For a cat, the Christmas tree is the most exciting thing to come into the house in months: branches to climb, baubles that swing, twinkling lights that flash on and off. In many homes, the result is a tree on the floor and a decoration or two smashed to pieces. A completely cat-proof Christmas tree doesn’t exist, but with a little care you can make it stable, safe and far less tempting for those paws. It’s worth thinking about now, before you get the boxes out: in many homes the tree goes up in early December, and some people put it up even earlier.
Why your cat can’t resist the tree
The tree is vertical, has branches to climb and a high vantage point for keeping an eye on the room; decorations that move trigger a cat’s hunting instinct. If it’s a real tree, it also brings new smells of resin and forest. It isn’t mischief: it’s simply a cat being a cat. That’s why saying no isn’t enough: you need to make the tree less interesting and offer better alternatives.
How to cat-proof your Christmas tree: 9 tips
- Choose the spot carefully. A clear corner, away from the sofa, shelves and any furniture your cat could use as a springboard. If you can, put it in a room you can close off when nobody’s home.
- A heavy base and an anchored tree. Choose a wide, heavy stand and, for extra safety, tie the trunk or the top of the tree to a hook in the wall with clear nylon thread. That way, even if your cat jumps on it, the tree is much less likely to topple over.
- Real or artificial? An artificial tree is usually more stable and doesn’t shed needles. A real one drops needles that can prick your cat’s paws and, if chewed, their mouth; you’ll also need to cover the water in the stand so your cat doesn’t drink it, especially if it contains preservatives or fertiliser.
- Set it up in stages. Leave the tree undecorated for a few days: once the novelty wears off, many cats lose interest. Then add the lights and, finally, the decorations.
- Shatterproof, securely hung decorations. Leave the lower part of the tree, the bit within reach of their paws, bare, and choose baubles made of plastic, felt, wood or fabric instead of glass. Fragile decorations, or ones you’re particularly fond of, go near the top, close to the trunk. Hang them with a knotted ribbon or with hooks squeezed shut with pliers: open hooks come loose at the first swipe.
- No tinsel or lametta. Fine, shiny strands are hugely attractive to cats and, if swallowed, can cause serious intestinal problems. The same goes for ribbons and bows on presents: paper and paper twine are a better choice, or keep the parcels in a cupboard until the big day.
- Protect lights and cables. Wind the lights towards the inside of the branches with no cables dangling, run the cable behind the tree inside a cable cover and unplug the lights when you go out or go to bed.
- Make the base unappealing. A sheet of aluminium foil or double-sided tape around the stand puts many cats off, as they can’t stand walking on it. Avoid essential oils and homemade repellent sprays, though: many essential oils are toxic to cats. No water sprays or telling-offs either: they increase stress and teach your cat nothing.
- Offer a better alternative. A tall scratching post or a shelf by the window, plus a little more playtime with a feather wand: a tired cat with a high spot all to themselves is far less interested in the tree.
No food on or under the tree
Chocolates, candy canes and biscuits hanging from the branches are a constant temptation, and chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs. Presents containing sweets left under the tree should also be kept out of reach. If you also have a dog at home, make sure you know what to do if your dog has eaten chocolate.
Christmas plants that are toxic to cats
- Poinsettia: its sap irritates the mouth and stomach. Symptoms are usually mild (drooling, vomiting), but it’s best kept out of reach.
- Mistletoe and holly: the leaves and berries can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Lilies, common in bouquets at this time of year: they are very dangerous for cats, even the pollen and the water in the vase. It’s best not to have them in the house at all.
- Amaryllis: the bulb in particular is toxic.
If you want these plants for the festive atmosphere, the safest option is to choose artificial ones.
If your cat has swallowed a decoration
Don’t try to make your cat vomit yourself, and don’t pull on a thread sticking out of their mouth or from under their tail: call the vet straight away. Do the same if you notice vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling or a sore tummy after they’ve been playing with the tree.
In short: a clear corner, a heavy base and an anchored tree, setting it up in stages, shatterproof decorations up high, no tinsel, protected cables and a more interesting alternative for your cat. That way your cat-proof Christmas tree stays standing until Twelfth Night and the festive season is peaceful for everyone. For more ideas for your home and your pets, take a look at the Velia Select range.