7 Tips to Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree

Choose Your Tree Wisely

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing your Christmas tree. First, cats who ingest resin or needles from a pine or fir tree may experience nausea or stomach injury. Those with cats prone to nibble on off-limits objects should consider an artificial tree.

Also, stagnant water contains bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal issues. Avoid water additives to extend tree freshness as these may contain harmful preservatives and fertilizers. 

If your kitty is likely to climb and knock over the tree, pick a smaller tree that will cause less damage if toppled. The best Christmas tree for homes with cats might be a small tabletop tree that can be closed off in another room when the kitties are out and about or set up in a room entirely out of bounds to any felines during the Christmas season.

Spray Repellants

Spray repellents can keep your cats away from the tree, and it is easy to make your own. Some cats dislike citrus scents, so try a spray of water mixed with citrus or citronella oil.

You can also place fresh lemon and orange peels around the base or within the branches. Replace the peels every few days to maintain the fresh scent. Diluted apple cider vinegar sprayed around the base can also be a good deterrent to cats who aren't fond of the smell.

Wrap Your Tree Base With Aluminum Foil

An effective obstacle to keep cats away from a Christmas tree is aluminum foil. Wrap the tree trunk and base entirely with aluminum foil. Since most cats don’t like the sound or feel of foil, they’ll keep their distance from the tree. If you have a real tree, cover the opening of the water-filled stand with foil so that your cat isn't tempted to drink.

Contain Cords

Dangling electrical cords are an invitation for cats to play and bite. If a cat bites through a cord, it can lead to burns and electrocution.

Use cord covers and tape the cords to the wall from the outlet to the tree to keep them out of your cat's reach. When decorating the tree, wrap the lights around the tree trunk so they're not as accessible. Don't forget to unplug the lights when you go to sleep and before you leave the house.

Secure Your Tree

Despite your best efforts, your cat may still get into your Christmas tree. The tree must be well-secured so your curious kitty doesn’t accidentally knock the whole thing down. Start with a heavy tree stand or add weights to a lighter stand to keep the tree firmly on the ground. You can also attach the tree stand to a heavy piece of plywood to keep it secure.

Make sure you position the tree near a wall. Attach a thin wire or clear fishing line to the top of the tree and fasten it to the wall or ceiling to ensure the tree remains upright.

Decorate Judiciously

If your tree is covered with sparkly, dangly baubles, it won't matter how much stinky repellant you spray on it: Your cat will be hard-pressed to resist.

For a more cat-friendly Christmas tree, don't hang any breakable decorations on the lower half of the tree. Keep low branches free from all ornaments and potential temptations. Use wire to fasten ornaments to branches to reduce the risk of them falling off and breaking if pawed by an eager cat.

Consider hanging bells on the lowest branches of the tree so if your cat approaches, you'll be notified by the immediate jangling and can intervene more quickly.

Put Up Roadblocks

Depending upon the size of your tree (and your kitten), you may be able to put obstacles in place to keep your cat out of the Christmas tree. Remove chairs and tables that might serve as a launching pad to help your cat jump higher into the tree. 

An exercise pen, fence, or baby gate can also be positioned around the tree to limit your cat’s access. Some cats don’t like stepping on pine cones and won’t get too close if they are placed around the base of the tree. They may feel even more deterred if those annoying pine cones are sprayed with apple cider vinegar, a smell they dislike.

Some cat owners have had luck surrounding their Christmas trees with crumpled-up plastic bags, lines of masking tape (sticky side up), and walls of wrapped gifts (some empty ones as fillers in the barrier). Depending on your cat's personality and preferences, these tactics may or may not work.