Learning how to cat proof your Christmas tree is necessary, not only to keep the tree and your ornaments safe, but to keep your cat safe. There are more dangers for your cat around a Christmas tree than you may realize.
In this post, we’ll cover:
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- Choosing a Cat Safe Christmas Tree
- Is Drinking Christmas Tree Water Safe for Cats?
- Christmas Tree Safety for Pets
- 10 Ways to Cat Proof a Christmas Tree Including
- Tree Placement and Setup
- Christmas Tree Decorations
- Tree Lights and Wires
- Repellents and Deterrents
- Keeping Your Cat Busy
- Redirecting and Rewards
watch my video: how to cat proof your christmas tree
Choosing a Cat Safe Christmas Tree
Choosing a Cat Safe Christmas TreeConsider getting an artificial tree. Cats are less likely to chew on artificial trees than real ones.
Also, according to PetMd.com, Christmas trees can be toxic to cats. While the needles of live Christmas trees are considered only mildly toxic to cats, it can still cause health concerns if they’re eating the needles.
The oils from the tree’s needles can cause stomach upset, vomiting, decreased appetite, and can irritate your cat’s gastrointestinal tract.
I had a small pine tree for years that I used to decorate for Christmas. When I got my current cat, Whiskers, he started chewing on and pulling on its branches.
Then I found out the tree could be toxic for him, so I got rid of it.
I love my cat too much to put him in danger. But I have to admit I miss that little tree (that’s it in the picture).
Is Christmas Tree Water Safe for Cats?
Is Christmas Tree Water Safe for Cats? Many people don’t realize that the water your tree sits in can be dangers for cats.
According to Catster.com, any pine sap that has leaked into the water can cause gastrointestinal distress for your cat. Also, the longer the water sits, the more it can breed bacteria that’s not good for your cat to ingest.
Also, certain chemicals are sometimes used during the growth and harvesting of Christmas trees. They could taint the water as well.
If you do decide to get a real tree, cover the water to keep your cat from drinking it. One suggestion would be to use a cat proof Christmas tree skirt.
Christmas Tree Safety for Pets
Christmas Tree Safety for PetsOne more point about Christmas tree safety for pets. I had a miniature Dachshund named Maggie several years ago. One Christmas, I wrapped all the presents and put them under the tree on Christmas eve, like I always had.
One particular year, I taped candy canes to each gift. I also used to buy Pounce cat treats and wrap a few of them in small packages for my cats.
That year, we woke up to realize that Maggie had eaten ALL the cat treats (the equivalant of a full container of Pounce), and ALL of the candy canes (more than a dozen as I recall).
Fortunately, she didn’t show any symptoms, but it’s certainly true that wasn’t good for her! So just make sure you’re keeping your pets’ safety in mind not only with the Christmas tree, but other Christmas decorations, food and activities as well.
How to Cat Proof a Christmas Tree
How to Cat Proof a Christmas TreeHere are 10 effective tips for cat proofing your Christmas tree:
1. Choose the right spot: It’s best to put the tree in a corner where it’s less accessible for your cat. And try not to put it near any furniture the cat could use to jump up into the tree!
2. Secure the tree: Use a sturdy, cat proof Christmas tree stand and anchor the tree to the wall. Check out this article from Farmhouse1820.com for tips about securing your tree.
3. Don’t use a tabletop Christmas tree. They’re just too easy for your cat to knock over!
4. Avoid breakable tree ornaments. At least while your cat is young or until you’re certain your cat won’t mess with the tree, only use fabric, wooden or plastic ornaments. Don’t use fragile or glass ones.
And don’t risk any of your favorite ornaments or ornaments with sentimental value until you’re sure your tree is safe from your cat. It’s not worth setting your cat up to get in trouble, or setting yourself up for being upset!
I had a cat named Miron many years ago who loved to batt the tree ornaments that were dangling toward the bottom of the tree. I bought some inexpensive ball-shaped ornaments to place at the bottom of the tree that were safe for him to enjoy, thus saving the rest of the tree!
5. Don’t use tinsel. The whole time I was growing up, putting tinsel on the tree was the final step, and in my opinion, made the tree look downright magical! It wasn’t until many years later that I owned a cat who ate the tinsel off the tree!
She would sit next to the tree, take a piece in her mouth, and slowly suck it down. Just like that scene in Lady and the Tramp where the two dogs are sharing spagetti!
I always thought it was just an annoycance, especially when she’d poop it out and I’d have a festive litterbox (eeew!). But I found out later that ingesting tinsel can be dangerous for cats.
6. Christmas tree lights. Protect light cords with cord organizers or plastic covers to prevent chewing. Avoid using dangling lights; it’s just too tempting for cats! Unplug your Christmas tree lights when not in use and when you’re not home. That’s wise regardless of whether you own pets.
7. Try cat-safe repellents. You can spray your Christmas tree and skirt with a cat deterrent spray. Just make sure it’s made for cats so it’s safe. There are certain scents that cats don’t like, so this may be effective. You can find some cat-safe deterrent sprays on Amazon.
8. Try aluminum foil or double-sided tape. Cats are startled by the sound of tin foil and obviously they won’t enjoy stepping on double-sided tape. You could place these around the base of the tree to discourage your cat from getting on the tree.
9. Keep your cat busy. Use the tips in my post, How to Keep Indoor Cats Happy – 10 Things They’ll Love! (includes video), to distract your cat and keep them busy with things besides the Christmas tree!
10. Redirect and praise. If your cat approaches the Christmas tree, gently redirect them to their toys or scratching post. Once they’re away from the tree, reward them with a treat or praise.
How to Cat Proof a Christmas Tree Ideas
For more help having a Christmas tree when you have a cat, check out this helpful post from Catster.com called, How to Cat Proof a Christmas Tree or watch cat expert Jackson Galaxy’s video, The Ugly Truth About Cats and Christmas.
By the way, that’s Whiskers’ sister, Penny in the tree! Looks like she’s saying, “What?” LOL!
I Donate to Animal Charities
I Donate to Animal CharitiesThanks so much for visiting my website! I hope the tips I’ve provided in this post help keep your cat out of the Christmas tree!
I receive a small commission if you make a purchase from some of the links on my website. I donate 10% of my earnings to animal charities. You can see a list of the animal charities I donate to here.
If you found this post helpful, please share it with fellow cat lovers. Thank you! Debra
