Fill a spray bottle with water and hang on to it. Set the tree in place, then let the cat in to investigate but hover in the background with the spray bottle, just in case. If your cat shows any signs of wanting to leap at or on the tree, spritz them lightly with water on their back and give a stern “NO!”
While decorating, if your cat is about, resist the urge to tease her with decorations as you’re adding them. Doing so will only encourage the cat to see the glittery items as toys and things to swat any time it pleases.
Try plastic ornaments instead of glass, as they are less breakable. Try to find shatter-proof bulbs and ornaments. Twist the wire ornament hook around the branch instead of just hanging from the hook shape provided. Never put catnip-stuffed items on the tree. That’s just asking your cat to mess with the tree.
Tinsel is not recommended for households with cats; it can cause choking or other internal problems if swallowed, such as intestinal blockage. Don’t use real candles on a tree when you have pets. They may knock the candle over with a quick swipe of the paw and start a fire. If you like decorating the tree with food, be careful what you add. Chocolate of any kind is toxic for cats and the odor may be tempting to them. Lots of sweets aren’t healthy for cats either.
Some people choose to not even decorate the lower third of the tree at all. That way, there is nothing of interest at the cat’s eye level. Some cats cannot help themselves and will climb up high whatever you do. If your cat is like this, avoid having any delicate or potentially dangerous items on the tree at all. Tinsel, if used at all, should be placed up high as it is likely to be dragged off by a curious cat. Tinsel can be very harmful if ingested and get caught in the stomach and intestines.
Hang ornaments by using quality wire ornament hangers. Use a pair of pliers to clamp the hook part around the branch so that it doesn’t dangle and cannot be simply pulled off.
Apple cider vinegar can also be sprayed as a cat repellant. If it’s a plastic tree, shake a small amount of Citronella oil into a bottle of water and mist it on to the tree. The smell will be unpleasant to the cat but fresh and citrus-like to you. Spray some pine cones with Citronella and pile them around the base of the tree. Cats do not walk on pine cones! Pine cones also have the same effect in the base of your houseplants. You could also place orange peels under the tree to make your cat less likely to go near it. Cats also dislike the smell of rotten apples, but then you probably won’t like that smell much either! Try spraying your tree with a little orange juice. Cats hate the smell of citrus, so orange juice can act as a deterrent. Slices of orange can also be used for decoration.
Cords can also be coated with cat-repellant sprays. Just be careful not to spray too much liquid on the electrical cords – a light misting will do. Plug the tree lights into a short indoor extension cord and tape the plug into the socket with electrical tape. Simply unplug the lights from the extension cord to turn them off. Consider using cords that shut off if damaged. Always turn off Christmas tree lights when there is no responsible adult in the room to keep an eye on them.
Keep all of the cat’s water, food, and beds in a different room. This will make the cat less tempted by the tree.
If possible, place the tree in a room where you can shut the door at night to keep the cats away. You could anchor your tree to the wall for a little extra security. Use a screw and thin wire, so you won’t be able to see it.
If the tree is shorter than 6 feet (180cm), use duct tape to tape the legs of the holder to a piece of wide plywood and put the whole tree on a short but very sturdy table. This keeps the tree above the level of the cat and the cat will likely be less interested. Ensure that the tree is nowhere near any launching points for an opportunistic jump.
Even an artificial tree should have a firm and solid base. Use a tree skirt to hide all ugly but practical safety fixes at the base of the tree, including electrical items. As well as a solid base, anchor the tree to the wall or ceiling to help prevent it from toppling over should your cat land in the tree or pull on it. [17] X Expert Source Molly DeVossCertified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 28 June 2021.
A chewed artificial tree isn’t healthy for your cat to ingest either, so balance the choice of tree type with how you intend to keep the tree safe from your cat. If you do choose a real tree, also choose a water container for the tree that is completely inaccessible to the cat. If your kitty tries to drink from it, there is a risk of poisoning.
