For cat owners, the prospects of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree is often paired with the dread of finding it stripped of its ornaments—or worse, completely knocked over—thanks to a curious feline friend. Cats, naturally, are drawn to Christmas trees for a number of reasons. The dangling ornaments, twinkling lights and climbing opportunities are too tempting for most to resist. Fortunately, with a few clever strategies, you can protect your tree (and your sanity) while keeping your cat safe and happy this holiday season.
Place a cat tree near the Christmas tree
If your cat sees your Christmas tree as their very own Mount Everest, try redirecting their energy by offering an even better option: a cat tree. Cats love vertical spaces and climbing, and a cat tree provides a safe and designated place for them to explore as opposed to your holiday centerpiece.
Place the cat tree near the Christmas tree so your kitty gets their fix without interfering with your holiday decorations, and consider adding some festive catnip toys or treats to the cat tree to make it extra enticing. Pro tip from a cat owner: Just don’t put the cat tree too close to the Christmas tree, as you never know when the adventurous tabby might try to leap from their tree to yours.
Use aluminum foil around the base
Cats generally dislike the texture and sound of aluminum foil, making it an excellent deterrent (and offering social media users plenty of hilarious videos). If this sounds like a trick you want to partake in, place a layer of foil around the base of your Christmas tree like a makeshift tree skirt. When your cat steps on it, the crinkly, noisy sensation will likely send them scurrying away. This simple solution can prevent them from getting close enough to climb or knock over the tree.
Make your tree less appealing for climbing
One reason cats are drawn to Christmas trees is their natural instinct to climb. Cue our suggestions for making your tree less inviting:
- Use a sturdy tree stand to ensure the tree is stable and won’t wobble or fall if your cat does try to climb.
- Avoid placing low-hanging ornaments, as their shiny reflection and within-paw-reach positioning can act as an invitation for cats to swat and play.
- Opt for shatterproof ornaments or decorations made from wood or fabric to prevent injuries if anything does come crashing down.
What deterrent would you use to stop your cat from climbing the Christmas tree?
Try cat-safe deterrent sprays
Cat-safe sprays are designed to deter pets from certain areas, usually using scents like citrus or bitter apple, which cats dislike. Lightly spritz the lower branches of your tree with the spray of your choice to encourage your cat to keep their distance. Just be sure to test the spray on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage your tree or ornaments.
Distract with holiday toys and playtime
Cats often turn their attention to the Christmas tree out of both curiosity and boredom. To avoid any tree-crashing catastrophes, ensure your feline friend has plenty of entertainment and attention during the holidays. Offer interactive toys, puzzle feeders or catnip-filled mice to keep them engaged. Spending quality time playing with your cat each day will help burn off their energy, making them less likely to channel it into tree-climbing.
