Why Your Cat Deserves Its Own Christmas Tree

The Do’s and Don’ts to Keep Curious Cats Safe During the Holiday Season

Last Updated: May 13, 2026

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Featured Photo: Best Friends Animal Society

When a Christmas tree is set up, many cats immediately become fascinated. Their sharp curiosity and the instinctual behaviors inherited from wild ancestors transform the evergreen into a captivating playground.

Samantha Bell, a cat behaviorist with Best Friends Animal Society—a national organization dedicated to ending pet euthanasia—explains, “A Christmas tree provides the ultimate enrichment for cats. It’s a new, exciting object that triggers their natural instincts to climb, hide, scratch, play, and even nibble.”

Historically, trees were essential for wild felines, offering a safe perch to observe territory, conceal themselves from predators, and spot prey. These instincts remain deeply ingrained in domestic cats, which is why many owners choose carpeted or specially designed trees for their pets.

Tips to Keep Your Cat Safe

This holiday, Best Friends Animal Society recommends the following precautions:

• Real Christmas Tree (for cats): Generally safe, but the crunchy needles can upset a kitty’s stomach. Sweep up fallen needles and keep the tree’s water bowl covered.
• Artificial Fir, Fewer Fears: Select an artificial tree that is unflocked and free of faux snow, which can be tempting for curious nibbles. Choose a size that won’t harm your pet if they climb it.
• Secure Stand: Use a sturdy base or anchor the tree with fishing line to prevent it from tipping over when your cat scales it.
• Claw‑Friendly Decorations: Opt for shatter‑proof ornaments, conceal cords, and avoid tinsel or ribbon that can be ingested.
• Santa’s Little Supervisors: Add a cat tree or high perch so your feline can observe the holiday bustle safely, and reward them when they stay within their own designated space.

The #1 Tip? Give Your Cat Its Own Christmas Tree

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“The best way to keep your cat safe and happy during the holidays is to provide alternative enrichment that rivals the allure of the main Christmas tree,” Bell says. “I give my cat its own tree every year, and it works wonders.”

Science supports this approach: a cat’s instinctive behaviors will persist unless a comparable outlet is offered. Set up a low‑cost tree in the same room as your holiday display, decorate it with cat toys, and entice your pet with wand toys or favorite treats. Reward them when they play with their personal tree, making it a more appealing destination.

“When their own tree is more engaging than the holiday centerpiece, they’re less likely to meddle with it,” Bell adds. “By setting your cat up for success, everyone can enjoy a calm, joyful season.”

For those looking to bring extra joy into their home, consider adopting a cat or dog from a local shelter rather than purchasing from a breeder or pet store. Best Friends’ data shows that a 6% increase in adoptions versus purchases could help the U.S. reach a no‑kill status. For more information, visit bestfriends.org.

* No‑kill shelters achieve a 90% rescue rate for animals entering the facility. This benchmark reflects a commitment to high‑quality care and a community‑wide effort to prioritize pet welfare.