How to Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree

With their natural curiosity and love for climbing, cats often see a Christmas tree as an irresistible playground. From swatting at ornaments to attempting daring leaps onto branches, our feline friends can turn our beautifully decorated trees into a cat-astrophe in no time. However, with some careful planning and precautionary measures, you can create a cat-proof Christmas tree that’s safe for your cats.

Why you need to cat-proof your Christmas tree

To protect your cat during the holiday season, its essential to understand the potential risks and dangers that Christmas trees pose for cats. These include:

• Falling trees: Cats are natural climbers and cats love to climb their branches. However, if the tree is not properly secured it can topple over, potentially injuring your cat and causing damage to your home.
• Choking and ingestion: Ornaments, tinsel, and other decorations pose a serious choking and ingestion risk. Cats may try to play with or chew on these items, leading to potential obstructions or injuries.
• Sharp objects: Broken ornaments, glass decorations, and sharp metal hooks can harm your cat if they step on or chew them.
• Electrocution and burns: Electric lights, cords, and wires used to decorate the tree can cause electric shocks or burns if your cat chews on them.
• Toxic plants: Some traditional holiday plants, such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias, can be toxic to cats if ingested.

Now let’s explore the practical ways you can cat-proof your Christmas tree.

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1. Choose the right tree

The first step in cat-proofing your Christmas tree is selecting the right tree. With so many options available there is lots to consider.

• Artificial trees: Artificial trees are a popular choice for cat owners. They don’t shed needles like real trees, and their branches are less tempting for cats to climb. Look for an artificial Christmas tree with sturdy branches and a solid base which are safer for cats.
• Pet-friendly live trees: If you prefer a live tree, opt for cat-friendly varieties such as Douglas fir or white pine. These trees have pliable needles that are less likely to stick in your cat’s paws if they decide to explore.
• Tree size: Choose a tree that suits your living space and your cat’s behaviour. A smaller tree will be more manageable and less likely to tip over if your cat tries to climb it.

Whether you have a live or artificial tree, both can be potentially dangerous to cats. Depending on the tree species, evergreen pine needles can be toxic if chewed, and because they are so sharp they can pierce or puncture the skin of a curious cat. Artificial trees can also be harmful due to their synthetic materials. Regularly vacuuming or sweeping underneath your tree can minimise the chance of your cat ingesting anything they shouldn’t.

If you choose a live tree, it’s also important that you cover the base with a tree collar or skirt so your cat can’t drink the water. Sap from the tree and residual fertilizers, can make the water potentially toxic. 

2. Secure the tree

Kittens will climb to the top of a Christmas tree in mere seconds, and even if your cat isn’t a tree climber there’s a good chance they will use the trunk as a scratching post, rub against it, or bump it when pawing at the ornaments. 

To prevent your tree from toppling over, it’s crucial to secure it properly. Here are some methods to keep your tree stable:

• Sturdy tree stand: Use a Christmas tree stand that provides stability and can support the weight of your tree. Make sure it has a wide, solid base and is designed to hold the size of your tree.
• Anchor to the wall: Secure your tree to the wall or ceiling using furniture anchors and sturdy wire. This will prevent your cat from toppling the tree if they attempt to climb it.
• Weighted base: If your tree stand allows, add extra weight to the base by placing heavy objects or using sandbags. This will provide additional stability.

3. Create a barrier

Setting up a physical barrier around the base of your tree can help deter your cat from accessing it. Although this may not work for very determined or athletic cats, it’s worth a try.

• Baby or pet gates: Use baby gates, pet gates or a Christmas tree fence to prevent your cat from getting too close to the tree and its decorations.
• Lattice fencing: Install lattice fencing around the base of the tree to discourage your cat from approaching the tree.

4. Cat-proof decorations

When you decorate your Christmas tree, its essential to consider your cat’s behaviour and their natural instincts. 

• Choose cat-friendly decorations: Opt for cat-friendly decorations made from lightweight, unbreakable materials like paper, wood or felt. These are less tempting for your cat than sparkly store-bought decorations but also safer and less likely to cause harm if they are knocked off the tree. 
• Hang decorations high: Place the majority of decorations on the top two-thirds of your Christmas tree, out of your cat’s reach. Delicate, breakable, dangerous or particularly enticing ornaments should be placed up high and the safer felt or paper decorations hung on the lower branches. Anything dangling from the lower branches and at your cat’s eye level is going to be their first target.
• Avoid tinsel and ribbons: Tinsel and sparkly ribbons are attractive to cats but potentially dangerous too. These pose a significant choking hazard if your cat chews or swallows them and can cause intestinal blockages.
• Attach ornaments safely: Avoid using string, ribbon or rubber bands to attach your ornaments to the tree, all of these are potentially hazardous to your cat if swallowed. Instead secure your ornaments with twist ties, the green ones will also blend in nicely with the green branches.
• Say NO to edible ornaments: Chocolate is highly toxic to cats, and other sugary sweets aren’t healthy either. Think twice before you add candy canes and chocolate treats to your tree.

5. Opt for cat-safe lighting

No Christmas tree is complete without sparkling lights but make sure you choose options that minimise the risk of harm to keep your cat safe.

• LED lights: Select LED Christmas lights instead of traditional incandescent lights. LED lights produce less heat and are less likely to cause burns if your cat touches them with their paws.
• Secure the wires: Make sure you secure the wires and cords of your Christmas lights to the tree, to prevent your cat from chewing them. To prevent the risk of fatal electric shock, tape cords and wires together, or use cord protectors to keep the wires out of reach. You can also spray the wires with a bitter apple anti-chew spray or citrus scent which most cats detest.
• Unplug when unsupervised: Always turn off and unplug the lights when you are not around to supervise your cat. This will prevent them from chewing on the wires or accidentally causing electrical hazards.

6. Deter your cat with scents and textures

You can also cat-proof your Christmas tree, using scents and textures that cats don’t like. 

• Citrus scents: Cats are known to dislike the smell of citrus. To keep your cat away from the tree, place orange or lemon peels around the base of the tree. The strong citrus scent should discourage your cat from getting too close.
• Foil barrier: Cats generally find the texture of foil unpleasant. Wrap the lower portion of the tree trunk with aluminium foil to deter your cat from climbing the tree – most cats hate the sound.
• Plastic wrap: Another option is to wrap the lower branches of the tree with plastic wrap, although if your cat has pica and eats non-food items we don’t recommend this one. 

7. Provide alternative entertainment

A bored cat is more likely to get in trouble, so keep your cat engaged and entertained with alternative activities to reduce this interest in your Christmas tree. 

• Interactive toys: Provide your cat with interactive toys and puzzle feeders to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. This will help redirect their attention away from the tree.
• Scratching posts: Place scratching posts or cat trees near the Christmas tree. This will provide an alternative vertical space for your cat to climb and explore.
• Playtime: Engage in regular play sessions with your cat. This will help burn off excess energy and may reduce their desire to climb the tree.

8. Supervise your cat near the Christmas tree

Even with all the cat-proofing precautions in place, it’s essential to monitor your cat’s behaviour around the Christmas tree. Keep a close eye on your cat when they are in the same room as the tree. If you notice your cat showing interest in the tree or Christmas ornaments, distract them with interactive play sessions with their favourite toys or use treats to redirect their attention. Consistent training can help your cat understand what’s acceptable and what’s not. Ideally you want to place your tree in a room where you can shut the door at night or when you’re away from the house, to prevent any accidents or mischievous behaviour. Although this isn’t always possible in modern homes with open-plan living spaces.

These tips are designed to cat-proof your Christmas tree and keep your cat safe during the holiday season. Remember though, every cat is unique – so take appropriate safety measures and precautions based on your cat’s personality. You know whether your cat is going to try to climb your Christmas tree and is at risk of pulling it on top of themselves, or paw at your ornaments until they knock them on the floor.

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