Tired of turning your living room into a cat battleground every holiday season?
We get it, cats and Christmas trees—like a comedy duo you never asked for!
While it might seem like your kitty’s secret mission is “Operation: Christmas Tree Takedown,” we’re here to help you keep your tree upright, your ornaments unscathed, and your twinkling lights for many seasons to come.
But how to keep cat out of the Christmas tree?
Follow our tried and tested, but most importantly, safe tricks to have a Happy Catmas this year.
Let’s turn this showdown into a purrfectly peaceful holiday season!
How To Keep Cat Out Of Christmas Tree: Table of Contents
Build a Plexiglass Tree Protector
Making a cage is one of the most effective ways to keep those cute paws away from your Christmas tree. The best way is to use plexiglass panels as they’re transparent, so you can keep the cats out but still enjoy the decoration from your Christmas tree.
To save you time, let me show you all the equipment you’ll need and the steps you should go through.
Equipment:
- Plexiglass panels (typically ⅛ or ¼ inch thickness; size depends on your tree)
- Measuring tape
- Marker (any dark color)
- Ruler or straightedge
- Saw or plexiglass sheet cutter
- Sandpaper (medium grit)
- Safety goggles
- Work gloves
- Plastic holders or brackets (one for each panel)
- Screws and anchors
- Screwdriver or drill
- Velcro strips (optional, for added stability)
- Decorative holiday fabric (optional)
- Zip ties or clips (optional)
Instructions:
- Measure your tree: Start by measuring the height and width of your Christmas tree, including any topper or star. These measurements will determine the size of your plexiglass panels.
- Cut plexiglass panels: Using your Christmas tree’s measurements, mark the plexiglass panels with a pencil or marker. Take your safety goggles and work gloves, then carefully cut along the marked lines using a saw or plexiglass cutter.
- Pro tip: Take your time to ensure clean, straight cuts. Try to smooth any rough edges with sandpaper. Also, leave a small opening on the higher end, from at least one side – this will make your Christmas tree more accessible.
- Assemble the cage: Attach a plastic holder or bracket to the bottom of each panel and position the panels around your Christmas tree to create a protective cage.
- Pro tip: Check if they’re evenly spaced and encircle the tree without touching it – there should be enough space inside the cage if you’ll ever need to water the tree, take off, or put more ornaments, etc.
- Secure the panels: With the panels in position, place them inside the plastic holders or brackets. Use screws and anchors to fasten the panels, making them stable securely – this will help if your feline friend tries to knock the panels down.
- Stability enhancement (optional): For extra stability, consider attaching Velcro strips to the edges of the plexiglass panels and to your floor or wall.
- Add decorative touch (optional): To maintain the festive spirit, you can drape the plexiglass cage with decorative holiday fabric by attaching it with zip ties or clips.
You can also use simple plexiglass foil to wrap up your tree.
Now that your Christmas tree protector is in place, you can relax and enjoy your Christmas tree decoration without worrying about your furry friend touching it.
Use Dried or Fresh Citrus Peels
Most cats dislike the scent of citrus fruits, so you could use their peels (dried or fresh) to protect your Christmas tree.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Save the peels from oranges and lemons (or any other citrus fruit you eat).
- Create small shavings from the peels using a zester or grater – these fruit remnants will be your cat-deterrent ornaments.
- To give the citrus peels a decorative touch, you can also put them in decorative glass balls or wrap them in decorative bags. (optional)
- Place them around the base of your tree and the lower branches.
If you decide to put the peels in glass balls, here are some that can work well:
- Set of 12, 3.15″/80mm Clear Glass Christmas Ornaments by Soosi Store
- 12Pcs Clear Glass Ball Ornaments by Novelty Store
If you decide to go for decorative bags, you can check out these:
Pro tips:
- Make sure the peels are clean and free of any fruit remains.
- Don’t forget to replace these peels every few days to keep the scent fresh.
- Try to place the peals inside the tree in less visible places if you’re not wrapping them in decorative bags.
- If you’re using a traditional, natural Christmas tree, you can also place the peels in the pot (in the tree base).
Use Spray Repellants
Using a pet-deterrent spray on your Christmas tree can be helpful in most cases. Most cats dislike the strong citrus scent, and you can use a water spray and squeezed fruit juice.
Plus, your Christmas tree will smell nice – but maybe not to your cat.
If you don’t have any, here are some of the pet-deterrent sprays you can try:
Pro tips: For a better effect, spray directly on the tree. You can do it on branches but if you’re concerned about the lights, go for the tree base instead. Or you can soak cotton balls and place them all over the tree.
If you don’t mind the intense smell of it, you could use vinegar to soak the cotton balls. But remember to avoid essential oils and alcohol because these are toxic to cats.
Use the Christmas Tree Protectors (Defenders)
Another decent way to keep your kitty at bay and preserve the decorations of your Christmas tree is to make it difficult for them to climb it.
You can do this by placing multiple Christmas tree protectors/defenders (potted-plant protectors) around its base, between lower levels of branches.
Placing them is quick and simple. Here’s how to use them:
- Disassemble the disk into four pieces.
- Start by positioning one piece on the spot you want, around the tree base, and hold it with one hand.
- Re-attach the next piece to the previous one with the other hand.
- Use the plastic bolts with the product to keep the pieces together.
- Repeat the previous two steps for the remaining two pieces.
Usually, people use this product by sticking its bolts into the ground from the tree-pot. But you could also place it higher.
This will form a barrier that should block your kitty from grabbing onto the tree base and climbing up.
To get a better picture of how your barrier should look on the Christmas tree, check out this video:
Try Aluminum or Tin Foil Trick
Cats love to scratch rough surfaces to sharpen their claws. If you’re using a real tree, your cat might come near and try to sharpen their claws, damaging your Christmas tree.
So, try to wrap your tree base with aluminum or tin foil – most cats can’t stand the feel and the sound it makes. You can also place it on the floor surrounding the tree base to make it difficult for your curious friend to approach it.
Although using aluminum and tin foil helps keep cats away from Christmas trees, be aware that this is only a temporary solution since cats are quite sneaky and often jump on branches to avoid contact with the foil.
Use Double-Sided Scotch Tape
Another great way to keep your cat out of your Christmas tree is to place a mat on the floor and cover it in transparent double-sided Scotch tape – this will create a sticky surface as a barrier, keeping your mischievous friend at bay.
Equipment
Process
- Lay your Christmas tree mat flat on the floor. Make sure it’s clean and dry so the tape can stick well.
- Peel off a few inches of the double-sided tape back to expose the sticky side and begin at one corner of the mat.
Also, don’t forget to avoid touching the sticky part with your fingers.
- Press the exposed sticky tape onto the edge of the mat and then slowly unroll the tape along the edge, smoothing it down as you go.
- Continue attaching the double-sided tape around the entire mat.
Pro tip: Trash any excess with scissors if the tape is wider than your mat’s edge.
- Once you’ve covered the entire mat, try to overlap them a bit or use an extra piece of tape to ensure they won’t come loose.
Now, with the double-sided tape in place, this will be a sticky barrier that will deter your cat from getting too close to the tree.
Traditional Christmas Tree Alternatives Your Cat Will Love
- Cat Christmas tree
- Fake Christmas tree
- Make your own cat Christmas tree
Opt for a Cat Christmas Tree
A cat Christmas Tree is specially crafted for cats. They can spend hours playing with it and completely ignore your traditional tree. They are made of cat-friendly materials.
At the same time, they look festive and match your decor.
Choose a Fake Christmas Tree
Consider using a fake Christmas tree instead of a natural one for a few reasons.
Fake trees don’t have scent: Cats are naturally attracted to the strong scent of pine, so fake trees won’t attract them as much.
There’s no need to water a fake tree: Also, real trees often require water in their stand, which can become a tempting source of hydration for your cat, potentially exposing them to fertilizers or chemicals that may be harmful.
Fake trees don’t shed sharp needles: Some cats enjoy nibbling on real tree branches, leading to several health problems like vomiting, diarrhea, internal damage, loss of appetite, and breathing issues.
Make a Christmas Tree For Cats
You can make a wooden, DIY Cat Christmas Tree for cats and keep them away from the Christmas tree.
A DIY Climable Christmas tree for cats isn’t only a great way to distract them from your Christmas tree but can also be a great Christmas gift for your cat.
Q&A
Why Are Cats So Obsessed With Christmas Trees?
Cats are naturally obsessed with shiny objects and movements. And since Christmas trees have a lot of colorful decorations, cats will try to jump on the tree and play with it.
Also, cats can be significantly more curious pets than other animals. They’ll want to investigate when you bring something new into their territory.
How Do You Introduce Cats to Christmas Trees?
You can set up your Christmas tree and leave it undecorated for a few days – this will give your cat(s) enough time to get used to it without hanging around it that much. Start adding decorations slowly.
How to Decorate for Christmas When You Have Cats?
I’ve picked up a few unique and cat-friendly decorating ideas. Let’s make your home festive without turning it into a cat obstacle course:
Opt for Cat-Safe Ornaments:
Choose shatterproof ornaments for your tree. These are less likely to break if your cat batches them around.
Hang Ornaments Strategically:
Place your most cherished and delicate ornaments higher up on the tree, out of your cat’s reach. Leave the lower branches for more robust decorations.
Catnip:
Use catnip snacks and toys by placing them on their own climbing, DIY, or cat Christmas trees. This will distract them from other decorations.
Tinsel Alternatives:
Skip the tinsel, as cats love to bat at and chew on it. Instead, opt for garlands made of less enticing materials to your cat.
Hide Cords and Lights:
Tape or hide any cords or lights to prevent your cat from playing with them.
Supervised Playtime:
Engage in supervised play sessions with your cat around the tree. It’ll satisfy their curiosity and tire them out.
Create a Cat-Friendly Zone:
Designate a cozy corner with blankets, toys, and treats for your cat. This can be their retreat if the holiday hustle and bustle become overwhelming.
How to Stop My Cat From Eating My Fake Christmas Tree?
Some cats will find the softer texture of a fake Christmas tree ideal for nibbling. If this happens, you should use a cat-deterrent spray to keep your kitty away.
You can also opt for a smaller Christmas tree and put it on some platform or a random object to keep it high from the ground.
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