If you own a cat and celebrate Christmas, chances are you've come to accept the inevitable: your cat is going to try to climb your tree. (And if your cat doesn't, please tell me your secret.) I have three cats, and as long as our Christmas tree is up, they're trying to climb it — or at least sit underneath it and swat all of the ornaments off [1]. While I don't know how to keep my cats out of our traditional, artificial tree [2], my mother is an avid Christmas tree collector (I think my last count was in the 60s), so I've come to learn that there are some types of trees our cats will actually leave alone.
Whether it's a similar substitute for your traditional tree or a new approach like tabletop trees [3], wire trees, or cat-scratcher trees — for those who want to fully embrace the madness — we've collected some inspiration for your holiday decorating. Sometimes multiple trees can be good: decorate the main tree with cat-friendly ornaments and save your special ornaments for an ornament-holder tree on your dining room table. Don't be afraid to go a little out of the box and add a new spin to your holidays with these cat-friendly options. (Well, more cat-friendly. Knowing my cats, they might even find a way to climb some of these!)
Upside Down Artificial Christmas Tree
Show your cat your sense of humour with the Upside Down Artificial Christmas Tree [5] ($307, originally $567), and see if they can climb up this one. (OK, they might still be able to.)
Wooden Christmas Tree Topiary Shelf
If your cat isn't prone to knocking things off shelves, opt for the Wooden Christmas Tree Topiary Shelf [6] ($140, originally $170) and fill it with your favourite Christmas decorations.
Rustic Stained Christmas Tree Ornament Holder
This Rustic Stained Christmas Tree Ornament Holder [7] ($68) is a great option for the more fragile ornaments you don't want your cat to get to.
Sterling-Silver Coral Artificial Christmas Tree
This Sterling-Silver Coral Artificial Christmas Tree [8] ($70) has the same feel and look of a traditional Christmas tree, but it's definitely more difficult for your cat to climb on.
Natural Alpine Christmas Tree
Want to stay as close to a traditional tree as possible? Try the Natural Alpine Christmas Tree [9] ($42) with a longer trunk, which conveniently doubles as a cat scratching post (not by design — I know this from experience.)
Wrought Iron Ornament Display Christmas Tree
This Wrought Iron Ornament Display Christmas Tree [10] ($78, originally $112) is traditional-tree-meets-tabletop-ornament-tree. Keep your ornaments as the centrepiece without having your cat climb up to the top.
Christmas Tree Cat Tunnel Bed
If you've come to terms with the fact that your cat runs your house, why not just ditch the whole tree and give them what they want with this Christmas Tree Cat Tunnel Bed [11] ($145)?
Winter Wonderland Paper Trees
Instead of one traditional tree, try decorating your house in out-of-reach spots with multiple mini trees, like these Winter Wonderland Paper Trees [12] ($56-70).
Beaded Wood Christmas Tree
Any cat that can climb this Beaded Wood Christmas Tree [13] ($185-$225) honestly deserves praise for their triumph.
Spira Small Christmas Tree
Showcase all your ornaments out of your cat's reach with the Spira Small Christmas Tree [14] ($152).
LED Ornament Tree
Want a tabletop tree but don't want to sacrifice the lights? This LED Ornament Tree [15] ($40, originally $50) is the perfect combo.
Luxury Cat Tree
Give your cat their own mini tree this year with the Luxury Cat Tree [17] ($114, originally $165), and decorate it with some cat-toy ornaments!
Wooden Christmas Tree
This Wooden Christmas Tree [18] ($308-$370) is cat-friendly and it can fit in even the smallest of spaces.
LED Blossom Tree
The tall base of this LED Blossom Tree [19] ($36) makes it a hard-to-climb option for your cats. Plus, you'll avoid the fuss of having to hang lights on your tree this year!
Brown Fir Artificial Christmas Tree
This Brown Fir Artificial Christmas Tree [20] ($76, originally $118) is giving us Charlie Brown Christmas vibes. Maybe your cat will agree and show it mercy.
Alternative Oak Christmas Tree
This Alternative Oak Christmas Tree [21] ($131-$540) gives the same fullness of a traditional tree.
Artificial Christmas Tree
Hang this Artificial Christmas Tree [22] ($51, originally $54) on the wall and forget about the fact your cat has ever even climbed a Christmas tree at all!
Gold Metal Ornament Stand
Keep it simple with the Gold Metal Ornament Stand [23] ($90) on the dining room table, coffee table, or entryway table.
Waterfall Christmas Cone Tree Lights
Set up these Waterfall Christmas Cone Tree Lights [24] ($40) outside, and your cat won't even have a chance at climbing them!
Christmas Tree Cat Bed
If you don't want to sacrifice your tree, this Christmas Tree Cat Bed [25] ($85, originally $90) might distract your cat long enough to make it through the holiday season.