And a tabby cat in a pine tree...

My cat doesn't go outdoors. He looks out the door with interest, but has never attempted to go out. Well, there was that one time he escaped through the kitchen window and was gone all night, but that was it. We're not sure what happened that night (he won't talk about it) but he hasn't gone out since.

So, never getting the chance to bust his little kitty tree-climbing moves outdoors, when we put up the Christmas tree he is drawn to it like the proverbial moth to the flame and keeps climbing it no matter how many times we chase him away. This picture (pardon the quality - disposable camera) was taken during his first Christmas when he was about 7 months old. It was cute that year. A bit annoying, but he was tiny and it didn't hurt the tree.

It's gotten progressively less cute each year. We've tried everything to keep him out of the tree, water pistol, loud noises, even shining a flashlight beam around, which he loves to chase. All that accomplished was to teach him to climb the tree even more so we'd turn on the flashlight for him. There are no flies on this cat. Artificial pine needles, but no flies.

Fast forward 3 years to a 3-year old, 15 lb. cat. He's bigger. The tree isn't. It's like having King Kong climbing the jungle gym. And if he climbs high enough... the tree topples. Have you ever had a Christmas tree fall completely over? A word to the wise. You know those gold beads you use instead of garland? They do not come out of a tree-toppling incident unscathed. They must be completely removed and re-strung. And the pretty, shiny ornaments? They will break. Into eensy, weensy little shards that embed themselves in the carpet.

He toppled the tree twice last year, once before I'd even finished decorating it when I foolishly left the room for 5 seconds and again a few days after Christmas. We must hold the world record for fewest days to have a Christmas tree up each year.

So now he's 4 years old and the annual debate begins. Do we put the tree up? Or do we just admit defeat right now? After 4 Christmases of being molested by the cat, that tree ain't lookin' so healthy. The cat? Fighting fit.

Cat - 4, Christmas tree - 0.

*Ding!* Round 5!