Destroy The Tree And Blame The Doggie. Confessions Of A Cat.

A Pet Photographers Challenge! Cats and Christmas Trees.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar plums danc’d in their heads,

And Mama in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap- When out on the living room there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the living room I flew like a flash, Tore open the closed door, and threw up the lightswitch. The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below; When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a devilish looking cat, and sharp claws causing fear, Wrapped in tinsel, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be no trick.

Something a little bit magical and a LOT wonderful happens from around about the 1st of December each year.

It's that time of the year where festive cheer is overflowing all over the place and shiny glittery pretty baubles make an appearance.

One of natures wonders rears it's head in the form of beads and tinsel of varied colours along with the beauteous flashing lights that we have all grown to know and love.

But, whilst all this cheer is filtering though our lives something else is happening..... something that lays dormant, in wait until the moment the festivities begin.

This is the phenomenon known as "Christmas Tree Fever" It hits when you least expect it, and there is to date no cure for it.

Many a cat owner falls victim to this insidious and character changing trait and for approximately 30 days. Your cat can turn into a tree climbing, bauble removing, tinsel chewing monster. Equipped with razor sharp claws to take a swipe at your ankles when you least expect as you walk to close to THEIR tree.

This little boy here whilst he may look cool, calm and collected. Will in fact spend the next month in constant battle. Tree VS Cat VS Human.

You can put a box under it, strap it to the wall, build a moat around it or spray pine scent on it. Nothing will deter a determined feline once a decoration has reached his or her line of sight.

As you can see, the fever has already started with this one, claws at the ready and whiskers extended for maximum impact. The true destructive and determined force of this furry feline is primed and ready for take off.

And here we can see here, battle has commenced-decorations have gone flying. And hes taking a moment to plan his next strategic maneuver whilst doused in the purple blue LED lighting.

Do YOU own an frisky feline suffering from "Christmas Tree Fever?"

How have you lessened its impact?

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.