7 Effective Ways to Keep Your Cat Out of the Christmas Tree

Devon Rex sitting by pinecone and plant
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Written by Beth Brown

Published: December 3, 2023

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The holiday season and decorating go hand-in-hand. Boxes of decorations come out of storage. Candles, mistletoe, and centerpieces take their spots on surfaces. Finally, the Christmas tree, the focal point of the decor, goes up. Everyone gathers around, carefully placing the ornaments, each with their own story. Suddenly, the family cat, who had no interest in the festivities, is transfixed. They’re aware there’s a tree in the house and no amount of shooing off seems to deter them from climbing, playing, and enjoying it. To your cat, the tree is a gift just for them. How do you keep your cat out of the Christmas tree? Read on for fool-proof ways to keep your tree unoccupied without compromising Fluffy’s happiness.

Did you know that the Christmas tree tradition originated in the 1500s? Decorating trees for the season has been a tradition held for centuries.

Citronella Spray is an Excellent cat-repellant

Four Christmas trees - unadorned and decorated

Citronella smells great to us, but not so great to cats. Consider spraying your tree to keep your cat out.

Commercial sprays containing citronella are available for purchase. These sprays work as a cat repellant when sprayed on the branches and needles of your tree. Be warned, however, that direct exposure to citronella oil or its fumes can be harmful to your cat. If citronella is ingested, your cat can experience vomiting, lethargy, and hypothermia. Direct exposure to the fumes can cause respiratory distress and nervous system damage to cats. If you choose to use a citronella spray, be sure to keep your cat away from the area until the spray is completely dry to avoid any exposure.

Jingle Bells May Frighten Your Cat Out of the Christmas Tree

Loud noises from ornamental bells may keep your cat out of the Christmas tree.

Sudden, loud noises may be enough to make your cat avoid the tree altogether.

Cats don’t enjoy loud or sudden noises. Placing a few jingly bells around your tree may train your cat to dislike climbing or playing in the branches, as every time they do, they’re met with a sharp noise. You and your family will enjoy the sound of cheerful bells and be informed when your cat is around the Christmas Tree. Be sure to choose bells that are larger than your cat can swallow. Carefully inspect your bells before hanging, as tiny clappers can be knocked out for a cat to eat.

Pine Cones Can Be Decorative and Useful for Repelling Cats

Pine cones are often found in natural Christmas decorations.

Pine cones can add a natural touch while keeping your cat out of the Christmas tree.

This is often a winning combination. Pinecones speak of Christmas to many of us and are a common decor item. Cats don’t enjoy the scent of apple cider vinegar. A simple solution to keeping your cat out of the Christmas tree may be to soak several pinecones in apple cider vinegar, and then allow them to dry. Once dry, tuck them into the lower branches of your tree or place them around the tree skirt. Your cat may avoid the area due to the residual smell of apple cider vinegar. Consider making a family tradition of gathering and preparing pinecones to make do-it-yourself cat repellant. Children love to gather pinecones, and a little crafty fun while school is out is always welcome.

Pomander Balls Pull Double-Duty as Cat Deterrents

Close-up of handmade garland out of dried orange slices, pinecones on a glass door shot in counter daylight

Pomander balls or slices can be effective and beautiful garlands to discourage your cat from areas.

Cats are notoriously picky creatures, including displaying an aversion to strong smells. Pet owners can use this to their advantage by employing classic pomander balls as decoration around the base of the Christmas Tree. Stud the peel of an orange with multiple buds of clove, tie a pretty ribbon, and hang one or two from the tree. For a more advanced solution, thinly slice oranges and place them in a dehydrator. If you don’t own a dehydrator, the slices can be baked on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 200 degrees for two to four hours. Once dry, push cloves into the slices and string them with ribbon. These slices will be transparent decorations while still offering the same protection. The scent of oranges and cloves is pleasant to us, but much stronger to cats. This may be all it takes to keep your cat out of the Christmas Tree.

Employ a Decoy to Keep Your Cat Out of the Christmas Tree

Toys can often distract cats from the Christmas tree.

Give your cat a toy that will make them forget about the Christmas tree.

Consider placing catnip-filled toys or a potted catnip plant near the tree. Some owners with cats who enjoy hiding in the tree find success by placing a cat bed under the tree. For calmer pets, being near enough to the tree to view the lights satisfies their curiosity.

Aluminum Foil as a Last Resort

Men hands roll off the aluminum foil for household use on a wooden surface.

Aluminum foil is slick, noisy, and generally disliked by cats.

While it may not match your decor, wrapping the base of your tree with aluminum foil may be the savior for those with stubborn cats. The foil is difficult for your cat’s claws to penetrate, which will deter climbing. Cats also don’t like how foil feels on their feet as they walk on it. Consider placing it under your tree. The slick feeling and crinkly sound are often enough to keep your cat out of the Christmas Tree.

Be Consistent with Removing Your Cat from the Area

Training a thoroughbred cat for a treat in the room.

Taking the time to train your cat to avoid the tree is a long-term solution.

Clapping your hands, telling your cat ‘No’, and removing them from the tree each time they approach will teach your cat it’s off limits. While this may take some time, it’s a long-term solution that will work year after year. Try encouraging your cat by giving them a treat after you’ve removed them from the tree. Eventually, even the most stubborn cat will move on to more interesting pursuits.

Safety Concerns for Cats and Christmas Trees

While you can take all the precautions to keep your cat out of your Christmas tree, some cats take longer to train. Even if your cat learns to stay out of the Christmas tree, there are safety concerns you should be aware of. Taking the following steps can ensure that both you and your pets have an enjoyable holiday season.

Secure Your Tree

Keep your Christmas tree upright by securing it to the wall.

Christmas trees do sometimes fall over, leaving you with a mess of broken glass. Even more worrying, tipped live trees combine water and electricity. You can minimize the risk of your tree falling over with a few easy steps. First, ensure that the stand you choose for your tree is the appropriate size. Using a stand that is either too small or too large can cause instability in your tree. Second, consider tying your tree with fishing wire or small twine to hooks placed on the wall. For the most security, fasten your tree at both the base and the top. Even if your cat jumps in the tree, there’s less chance that it will be knocked over.

Purchase a Cord Protector for Lights

Cats sometimes bite things that intrigue them. Protect your cat from accidental harm by purchasing a Christmas tree light cord protector.

Protect your Christmas tree lights from bites with a cord protector.

Cats love the pretty tree lights and the string-like cords they’re on. Cats, much like toddlers, tend to chew on interesting things. As for the cords, many cats can’t resist a string. If your cat breaks a bulb or bites through the cord, however, you’re certain to add a trip to the vet to your holiday to-do list. To prevent this, try to string most of the lights on your tree farther up, out of easy reach. Commercial cord protectors can also ensure curious mouths don’t wreak havoc.

Use Paper Garland Instead of Tinsel

catproof your christmas tree

Protect your cat from the dangers of ingesting tinsel by choosing paper garland.

Tinsel is beautiful on a Christmas tree, but if you have cats, it can be deadly. Ingested tinsel can create intestinal blockages or even worse, cuts in the sensitive mouth and digestive tract of your pet. Consider switching to paper tinsel. It’s not only less harmful if swallowed, it’s less likely to catch your cat’s attention.

Pine Needles can Irritate: Cover the Water in a Live Tree or Choose a Fir or Spruce

Pine Christmas trees could potentially harm your cat.

Sharp pine needles can cause damage to your cat’s mouth and stomach.

Pine needles that fall off your tree can be eaten by your pet. While generally not toxic, these sharp needles can lodge in the throats and stomachs of our pets. Pine needles that fall into the water under a live Christmas tree can cause stomach irritation if your pet drinks the water. You can minimize the risk of each of these concerns by choosing a Fir or Spruce tree instead. If you choose pine, be sure to sweep the area regularly to avoid any stray needles finding their way into your pet’s stomach. Limit the chance of your pet drinking the Christmas tree water by covering the stand.


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About the Author

Beth Brown

Beth Brown is a writer at A-Z Animals. She enjoys researching and writing interesting and obscure facts about animals and places. Beth has been writing for six years and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Her hobbies include animal foster and rescue, yoga and mixed media art.

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