How to Keep Cats Out of the Christmas Tree: 12 Vet-Backed Tips That Work

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You've spent an hour decorating the Christmas tree. You step back to admire it, and a furry face peers out from between the branches. Then a bauble hits the floor. Then another.

If your cat treats the Christmas tree as its personal jungle gym, you're far from alone. To a cat, a decorated tree is the ultimate climbing frame, covered in shiny, swinging toys. Cats Protection, the UK cat charity, puts it simply: some cats are keen climbers, and a lit-up tree presents a challenge they won't be able to resist.

The good news is that with a few changes, you can keep both your cat and your tree safe. Below you'll find 12 practical tips, the decorations that are genuinely dangerous for cats, and what to do if your cat swallows something it shouldn't.

Quick answer

To keep your cat out of the Christmas tree: secure the tree so it can't topple, decorate the top half only, skip tinsel and glass baubles, cover light cords, block access to the tree water, and give your cat its own cat tower to climb instead. Reward your cat for using its own space, and supervise until the novelty wears off.

Why cats love Christmas trees

Understanding why cats climb trees helps you redirect the behaviour.

• Height means safety. Agriculture Victoria explains that elevated places give cats a sense of security and let them watch what's happening around them.
• A tree is a natural scratching post. Cats scratch to sharpen claws, stretch and mark territory, and tree bark and trunks are perfect for it.
• Dangling decorations look like prey. Swinging baubles, ribbons and tinsel trigger a cat's hunting instinct.
• Something new arrived. A tree is a brand-new object in your cat's territory, with new smells to investigate.

12 tips to cat-proof your Christmas tree

1. Secure the tree

This is the most important step. Cats Protection recommends securing the tree with a sturdy base or weights. RSPCA Tasmania also recommends securing the tree to the floor, wall or ceiling so it can't topple.

For extra security, tie a length of clear fishing line from the top third of the tree to a small hook in the wall or ceiling. It's almost invisible and stops the tree tipping if your cat climbs it.

2. Choose the right spot

Place the tree away from furniture your cat could use as a launch pad, such as couches, shelves and bookcases. A corner is ideal because it limits access from the sides.

3. Leave it undecorated for a day or two

Set up the bare tree first and let your cat investigate it. Many cats lose interest once the novelty wears off, making them less likely to attack decorations later.

4. Decorate the top half only

Cats Protection recommends hanging decorations near the top of the tree. Keep the lower third bare, or use only soft, unbreakable decorations at cat height.

5. Skip the tinsel

Tinsel is one of the most dangerous Christmas decorations for cats. RSPCA Tasmania warns that tinsel, ribbons and string-like items can wrap around the intestines and cause serious, potentially fatal damage. Cats Protection describes tinsel as a serious risk.

6. Swap glass for shatterproof ornaments

Glass baubles can shatter and cut paws and mouths. Cats Protection advises avoiding glass baubles, and RSPCA Tasmania recommends shatterproof ornaments made of plastic, wood or paper.

7. Use secure ornament hooks

Wire hooks can be swallowed. Use ribbon loops that you tie tightly around the branch, or closed clip-on hooks, and hang ornaments deep in the branches rather than at the tips where they swing.

8. Cover the light cords

Cats Protection recommends covering light wires with plastic or cardboard tubes, and switching lights off at the mains when you're out. RSPCA Tasmania also suggests taping cords down or covering them with plastic casing.

9. Block the tree water

Cats often drink from the tree stand. PetMD warns that tree water can contain tree oils, and that common additives such as fertilisers and preservatives can be toxic to cats. Use a tree stand with a cover, or block access completely, and skip additives if you can.

10. Pick up fallen needles

Cats Protection advises stopping your cat from nibbling or licking a real tree and picking up fallen needles. PetMD explains that needles are mildly toxic if eaten and can cause stomach upset, mouth irritation and, in some cases, blockages or punctures.

11. Don't put cat gifts under the tree

Cats Protection advises against putting presents for your cat under the tree, especially if they contain catnip, as this will only entice your cat further. Keep cat gifts hidden until Christmas morning.

12. Give your cat its own tree

The most effective trick is redirection. Give your cat a festive tree it's allowed to climb, such as a cat tower designed to look like a Christmas tree. Place it in a spot where your cat can see the room, but away from the family tree, and reward your cat every time it uses it.

A festive tree your cat can climb

If you'd like to give your cat its own Christmas tree, these cat towers are designed in a festive tree shape:

• Compact pick: PuzzlePaw Christmas tree cat tower, about 88 cm, a good size for apartments, kittens and older cats.
• Classic tree look: LUCKLIFE 54" cat Christmas tree with 3 cozy condos, a tall green tree with three hideaways.
• For bigger cats: Christmas cat tree with 2 condos and natural sisal scratching posts, with sturdier platforms and more scratching space.

Check the current price and reviews on each listing, anchor tall towers to the wall, and remove any small decorations that come attached. Our guide to Christmas tree cat trees compares these options in more detail.

Deterrents: what works and what to avoid

Deterrents that are generally safe

• Aluminium foil wrapped around the base of the tree or the trunk. Many cats dislike the texture and sound.
• Double-sided tape on the tree skirt or base.
• A pet playpen or baby gate around the tree, especially for kittens.
• Pine cones spread around the base, which are uncomfortable to walk on.

Deterrents to avoid

• Citrus or essential oil sprays. Some essential oils can be harmful to cats. Avoid spraying oils on or near the tree, and ask your vet before using any scented deterrent.
• Water spray bottles or punishment. These can frighten your cat and damage your relationship without stopping the behaviour.
• Commercial sprays not designed for pets. Check with your vet first.

Focus on rewarding the behaviour you want, not punishing the behaviour you don't.

Extra tips for kittens and determined climbers

Some cats need more than the basics. Kittens in particular are curious, fearless and full of energy.

For kittens

• Consider a smaller tree on a sturdy table in a room your kitten can't access unsupervised.
• Use a pet playpen around a floor-standing tree for the first Christmas.
• Close the door to the room with the tree when you're out or asleep.
• Increase play time. A tired kitten is far less interested in climbing trees. Two or three short play sessions a day help burn energy.

For determined climbers

• Try a tabletop tree that's too small to climb.
• Hang a wall tree made of felt or lights on the wall, out of reach.
• Put the tree in a room your cat doesn't use, such as a front room with the door closed.
• Give your cat a tall cat tower near a window, so it has an even more attractive place to climb.

Help your cat feel calm

The festive season changes your cat's environment, with new objects, visitors and noise. Cats Protection recommends giving your cat a quiet room where it can be left undisturbed, an extra litter tray away from busy areas, and a hiding place to escape the chaos. A calm cat is less likely to go looking for trouble in the tree.

Dangerous Christmas decorations at a glance

Cats Protection notes that lilies are very dangerous, and that holly and mistletoe berries can also poison cats. Read more in our guide to lilies and cats.

What to do if your cat swallows something

Tinsel, ribbon or string

If you see tinsel or string hanging from your cat's mouth or bottom, don't pull it. UK vet Yvette Bell, writing for Vet Help Direct, explains that pulling can cut into the intestinal wall. VCA Animal Hospitals lists vomiting, refusal to eat, dehydration and lethargy as the most common signs of a swallowed string-like object, and notes that surgery is usually needed. Contact your vet straight away.

Needles, tree water or ornaments

Watch for vomiting, drooling, pawing at the mouth, not eating or lethargy. Cats Protection advises contacting your vet immediately if you suspect poisoning, and taking any packaging or item involved with you. In Australia, you can also call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.

Real or artificial tree?

Both can be made safer for cats. A real tree adds risks from needles and tree water, while an artificial tree can still be climbed, knocked over or chewed. Our guide to real vs artificial Christmas trees for cats compares the pros and cons.

Christmas tree cat-proofing checklist

• [ ] The tree is secured with a sturdy base and tied to the wall or ceiling.
• [ ] It's away from couches and shelves my cat could jump from.
• [ ] Decorations are on the top half only.
• [ ] No tinsel, ribbon or string on the tree.
• [ ] Only shatterproof ornaments, with secure hooks.
• [ ] Light cords are covered and switched off when I'm out.
• [ ] The tree water is covered, with no additives.
• [ ] Fallen needles are picked up daily.
• [ ] Cat gifts are hidden until Christmas morning.
• [ ] My cat has its own cat tower or climbing space.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop my cat climbing the Christmas tree?

Secure the tree so it can't topple, keep the lower branches bare, place it away from furniture your cat could jump from, and give your cat its own cat tower to climb. Reward your cat for using its own space.

Is it safe to have a Christmas tree with a cat?

Yes, with precautions. Cats Protection recommends securing the tree, hanging decorations near the top, avoiding glass baubles and tinsel, covering light wires and switching lights off when you're out.

Is Christmas tree water dangerous for cats?

It can be. PetMD warns that tree water can contain tree oils, and that additives such as fertilisers and preservatives can be toxic to cats. Use a covered tree stand and avoid additives.

Are pine needles toxic to cats?

PetMD says needles from fir, spruce and pine trees are mildly toxic if eaten, mainly due to their oils. They can cause stomach upset and mouth irritation, and in some cases blockages or punctures. Pick up fallen needles daily.

What should I do if my cat eats tinsel?

Call your vet straight away, even if your cat seems fine. Don't pull on any tinsel hanging from its mouth or bottom, because it can damage the intestines.

Does foil keep cats away from the Christmas tree?

Many cats dislike the texture and sound of aluminium foil, so wrapping it around the base or trunk can help. Combine it with other tips, such as giving your cat its own climbing space.

Related guides

• Christmas tree cat trees: 4 festive cat towers
• Christmas cat tree ideas
• Christmas food that's dangerous for cats

Sources

• Cats Protection, Cats at Christmas
• RSPCA Tasmania, Make sure your pet has a pawsome Christmas
• PetMD, Are Christmas trees toxic to cats?
• Agriculture Victoria, Creating the perfect indoor haven
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Foreign body in cats
• Vet Help Direct, My cat's swallowed some string, should I pull it out?

This guide is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your vet. If you think your cat has swallowed something dangerous, contact your vet immediately.