How to cat-proof your Christmas tree

Putting up the Christmas tree and decorating the house is a highlight of the festive season for many. But how can you keep stress levels to a minimum and stop your cat climbing – or knocking over – the tree?

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The twinkling lights and glittering baubles on a Christmas tree couldn’t be more festive. But before you sit back and reach for a glass of mulled wine to enjoy it all, you might need to think about your cat’s safety.

A Christmas tree looks like an exciting climbing challenge to your cat. But while cats and Christmas trees can be a tricky combination, following these simple tips can let everyone in your household – pets included – have an enjoyable festive season.

Choose the right tree

Real trees can look wonderful at Christmas, but they don’t come without their risks. The natural oils of a pine tree can irritate your cat’s stomach if they were to chew or ingest the needles, and this can also cause sickness or even injure them. Plus, the water added to the base of a real tree may contain harmful bacteria, causing nasty gastrointestinal issues for a cat if they were to ingest any.

Opting for a fake tree instead can help to keep your cat safe at Christmas. Look for a style that might be more cat-friendly, such as a small table-top tree that won’t cause much damage if it’s knocked over.

Alternatively, you could search online for a cat-proof Christmas tree. These are usually real trees (though you can buy fake) trimmed back at the bottom, so that only the higher branches are left to be decorated – perfect to deter a climbing cat!

Cat-proof your Christmas tree

If you do opt for a real tree, make sure to wrap the base in tinfoil, as most cats don’t like the sensation of tinfoil on their paws. You can also add lemon and orange peels to it, as cats usually dislike citrus scents. A layer of pine cones – which cats don’t like walking over – or empty gift-wrapped boxes can form an extra line of defence.

Be sure to cover the water at the base so that your cat can’t drink it, and sweep up any loose needles as soon as possible. You could also spray diluted apple cider vinegar around the base of the tree to discourage climbing. If you have the space, you might want to put your Christmas tree in a room that your cat can’t access.

Whichever tree you choose, always ensure it has a solid base so that it can’t be easily knocked over if a curious cat decides to take a closer look. You can also secure the tree to the ceiling or a wall with thin wire, so that if you do end up with a cat in the Christmas tree, it shouldn’t be a complete disaster.

Take time adding cat-friendly Christmas tree decorations

Try putting your Christmas tree up without decorations for a few days, to give your cat a chance to get used to it. Make sure the tree is placed in a corner of the room away from furniture, so that your cat doesn’t have anything to use as a launch pad.

When it comes to decorating, avoid using any breakable ornaments – especially glass ones that are likely to smash. Bell ornaments hanging near the bottom of the tree can act as an early warning sign that your cat is getting a bit too close to the tree.

Think about using thread to tie ornaments to the tree, rather than using sharp hooks that could hurt your cat’s mouth or paws. Also, opt for decorations made from wood and paper. Be aware of fake snow, which can be toxic as it might contain harmful chemicals, and also avoid glass, sharp metal or tinsel.

Lights can also be strung around the centre of the tree, rather than dangling invitingly from branches. If you suspect your cat might chew on the cable, cover it up – and always remember to unplug the lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

If your cat has eaten or chewed Christmas decorations, a visit to the vet is recommended. Cat owners with Petplan cat insurance can also access our Pet Expert Chat for 24/7 advice about pet safety at Christmas. Simply log into your My Petplan account and go to My Support.

Watch out for additional hazards

A lot of food, plants and flowers around the home at Christmas can be poisonous for your pet. From chocolate to mistletoe, poinsettias, cyclamen and amaryllises, hazardous items should be safely kept out of your cat’s reach. Try making cat-friendly Christmas treats to tempt your cat away from anything harmful.

So, your tree is up, it’s beautifully decorated and – most importantly – cat-proof. To keep it that way, repurpose a baby gate or fire guard around the tree to protect it and keep inquisitive cats at bay.