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Post by rarnold18 on Dec 12, 2009 6:28:37 GMT -5
This is going to be our first Christmas as ferents and was wondering, other than making sure the tree is secure (we have to make sure we anchor it to the wall because of our toddler) what other precautions do I have to take to keep the girls safe? We don't use the plastic tree bags or any additives to the water, only the unbreakable ornaments get hung low (kids again) I'm not even sure that my "good" ornaments are going to make it out this year...with the house as full as it is this year I don't want to risk having any of my nice stuff ruined... no pointsettas here either, or the cats would eat them and that would be bad! Anything else I should be on the lookout for to make sure the smallest and newest members of the "Ark" are safe this Christmas?
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Post by sherrylynne on Dec 12, 2009 11:46:04 GMT -5
I'd keep away from any breakables. They'll climb the tree! Try leaving the tree out empty for about a week, so they get bored with it first. Beyond that, not sure, since we've always used an artificial one.
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Post by katt on Dec 12, 2009 13:41:57 GMT -5
Hahaha Oh boy the fun of Christmas with pets! I grew up with pets and kids around all of the time, so I know where you are coming from. We always had to keep table tops clear because my Mom has a Great Dane with a tail as thick as a power cord. One good swipe was all you need to clear the table! haha Then the cat would climb the tree, and the cat and the miniature schnauzer (AND the great dane) would wrestle UNDER the tree. Then don't forget that chocolate present under the tree. My friend's parents had wrapped some gift with chocolate in it and their dog (who is CRAZY about chocolate - I don't think he knows it is bad for him haha) sniffed it out, unwrapped it, and ate the whole 2 lb bar! haha He is a FAT dog, so he was ok, but I would worry about smaller animals. It sounds like you have got most of it, here are a few suggestions though, you can take them or leave them: light cords - if there is a way to pull them up and out of the way when furries are out then that could help keep them from chewing it. And kids from pulling it down. Or you can block them off somehow? Keep tables and stuff that is in reach of kids, and that ferrets can climb up to, clear of anything that you don't want played with. Keep presents up until closer to Christmas so they don't get opened early. Make sure garlands are secure, and if you have the flexible ones with wires, check to make sure no poky, loose wires are sticking out of the ends. If you have a real tree, I imagine you should check for needles and do a quick vacuum before letting the little guys run loose so that they do not eat them?
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Post by ccretarolo on Dec 12, 2009 15:33:35 GMT -5
I'm just going to add one more thing to this... If your ferrets like water, be careful with the tree base! I let my boys out to play the day after my family's tree was put up and they went straight to the water and got it everywhere . I thought it was hilarious but my stepmother was unhappy about it to say the least. Sadly, my boys are restricted to my bedroom if they aren't on a leash until the tree is taken down.
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Post by Heather on Dec 12, 2009 18:32:32 GMT -5
Ferrets and Christmas what fun. Sherrylynne has it partly right, make sure the tree is left unadorned for at least a week. I've never had a real tree ( my daughter is violently allergic to them) but I've always left the trees naked for 2 weeks. Well the only decorations are the ferrets themselves. This does allow them time to become board with the tree. It doesn't always follow, as this photo of Ghenghis proves I did discover that a tree skirt is really a waste of time, unless that it's to provide the ferrets with a good time. All decorations are open season, so make sure that tinsel isn't used, glass ornaments if you're going to use them make sure they're out of reach (in other words not on the tree) as you may never know if your little one will climb the tree (I've had little ones who thought that they could pass off as a tree topper ). Remember, that your little ones look at all your decorations as just another form of stimulation and will use or abuse them as they seem fit. Most of all, look at your world through their eyes and enjoy them ciao ciao
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Post by rarnold18 on Dec 12, 2009 21:24:50 GMT -5
Thanks a bunch for the replies, they are a big help! We keep the presents in our room until Christmas eve...I've got a 10, 4, and 1.5 year olds and I don't think they have the self control not to open them early...and my cats have a weird fascination with paper in general so wrapping paper is like a delicacy for them (I have very strange cats) I've decided to stick to the non breakable ornaments this year for both the ferret's safety and Abigail's safety.....and I guess for my sanity (what's left of it of course!) I too have given up on our Christmas tree skirt, I love the one I have but my oldest cat Cleo will pee on any type of cloth/fabric that is left on the floor and unfortunatly the tree skirt is no exception, so until she goes to the rainbow bridge (she's 10 and will probably out live all the animals in our house...her nickname is Claws) the Christmas tree skirt is kept in the box I've got the living room re-arrainged and the tree in it's stand, tomorrow I'm going to put the lights up....can't wait!!!!
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Post by Heather on Dec 13, 2009 0:53:25 GMT -5
Ha, I thought I had the only cat that felt that blankets and clothes left on the floor should be baptized Enjoy, your tree decorating and preparations. Your little ones will love to help ciao
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