First Christmas with cats - what to do about the tree?

[Lizardlegs]

Hello!

We have two lovely indoor only Maine coon sisters who will be just over one year old this Christmas. Normally we have a (cough - artificial - cough) tree up with lots of garlands and ornaments, but I'm worried that our girls would spend all day pouncing on the tree and chewing things that they shouldn't. What do others do with their Christmas trees and cats? I remember my childhood cat going wild for the ornaments too.

Advice very welcome!

LizzyLegs

We have a real tree so that could be why they aren't interested.

we have about 5 days before the tree becomes an object of interest to the cats.

we're not early decorators and it's extremely unusual for the tree to make it to the 28th so that suits us, and the cats fine tbh!

Our previous cats constantly attacked it their first year but left it mostly alone after that. Our new 2 did the same, constantly attacked it and boshed as many baubles as they could their first year, but they were only 5 months then , last year like our previous 2 before them they did the occasional bosh but mostly left it alone although they did like to sit underneath it. So I took the precaution of not putting presents underneath it and we tied it to the wall just to be on the safe side.

Last time we had kittens, they spent all of their first christmas up the artificial tree. In subsequent years, we always had a read tree and they didn't climb it, but did systematically strip the decorations off the bottom foot or so. It wasn't till they were about 15 that they really lost interest.

Now we have two 7 month olds, and I'm sure it will all begin again. This year I'm sticking with wooden bead garlands and dried orange slices. Next year I might consider bringing out some of my least favourite decorations, to see what happens.

Luckily, cats are decorative enough on their own that it doesn't really matter if you can't decorate for Christmas.

Thanks to everyone for the tips! I think I'm going to pass on having a proper tree this year and do something like the Scandi-chic one earlier in the thread.

Might still torment the beasts by putting some safe baubles on their cat tree.

Also kudos to UtterlyUnimaginativeUsername for reminding me that the cats themselves are beautiful decor!

I have no advice but your kitties are beautiful!

My kitties will be 8 months old by the time Christmas tree time rolls around - I am also dreading this and considering a secure fitting on to the wall so it doesn't fall. It's 7ft 😂🙈