank you for finding it; it's
quite a show. Polly

"Nancy Young" <email@replyto> wrote in message
.com...
> On 10/18/2011 10:51 PM, Polly Esther wrote:
>>
>>> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:28 -0700, "Julie Bove"
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? Will
>>>> the
>>>> baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree with real
>>>> glass ornaments?
>>
>> Our trees have survived toddler twins and rather crazy cats. We began
>> with a bare tree. Nobody bothered it. Added a few ornaments. Also safe.
>> Added lights. The cats thought beneath the tree was a grand place to nap
>> and really missed it when we took it down. However . . . somewhere
>> there's a Utube thing showing a fun season of Christmas tree and cats
>> having a grand time of it. You never know.
>
> My cat doesn't bother the tree much at all; still, from my previous cats
> I learned that it's wise to not put your most cherished ornaments near
> the bottom, and those you do, crimp the wire hanger so it won't come off
> easily if batted. If your cat is a climber, you might want to
> secure the tree to wall somehow. I've tied it to a curtain rod in the
> past.
>
> But it's never been such a problem I would consider forgoing a
> Christmas tree.

Thanks!

In article >,
says...
>
> On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:28:28 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
> >
> > But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? Will the
> > baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree with real glass
> > ornaments?
>
> I don't know if you're going to have a tree climber or not, some
> peoples cats do that. Their owners seem to think it's cute but I
> would hate it! I have lots of great ornaments that I don't want
> broken so I put them higher in the tree when there's a cat in the
> house and only have unbreakable ornaments where the cats can reach
> them because they think those dangling ornaments are kitty toys.

If you ever have an opportunity to visit Gillette Castle in East Haddam,
CT, you might find it interesting. One of the architectural features is
built-in cat toys.

Julie Bove wrote:
> I asked this question elsewhere but got no answer. But I know there are a
> lot of cat people so I thought I would ask here.
>
> My deceased cat, Maui never messed with my Christmas tree. Of course for
> the first many years of her life, I only had a wall tree. I wasn't much
> into putting up a tree or taking it down and many years we went to my
> in-law's house in another state for Christmas.
>
> When my daughter was born, I decided she needed a tree. Had a real one that
> first year and artificial ones after. First a little one then big ones. I
> only used unbreakable ornaments until she was 4. I have some antique
> ornaments and we collect a lot that look like animals, flowers and other
> fancy things. I'm not so much into the plain ones.
>
> Well, Maui never bothered the tree at all. Or the presents for that matter.
> But she is gone now.
>
> Our two new cats are mom and baby. Mom just turned three and baby is one.
> Mom is somewhat curious but not that bad. Baby however just had a growth
> spurt and can now climb to new heights. She is into anything and
> everything. Because I make jewelry, I have some retail type racks for
> earrings and necklaces on my dresser. She was up there this morning batting
> the jewelry around. She also found the three little pumpkins that I bought
> for my daughter. They were in a net bag. She had the bag in her mouth and
> was dragging it around trying to get the pumpkins out. Mom seemed
> fascinated with the pumpkins as well and liked to sniff them.
>
> So I got to thinking... What might they do to a Christmas tree? The
> thoughts weren't good. So I told my daughter we would not put up our tree
> this year. Got a new one last year. Tall and slim. Pale pink with dark
> pink lights. Very pretty and goes well with our selection of ornaments.
> But I had visions of the baby climbing it, biting at the lights and batting
> at the ornaments. Daughter didn't think the wall tree would be safe either
> because where we put it on the wall is a place they could easily reach if
> they got into the window.
>
> So... I found a two foot high sliver tree with white lights and small
> plastic balls at Target. It's a little pathetic looking but seemingly
> unbreakable and festive. I bought it. Figured it would be easy enough to
> pick up and take elsewhere if the cats start biting the lights.
>
> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again? Will the
> baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree with real glass
> ornaments? I know she would try to eat tinsel. So I wouldn't use that.
> She did eat a piece of pink Easter grass. No clue where she got that from.
> But she did eat it and puked it. People have told me to hang the tree from
> the ceiling but I haven't a clue how to do that. And when I ask them what
> they mean by hanging it they just look at me like I am an idiot. One person
> said she just used a macramé plant hanger. I thought perhaps she meant that
> she was using one of those maybe foot high real decorated trees. But she
> said she had a really big one. That wouldn't work here anyway because I
> have low ceilings. I would have to have like an 8 inch tree hung close to
> the ceiling for them not to get to it. They can both jump really high. I
> am beginning to think that Maui was in some way abnormal. She just never
> jumped on things at all.
>
>

When we got our new cats, we put the tree in another room where we could
close the door for the first couple of years. We have a "sitting room"
off the master bedroom that was perfect for this. After that, we
realized that the cats weren't all that interested in climbing the tree,
but we do have to keep "low hanging fruit" out of their reach. Bows and
ribbons on presents are off limits too, as the cats will pull them off
and chew on them, which is a choking hazard for them.

Hope this helps!

Sharon

On Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:01:13 -0500, George Leppla
> wrote:

> Sheldon, you are nuts. That is a nice job on a re-finished deck and
> there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a gas grill on it.

You haven't figured out yet that he's a dictator who belittles anyone
who dares to think independently and do something different from what
he does or decrees? He's just jealous he didn't know about that
coating so he could show off his new looking old deck first.

--
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

On Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:18:48 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

>Brooklyn1 wrote:
>> "Julie Bove" wrote:
>>>
>>> But do you think I will ever be able to have a real tree again?
>>> Will the baby outgrow her curiosity? Are you able to put up a tree
>>> with real glass ornaments?
>>
>> I put up a real tree every year, none of my cats have ever attempted
>> to climb or in any way bother the ornaments... all they do is claim
>> their sleeping spots underneath. They like the blinking lights best,
>> they lie on their backs looking up and go into a hypnotic trance... I
>> shut off the lights when I go to bed but they sleep under their tree
>> all night.
>
>Really? Well that is encouraging.

The only part of having a Christmas tree with cats that can present a
small problem is the actual decorating, they tend to want to help. I
always put my tree in it's stand and let it sit at least two days for
it to fully open before I decorate, during that time the cats do all
their investigating so by the time I begin to decorate it's just a
normal part of their environment so they pay it no attention other
than to sleep beneath it. None of my cats have ever made an attempt
to climb the tree, or jump up on it and it stands right between my
dining table and kitchen counter. I also give them a couple of
ornaments that are safe for them to play with, small crocheted and
cloth ones. And I happen to have an extremely sturdy tree stand, a
very heavy cast iron affair I've had since forever that I bought from
LLBean... I don't think they offer it anymore.
Staking out her territory:
http://i56.tinypic.com/9lfigg.jpg
Nappy time:
http://i54.tinypic.com/2yy8eig.jpg
Never any jumping:
http://i52.tinypic.com/20ggpp5.jpg
Naughty or nice:
http://i52.tinypic.com/2ccrlg0.jpg
Waiting patiently for Santa:
http://i53.tinypic.com/2zprwy0.jpg
I decorate an outdoor tree too, this year I'll need a ladder:
http://i53.tinypic.com/2diglu1.jpg
I've never owned a fake tree so I've no idea how my cats would behave,
I imagine they'd not be any happier than I would when I'd discover
implants. LOL