You've probably heard at least one story of a cat who toppled a Christmas tree over in their zeal to leap into it. While they may be a cute combination, cats and Christmas trees can also be a destructive force. If you celebrate Christmas or if having a tree is part of your holiday tradition, understanding how to build a cat-safe Christmas tree can help ensure that both your kitty and your tree stay healthy all season long.
While it might seem near impossible to keep your cat out of your Christmas tree — especially if they're a younger kitty — you can take steps to help keep your curious climbing kitty out of harm's way. A good place to start is knowing which aspects of your holiday tree pose potential dangers to your cat.
Those little needles that fall all around your Christmas tree can be toxic and otherwise unsafe for your kitty. According to Pet Poison Helpline, pine needles can cause nausea, vomiting, skin irritation or injury to the stomach if ingested. The sap from these trees is also toxic to your cat. The water your tree sits in may contain sap and harmful preservatives, so be careful your cat doesn't drink from the reservoir around your live tree as well.
If your kitty chews on your tree's needles and branches or drinks from the reservoir, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, cramping and drooling. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian right away.
Keep the area around your tree swept and tidy, and always monitor your cat when they're around your Christmas tree. If your tree is in an enclosed room, shut the door to keep your kitty out while you're away. You can also cover the reservoir with netting or duct tape (sticky side up) to keep them from accessing the tree's water supply.
Electricity and cats don't make a great pair, and your cat can also get tangled in loose cords. Here are some ways to help protect your furry friend and still have a shining tree:
Always unplug the tree when no one is nearby to supervise your cat. If you believe your cat might have chewed a live cord, check their mouth for signs of burns and look for singed hair and whiskers. If you suspect they've been hurt by chewing on Christmas tree lights or wiring, call your vet immediately.
You can't fault your cat for loving ornaments. Those shiny, swaying objects look a lot like toys — your cat doesn't know that ornament they just knocked down from the tree is a third-generation family heirloom. So how do you get your cat to leave your precious ornaments alone?
Glass ornaments and ornaments with sharp edges can also harm your cat. For harmony between cats and Christmas trees, cat behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett suggests the following:
Johnson-Bennett offers several ways to keep cats and Christmas trees safe this holiday season. The best bet, she says, is to place your tree in a room that can be closed off when no one is home to supervise your fur baby.
If that's not possible, here are some other suggestions:
While you're preparing your home for seasonal safety, keep in mind that several poisonous holiday plants can be harmful to your cat. Take some time to make sure your holiday decorations are compatible with your kitty's health and well-being.
Cats and Christmas trees are what holiday memories are made of. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help protect your cat and your tree for a smooth, festive season full of cat snuggles and holiday cheer.
Kara Murphy is a freelance writer and pet parent who lives in Erie, Pa. She has a goldendoodle named Maddie.
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Delicious taste of gourmet minced beef in precisely balanced nutrition. Provides a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
While it might be nearly impossible to separate your cat from your Christmas tree, learn ways you can combat her curiosity and keep her out of harm's way.
Learn what cat grass is, whether it's safe for your kitty and why it may be beneficial for certain breeds, especially ones that are prone to hairballs.
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover the underlying causes, typical symptoms and possible treatments for both type 1 and type 2 of diabetes in cats.
Learn more about cat periods, when you can expect them, and what kind of impact your cat's heat cycle has on her body.
Learn all about the ancient proverb of cats having nine lives, including its origins & where it came from, its meaning, and why the number nine was chosen.
Learn helpful tips for locating a missing or runaway cat, including methods for searching and resources to consider when trying to locate them.
Puppy, kitten and pet dieting, cat nutrition and dog nutrition information from Hill's Pet
Learn what your cat really means when she blinks slowly at you and why it's a gesture you can give her in return.
When a cat wants attention, she'll pull out all the stops until she grabs your interest, such as these seven classic behaviors guaranteed to distract you.
Learn the signs, causes and treatment methods of conjunctivitis in cats, as well as if it's a risk for you to catch it from your feline friends.
Discover what cat chirping sounds like, why cats make that sound and what their body language when they chirp might mean.
To provide your kitten with the best possible care, it is important to understand her. Learn more about what your kitten thinks and does.
Cats and toilet paper are a mischief-making combo. Learn why your cat is so fascinated with unrolling toilet paper (and how you can help them stop).
Curious why your cat is eating grass? Discover the underlying reason, such as a digestive issue or anxiety, and learn if it's truly a problem.
Learn helpful tips and choices you can make for managing cat allergies, as well as which cat breeds might be a good choice for keeping allergies at bay.
Learn whether it's safe and healthy to give your cat peanut butter, including certain ingredients to watch for that can be toxic.
Wondering if your can take your cat for a walk? Learn how to decide if she's suitable for the outdoors and an effective method for taking her on a stroll.
Discover interesting information about whether you cat actually understands your words and if it's important to actually talk to your feline friend.
Get information on whether cheese is safe for your cat, if there are any kinds that are better than others, or if they should avoid this snack altogether.
Learn about types of skin lumps that can occur on a cat, why they happen, what each type means (i.e. fluid filled, etc.), and how they are treated.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool