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Some cat owners use Christmas trees to scare furry pets to protect holiday decorations, and they keep posting their results on TikTok.

Becca Richards is one of many TikTokers who have tested this tree protection hacker. The video she posted on November 28 has received more than 33.1 million views and shows that she pointed the tree at the cat, terrifying her cat Stella.

Richards’ video said: “I saw a TikTok saying that if you use it to hurt your cat before putting the tree on the tree, they will ignore it.”

Richards uploaded a follow-up video to let her fans know that Stella was "nice" and hadn't touched the Christmas tree. 

Other TikToker recorded their own records of chasing cats with trees. Many people reported similar results, but pet experts said that this method is not the best solution.

Sarah Wooten, PhD of Veterinary Medicine at Pumpkin Pet Insurance, told Fox News: "Although it may be effective to keep your cat away from holiday decorations, it is not recommended to scare your cat away from the Christmas tree." Conflict occurs in the relationship, which may lead to additional behavior or interpersonal problems in the future."

She continued, "[Scare cats] can also cause fear and anxiety, which can lead to behavioral or medical problems, such as re-attacking others or pets, stress diarrhea, stress cystitis (inflammation of the bladder wall, which can cause pain or hematuria), And improper excretion, or urinating or defecation in any place in the house except the trash can."

Wooten advises cat owners not to use fear to control their cat’s behavior, but to provide an alternative space where the cat can kill time and stay busy.

Monica Freden-Tarant, Director of Feline Lifesaving at American Pets Alive! – Austin Pets Alive's national education and outreach program! The shelter said it was “unwise” to scare the cat away from the Christmas tree.

Freden-Tarant told Fox News: "Your cat will only associate this terrible behavior with you, their trusted owner, and not with a harmless tree." Than, you are more likely to destroy the relationship with the cat."

If cat owners feel that their Christmas tree needs protection, Freden-Tarant says that putting tin foil around the roots of the tree is an effective deterrent and will not "damage your relationship with your pet."

Emi Eaton, a doctor of veterinary medicine, told Fox News that “cats are naturally curious” and “holidays provide many opportunities for exploration and investigation.”

She added that for safety reasons, there are a series of holiday decorations that should be kept out of the cat's reach, including real candles, metal wires, metal decorative hooks, glass decorations and exposed wires. Eaton, who works with Fuzzy – The Pet Parent Company, said that the Christmas tree stand should also be protected.

"Instead of using punishment-based techniques, we want to provide our kittens with an opportunity to explore appropriately. Redirect the cat from the Christmas tree to something like a scratching post or approved cat toy," Eaton said. "Catnip is an effective attractant and training tool, so you can sprinkle it on scratching posts and cat towers in your home. When cats choose to explore approved areas, they can use praise, hospitality, and Love to reinforce the desired behavior."

She continued, “If your pet seems to want to climb the Christmas tree, please use a foldable door to restrict the pet’s entry. Finally, make sure that your cat can always stay away from the excitement of the holiday when needed, and enter a safe, peaceful and peaceful place. Familiar space."