Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Cat-Proof a Christmas Tree: 10 Possible Ways

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Cat with a Christmas tree in the background

If you have a cat, you know your pet loves climbing on things in your home, exploring every nook and cranny, and playing with anything that moves. During the holiday season when you set up your Christmas tree, your cat looks at that beautiful tree as a great gift that’s perfect for jumping, climbing, and playing with the shiny, dangling ornaments.

You can keep your Christmas tree intact when you’re sharing your home with a cat. We’ve put together the following list of ways to cat-proof a Christmas tree to keep your tree in one piece while keeping your kitty cat safe and yourself happy and sane!

hepper single cat paw divider

The 10 Ways to Cat-Proof a Christmas Tree

1. Don’t Decorate the Tree Right Away

Christmas tree with ornaments
Image by: bakhrom_media, Pixabay

When your cat suddenly finds a big tree in their surroundings that’s covered with shiny objects, they’re likely to explore that tree right away. Before decorating your tree, leave it bare for several days so your cat can become familiar with the new object at their own pace. Hopefully, your cat will get used to having the tree around and will simply ignore it once you adorn it with decorations.

Pros
  • A simple task for you to undertake
  • Allows cat to adjust to new surroundings
Cons
  • Not a fool-proof solution

2. Use a Repellant Spray

You can purchase a spray repellent to keep your cat away from your Christmas tree. This type of product simply smells unpleasant to cats which keeps them away from anything sprayed with it. Simply spray the trunk of your tree and the lower branches to keep your cat away.

You’ll need to reapply the spray frequently as the scent wears off, but if this works, it will be worth the extra effort.

Pros
  • Features a scent cats dislike
  • Little effort is required on your part
Cons
  • Repellant spray can be costly
  • Must be reapplied frequently

3. Wrap Aluminum Foil Around the Tree Base

foil
Image Credit: Vinicius “amnx” Amano, Unsplash

Most cats dislike the sound and feel of aluminum foil and will steer clear of it no matter what. Try wrapping the entire tree trunk with aluminum foil before decorating the tree. While this method may be a hassle to do, it could work at preventing your cat from climbing up the center of the tree via the trunk.

It’s best to use heavy-duty aluminum foil that’s sturdy and easier to work with rather than the thinner variety. This option is best for a cat that doesn’t jump, like an older cat or one that’s overweight.

Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Prevents your cat from climbing up the trunk
Cons
  • Doesn’t prevent your cat from jumping on the limbs

4. Secure Electrical Cords

The electrical cords powering your tree lights are tempting playthings for your cat to bat at and bite. If your cat were to bite through a cord, they could become injured. It’s a good idea to wrap those cords tightly around the tree trunk so they’re less accessible.

You can use masking tape to adhere the cords to the wall from the outlet to the tree. While this method won’t stop your cat from jumping or climbing on your tree, it will protect your cat and your cords.

Pros
  • Will make your tree safer for your cat
  • Inexpensive method
Cons
  • Won’t prevent your cat from climbing or jumping on your tree

5. Ensure the Tree Has a Solid Base

Christmas tree with beautiful ornaments
Image Credit: Hollanddesign, Pixabay

Because cats love to jump on trees, it’s wise to set your Christmas tree up so it won’t tip over easily. Start by using a sturdy and heavy tree stand instead of a flimsy one. If you can’t find a heavy-duty tree stand, add some weight to the one you have now to make it sturdier.

Do this by filling plastic store bags with rocks or sand and tying them to the stand. Another way to ensure the tree is solid is to secure it to a wall using wire or a fishing line near the tree’s top to keep it upright.

Pros
  • Will prevent your cat from tipping your tree over
  • Can require you to spend extra money
Cons
  • Won’t stop your cat from climbing the center of the tree

6. Place the Tree in a Safe Location

A good way to prevent your cat from jumping on your Christmas tree is to place the tree in a safe location that isn’t near things your cat can climb on. Place your tree away from any shelves or pieces of furniture that can work like launchpads for your cat to reach the tree.

This method will work great if you have plenty of space available to set your tree up in a clear location. This option may not work for you if your home is on the smaller side, leaving you with little space to work with.

Pros
  • Will prevent your cat from leaping onto your tree
Cons
  • Not practical for homes with limited space
  • Won’t prevent your cat from climbing the center of the tree

7. Don’t Decorate the Tree Using Tempting Ornaments

tabby cat plays by christmas tree and lights
Image by: dezy, Shutterstock

Some Christmas ornaments are irresistible to most cats, like sparkly, glowing, dangling, and shimmering ornaments. Instead of loading your tree with ornaments, your cat will be attracted to, consider taking things down a notch or two.

You can make your own ornaments using simple materials like felt and construction paper that won’t be so alluring to your kitty cat. While this method may prove successful in keeping your cat off your tree, it may take some of the razzle and dazzle out of your holiday decorating.

Pros
  • Will make your tree less alluring to your cat
Cons
  • May take away some of the glitter and glamor of your Christmas tree

8. Place the Most Alluring Decorations Toward the Top

You can prevent your cat from reaching those pretty decorations if you place them high on the tree. This method will only work if you’re able to place your tree far from shelves and furniture your cat can climb on to access the tree.

Try to place the most alluring and fragile decorations like tinsel and dangling ornaments toward the top of the tree. On the lower branches, either keep them bare or sparsely decorate them so there’s nothing of interest at your cat’s eye level.

Pros
  • Will help keep your cat away from your most alluring and fragile ornaments
  • Easy to do
Cons
  • Your tree may not look as pretty
  • Will only work if the tree is placed away from shelves and furniture

9. Securely Attach the Ornaments to the Tree

Cat Christmas tree ornaments
Image Credit: Kevin Turcios, Unsplash

To prevent your cat from batting ornaments off your tree, attach them to the branches securely using wire. Those cheap metal hooks that come with most ornaments are not cat-proof since they’re easy to swat off. You can also attach ornaments using those twist ties that come with loaves of bread. Just be sure to avoid using anything dangly like rubber bands or string.

While this task may take a lot of time to complete if you have a big tree and lots of ornaments, it can work wonders at preventing your cat from breaking your ornaments that they swat off the tree.

Pros
  • An effective way to cat-proof ornaments
Cons
  • Won’t keep your cat away from lights or tinsel
  • Time-consuming task to complete

10. Decorate the Tree When Your Cat Isn’t Around

It’s challenging enough to set up a Christmas tree and decorate it with ornaments and lights, and even more so if there’s a cat running around!  If you set your tree up and start decorating it with your cat present, they may look at the whole process as a fun game that’s being played just for them.

Put your cat in another room and close the door as you’re putting up your tree and hanging decorations. This way, your cat isn’t tempted to look at the whole ordeal as a grand kitty game complete with lots of sparkling and dangling items cats love.

Pros
  • Will keep your cat out of your hair while setting up the tree
  • May help decrease the allure of your decorations
Cons
  • Not a fool-proof method

hepper cat paw divider

Conclusion

You don’t have to miss out on all the excitement of decorating a Christmas tree just because you’re a cat lover. All you need to do is make some minor tweaks to your decorating routine. There are some easy ways to cat-proof your Christmas tree to keep your beloved feline out of trouble during the festive holiday season!


Featured Image Credit: Nadtochiy, Shutterstock

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database