How to Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree
Quick answer: use a heavy, wide base or anchor the tree to the wall, keep breakables and tinsel off it, hang shatterproof ornaments on the top two-thirds, hide cables, and give your cat her own, better climbing spot nearby.
1. Make it stable
- Choose a wide, heavy base, or a smaller tree on a sturdy table.
- Tie the top to a wall hook or curtain rail with fishing line.
- Avoid placing it next to furniture she can launch from.
2. Decorate the cat-safe way
- Skip tinsel and ribbon. If swallowed, string-like items can cause serious gut injuries.
- Shatterproof baubles only, attached firmly with closed hooks, not open wire hooks.
- Nothing edible on the tree.
- Keep the bottom third bare or decorated with large, boring ornaments.
3. Lights and cables
Run cables through a cord cover and unplug the lights when you’re out or asleep.
4. Plants to keep away
Lilies are highly toxic to cats; keep them out of the house completely. Poinsettias, holly and mistletoe can also upset cats. Ask your vet if in doubt.
5. Give her something better to climb
Cats climb trees because they’re tall and new. Give her a legitimate option nearby: a cat tree, a window perch, or a new toy each day of December. A Mega Cat Toy Value Pack makes a very good advent calendar.
6. Unwrapping season
Clear up ribbons, bows and string straight after gifts are opened.
Looking for her present? Gifts for Cat Lovers.
