Cat-proof your Christmas trees & seasonal safety tips

Updated 21/02/2024

Cat-proof Christmas trees, do they exist, is there a meow-nce of truth? No. Cats and Christmas trees have a long and fraught history which leaves no winners once the festive season has finished. As any cat carer will tell you, when it comes to Christmas trees, cats have total tunnel vision, and the more you try to deter them, the worse their ambushes become.

However, as with dogs during the holidays, there are a few things you can do to cat-proof the Christmas tree, along with some other safety tips on protecting your kitty from broken ornaments or twisted tinsel that could cause them harm. We’ll offer a few top tail tips on how best to prepare your home in the holiday season, as well as discover whether there’s a Christmas tree for cats out there… Who knows, it could be a Christmas miracle!

How to keep a cat out of a Christmas tree

Okay, we’ll be completely honest… The only way you can keep a cat out of a Christmas tree is if you shut them out of the room your tree lives in. Seeing as most festive pines are kept in the main room at home, this could end up being a near-impossible ask. Heck, even cats who lack mobility or reduced motor skills will still try to at least use the tree as a den.

The next best thing is to batten down the Christmas tree hatches. Make sure the base of the tree is in a stable pot or holder, preferably one made of metal. Try to put the tree in or near a corner to reduce the number of sides it can be attacked from - plus, if it does tip over, at least it has the potential of a shorter fall against a wall. You could even barricade the tree behind a playpen or baby-gate, to further protect it.

Try to put tree decor out of furry reach, to prevent excessive pawing or sneak attacks. When it comes to putting presents under the tree, if you can, fill the space underneath the tree to stop your cat from hiding underneath it.

Finally, distractions! Yes, find a toy, box, or piece of paper to keep your kitty's mind off the tree. The festive season often means these new bits of packaging are abundant, so perhaps reserve a box or two to entertain your feline family.

Safety tips and how to catproof a Christmas tree

Along with the suggestions above - keep your tree decor out of paw reach, block up the area under the tree - these are a few other safety tips to help catproof a Christmas tree, and keep your kitty safe during the festivities:

• If you want to decorate your tree or home with tinsel, make sure it is up high and out of reach. The small stripes of shiny plastic can be a choking hazard for fur babies.
• Similarly with any delicate or glass ornaments - put these out of paw reach, up high, or firmly stuck down to surfaces.
• Small, round ornaments can be a choking hazard for cats, so keep them out of reach.
• For those with real pine Christmas trees, make sure you vacuum up the pine needles every day, or even twice a day, as these can be harmful to kitties if ingested.
• Any edible ornaments should also be kept out of reach or up high - cats have very sensitive tummies, so you should avoid allowing them human food unless your vet has stated otherwise.
• Keep any wires from the tree lights taped safely out of the way of curious paws
• Offer new, cat-safe toys as a way of distracting them from the new arrival of bright decorations and twinkly lights.

Are Christmas trees toxic to cats?

Real pine needles can be, yes. If a kitty eats or chews up pine needles it can cause some serious stomach upsets and you’ll need to take them to the vet immediately. As mentioned above, make sure you vacuum up any dropped needles each day to help prevent this. Similarly, be sure to cover the base of the tree with a cover or plastic to stop your kitty from drinking the tree water. Although not as toxic as the needles themselves, the water for the tree could contain sap which is also harmful to tiny tummies.

Is there such a thing as a cat-friendly Christmas tree?

An artificial tree is by far the most type of feline-friendly Christmas tree for cats available. They are much safer and they’re the best way to protect your cat during the holidays. Many fake trees come with built-in lights, meaning you won’t have to worry about dangling tree lights. Some even have ornaments firmly stuck to the artificial tree, rather than hanging temptingly out of reach. However, even artificial trees aren’t entirely safe - if the branches are chewed, the plastic can be ingested and cause tummy troubles. 

Whilst some may argue you can’t beat a real tree to bring in the Christmas cheer, they are also environmentally more sustainable. It can also save some cash for extra cat toys each year - no need to buy a new tree, just dust it off and put it up. Ta-da! You and your kitty can have a very merriest and furriest of Christmas together.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community. 

If you’re already a TrustedHousesitters Standard or Premium member, you have 24/7 access to our vet advice line, even over the holidays. Always contact a vet if you ever have any concerns about cat safety or advice on precautions to take during the festive season.

Made some recent, last-minute Christmas or festive plans? Need a cat sitter? Paw-some, we have loads of lovely sitters near you who would love to share the festivities with your feline.