Cats and Christmas trees can be like oil and water, but it’s possible to have both in your home at the same time! If you have a cat that keeps treating your Christmas tree like it’s the best cat toy ever, here are some tips and tricks to keep your kitty safe for the holidays!

Why do cats like climbing trees?

It’s important to understand that many cats naturally like to be up high in the air. Not only are they usually safe from most predators, but it also lets them survey their territory. Sure, Fluffy may not need to worry about any wild coyotes, but the instinct is still there, and your Christmas tree? That’s the perfect perch. So consider giving your cat their own perches, such as a tall cat tree or cat shelves with a fluffy bed as a comfy alternative to your Christmas tree. Leave some toys on the tree as an extra incentive!

Use deterrents!

There are many safe deterrents that can protect your tree from your cat’s curiosity. Most cats hate the feeling of aluminum foil under their paws, so putting up a barrier around the base of your tree can keep your kitty from getting close enough to pounce (double-sided sticky tape works as well!). You can also opt for using motion-activated air canisters which you can hide within the tree – they spray air out when they sense movement nearby, which can keep your kitty from getting too close!

Decorate safely!

All those baubles and lights that we decorate the tree with are very attractive to our feline friends! When decorating, tie your decorations as close to the branches as possible to keep them from swaying back and forth – The movements can be too tempting for your cat to bear! Try to choose larger decorations as well to avoid choking hazards. You may also want to consider anchoring your tree by tying it to a solid object nearby, so that your Christmas tree can’t be knocked over. And be strategic about where you put your tree – nearby shelves, couches, and other high places can be the perfect launch pad to your tree!

And for cats that love to chew…

Pine needles can cause a ton of damage to a kitty’s digestive system, so if your cat likes to chew on plants, consider planting some tempting cat grass nearby in a pot. Safe for cats to consume, cat grass is relatively easy to take care of as long as they get sun and water, and can save you from a lot of worrying and an expensive vet bill. Make sure that you clean up any needles that have shed as well! Fake trees are also a great alternative (and they’re a lot easier to take care of!)

Have any of your own tips and tricks? Let us know!