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Catproofing Your Tree: Tips For People With Frisky Cats

December 15, 2023

With the holiday season upon us, many households are eager to set up their Christmas trees, but for cat owners, this festive tradition can quickly turn into a cat-astrophe. Curious felines are often irresistibly drawn to the sparkling lights, dangling ornaments, and the towering tree itself. According to pet safety experts, holiday decorations can pose serious risks to cats, including injuries from fallen trees, ingestion of toxic plants like poinsettias, and hazards from chewing on electrical cords. To ensure a safe and joyous holiday, it’s essential to cat-proof your Christmas tree. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to protect both your tree and your frisky feline, ensuring that your holiday decorations remain intact and your cat stays safe. From choosing the right tree and securing it properly to selecting pet-friendly ornaments, we’ve got you covered for a peaceful and merry holiday season.

Happy Holidays! One of the joys of this special season is admiring everyone’s festive decorations. We also love receiving cards and pictures from our clients. We often get adorable snaps of our furry patients posing in front of Christmas trees. Speaking of which, for those with mischievous cats, the next few weeks may bring some extra shenanigans. Many of our feline patients have ended up on Santa’s naughty list by knocking over trees. If you’ve got a playful cat, continue reading for advice from a local Askov, MN veterinarian on keeping Fluffy away from the tree.

Should I Punish Fluffy For Climbing The Christmas Tree?

To cat-proof your Christmas tree and prevent Fluffy from causing a holiday calamity, consider her natural instincts rather than punishing her. Even if she accidentally breaks a beloved heirloom ornament, it’s important to understand why she’s attracted to the tree. In the wild, cats use trees as places to nap, survey their surroundings, and maintain their claws. Fluffy’s instinct to climb is driven by her evolutionary design—her claws are even curved to aid in this activity. By understanding these instincts, you can take proactive steps to make your Christmas tree safer for your curious cat.

Animals often get confused when punished for something they do naturally. Therefore, scolding or punishing her may only distress and frighten your pet, which may then lead to other issues, like anxiety and aggression. Instead of reprimanding her, we suggest using more gentle methods. Try focusing on rewarding good behavior. You can also work on redirecting your kitty’s playful energy towards more suitable outlets … like that new smart chipmunk toy you bought her.

Is It Even Possible To Teach My Kitty To Leave My Christmas Tree Alone?

Yes and no.

Usually, it’s the cat who trains the human, not the other way around. Fluffy is a master of meowpulation, and often cajoles, charms, and sometimes even bullies her humans into providing food, cuddles, and playtime on demand. 

Although your furry buddy may act like an adorable, meowing dictator, you are really in control. There is a trick to this. You want to make Fluffy believe that good behavior is her idea. (We’ll get to that in a bit.)

What Dangers Do Christmas Trees Pose For Kitties?

Although the tree isn’t exactly cat-friendly, it probably isn’t the biggest hazard in your home. There’s no shortage of those! For instance, the average household contains over 400 chemicals, most of which are poisonous to cats. Other things that are dangerous in your home include small and sharp items, unsafe plants, wires and cords, and candles. Ask your Askov, MN veterinarian for more information.

That said, there are some safety concerns with the tree that people owned by kitties should be aware of. Many ornaments pose choking and strangulation risks. Anything small or sharp is also unsafe. Strings and ropy items, such as tinsel, strings, and lights, can pose choking and strangulation hazards, and are extremely dangerous to ingest. With real trees, the water can be unsafe, as it can contain leached chemicals, such as pesticides or fertilizer. Fluffy might also injure herself bringing it down, especially if it falls on her. (A National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation-like scenario of a kitty causing a house fire is unlikely, but not outside the realm of possibility.)

What Can I Do To Keep Fluffy Out Of The Christmas Tree?

To successfully cat-proof your Christmas tree, focus on deterring Fluffy by making the area less appealing to her curiosity. This approach may involve using certain scents she dislikes or rearranging decorations to less accessible positions. By creating a subtle yet effective barrier, you can keep your festive display safe from playful paws without compromising the holiday spirit.

When your furry friend goes near the tree, try making various loud noises. Some options would be banging pots, shaking change in a jar, setting off an alarm on your phone, stomping your foot, blasting an air horn, or even activating that singing snowman doll. (While squirting water may work, it could harm the tree and gifts and/or damage any plugged-in lights.) The goal is to startle or irritate your pet without actually scaring or harming her. Afterward, your little buddy will probably retreat to her favorite corner for a while to ponder the pros and cons of indoor tree-climbing.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Make My Cat Lose Interest In The Christmas Tree?

While you cannot make Fluffy lose interest in the tree, you can make it less interesting for her.

Here are a few suggestions:

Be Careful When Decorating: Decorate the lower third of the tree as sparsely as possible. Don’t place too many ornaments within paws’ reach. The only things on the lower branches should be dull, unbreakable items, like a fabric reindeer or a little silver bell. Put sharp, shiny, or fragile ornaments on the top half of the tree.

Limit Access: Block Fluffy’s access to the tree by placing it in a corner or away from things she might use as a launchpad, such as sofas, desks, and chairs.

Fake It: Real trees are beautiful, and they certainly smell wonderful, but they’re also expensive, cumbersome, and wasteful. You may want to consider switching to an artificial tree. Fluffy won’t have much luck climbing wire trunks and branches! Plus, you won’t have to worry about her drinking the water. (Bonus: you can also reuse the tree, which will save you money in the long run.)

Apply Scent Deterrents: Keep in mind that you may need to reapply scent deterrents. (Also, some of our furry friends just ignore them.)

Fluffy’s Obsession With Christmas Trees: Why Does She Love Them?

To cat-proof your Christmas tree, consider why cats are drawn to trees in the first place. In their natural habitat, trees serve as shelters and vantage points for cats, offering protection from weather and predators while providing a space for resting and claw maintenance. These instincts explain why your cat may see your decorated Christmas tree as a personal playground, complete with shiny ornaments that resemble enticing toys. By understanding these natural behaviors, you can take steps to make your holiday display safer and less appealing as a play area for your cat, ensuring the tree stays upright and the decorations remain intact.

Can I Prevent My Cat From Knocking Down My Tree?

The things we’ve mentioned above should help, but may not be quite enough to deter a very determined feline. If your pet is super frisky, you may want to reinforce your tree. You can attach the top of the tree to the wall or ceiling with clear fishing line. It won’t show, but will provide enough extra support. We also recommend getting trees with sturdy bases for people with kitties.

Bribery also works well when it comes to managing your cat’s behavior. Offer your furry companion some of her presents early and set aside time for daily play sessions. The key is to engage her in activities that will help release her energy, like chasing a catnip mouse or playing with a laser pointer. You want Fluffy to burn off those kitty zoomies. We all know what happens when cats get tired: naps! 

It’s worth mentioning that cat towers are a great alternative to real trees for cats. If your feline buddy doesn’t have one, consider either making or purchasing her one as a gift this holiday season. For more ideas on what to get your furry friend, check out our guide on Holiday Gifts For Cats to ensure your kitty feels special during the festive season.

Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree in 2025

What are cat-safe alternatives to traditional Christmas trees?

For cat owners looking to safeguard both their pets and holiday decor, considering alternatives to traditional Christmas trees can be beneficial. Opt for an artificial tree with wire branches, which are less appealing for climbing and can prevent the mishaps associated with real trees. Additionally, setting up a dedicated cat tower decorated with cat-safe ornaments can satisfy your cat’s climbing instincts without risking your festive display. This approach not only keeps the tree secure but also redirects your cat’s attention to a more suitable and safe activity.

Are there specific tree-related injuries that can occur to cats?

Cats face several risks from Christmas trees, both from climbing and the decorations involved. Sharp ornaments can cut them, while small ones might be swallowed, leading to choking or internal blockages. Strings and tinsel pose strangulation hazards and, if ingested, can cause intestinal damage, a situation that may require surgical intervention. Additionally, the chemicals in tree water can be toxic if consumed. Preventing these accidents involves cat-proofing strategies such as securing the tree and using safer decorations.

How can you redirect cats using recall training?

To redirect cats effectively using recall training, establish a clear, consistent command paired with positive reinforcements. Start in a quiet environment to minimize distractions. Use a distinct sound or verbal cue like a whistle or a specific word, and immediately reward your cat with treats or affection upon response. Gradually increase the complexity of the environment as your cat becomes more responsive to the cue. Consistency is vital; regular practice sessions reinforce the behavior, making the recall command a reliable method for managing your cat’s movements and attention.

What options exist for Christmas-themed cat furniture?

Christmas-themed cat furniture can offer safe and festive alternatives for energetic felines during the holiday season. Manufacturers produce a variety of options like cat trees modeled after Christmas trees, adorned with cat-safe decorations and sturdy bases to withstand enthusiastic play. Some feature built-in scratching posts and lounging platforms. Additionally, there are cat condos designed to resemble Santa’s workshop or a winter cottage, providing a playful yet secure environment for cats to explore. These themed pieces not only satisfy a cat’s climbing instincts but also blend seamlessly with seasonal decor.

What are the specific risks of artificial snow?

Artificial snow, commonly used in holiday decorations, poses several risks to cats. This synthetic substance can contain chemicals harmful if ingested, leading to gastrointestinal irritation or more severe health issues. Cats, curious by nature, might lick or eat artificial snow, mistaking it for something edible. Additionally, if artificial snow comes in contact with a cat’s paws or fur, it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Pet owners should use caution when decorating with artificial snow and consider safer alternatives to ensure their cats’ safety during the holiday season.

Conclusion: Fluffy’s holiday shenanigans are cute, frustrating, and a bit dangerous. Fortunately, decorating your tree with a little forethought, keeping your furry pal occupied, and using a few careful but effective training tactics, may help keep it upright. Seasons’ Greetings from everyone at Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic, your Askov, MN animal clinic. Feel free to contact us anytime! And if you’re traveling for the holidays, don’t forget to check out our Pet Boarding and Grooming services to ensure your cat is well-cared for while you’re away.