How to Stop Your Cat From Using Your Holiday Decorations to Torture You

It’s hard to keep a curious cat from sniffing around — you know the old saying. It’s especially true during the holidays, when there are a whole lot of new sights, sounds, and smells to explore. When December comes around, our cats often can’t resist scaling the Christmas tree or knocking that shiny new menorah off the table. Next thing you know, your favorite glass ornament is shattered on the floor, your holiday bunting is in tangled tatters, and your festive home has become a minefield of torn-up decorations.

So, how can you get into the holiday spirit without your feline friend wreaking havoc? Let’s talk about how to prevent your holiday decorations from becoming your kitty’s new favorite toys.

Let your cat scale the heights (of the Christmas tree)

Putting up a tree is one of the greatest Christmas decorating joys — and don’t worry: You don’t have to sacrifice it because of your curious cat. You’ll just have to take the process slowly. And it may sound counterintuitive, but you’ll want to keep your kitty involved in the process.

Related article

A Cat-Safe Christmas Tree Doesn’t Exi...

The Sill’s “holiday cactus” is actually less prickly than a pine.

Cat behaviorist and Kinship Expert Collective member Cristin Tamburo says that cats are naturally drawn to play with or “hunt” things that are hanging, moving, or sparkling. “As one of the few animals that are both predator and prey, cats like to hide and climb, as this helps them feel more safe and secure in their territory,” Tamburo says.

Whether your tree is artificial or real, your cat’s sure to see it as a brand new tower to climb. So, before you hang up any ornaments, let your cat check it out. Give them a couple of days to explore — and, yes, even climb. Once your cat’s bored of the new addition, you have a better chance of adding on those ornaments in peace.

Shut the door, keep out the kitty

You might want to decorate every inch of the house, but that can become a hazard when your cat wants to knock literally everything over. Anyone who’s stumbled on a broken item that their cat tossed onto the floor can attest the feeling is far from holly jolly.

Related article

Holiday Safety Tips For Overly Festive Felines

Chances are, your cat is already plotting some Christmas chaos.

If you have a particularly curious cat, you may want to confine your holiday decorating to one room — preferably one with a door you can close. While it may be less exciting to lock your holiday spirit away, you’ll be grateful that your favorite nutcrackers and ornaments will survive for another year.

Make sure Christmas comes early

You don’t have to wait until December 25 to give your cat a gift. Let’s be honest: They won’t know the difference. Sometimes Santa Paws arrives early, even if your kitty is more naughty than nice. 

You might want to let your cat enjoy their presents a little earlier. A new scratching post and some fun catnip toys can be a very convenient distraction from all the new objects going up around the house. “The more enrichment (and entertainment) we can have for our cats throughout the home, the less interested they will be in our holiday decorations,” Tamburo says.

Related article

15 Gifts Your Cat Will Love More Than Discarded Wrapping Paper

Gucci collars, mochi-inspired toys, sculptural scratchers, and more presents for kitties to sink their teeth (or claws) into.

Keep your favorite breakables out of reach

Many of us have those special ornaments and holiday decorations that have been passed down for generations. And it takes a cat approximately five seconds to completely destroy that family heirloom.

To safely celebrate the holiday season with your favorite feline, it’s a good idea to keep all breakables and potentially hazardous items either in storage or in a room that your cat can’t access. In places your kitty can access, opt for less fragile ornaments and decor; think felt, paper, or wood.

Teach an old cat new tricks

Contrary to popular opinion, you can train a cat through positive reinforcement — and it’s never too late to start. You might think your cat seems too aloof to be a willing student, but you can achieve change in your cat’s behavior, even if it’s a Christmas miracle.

Related article

15 Ornaments That Establish Your Pet’s Top-Billing Status at the Holidays

Your love for your pet is evergreen, so hang an ornament of their likeness on your Christmas tree this year.

“With any unwanted cat behavior, the best training methods are the art of distraction/redirection and positive reinforcement,” Tamburo says. “When trying to keep your cat away from holiday decorations, try adding more alternative things that pique their attention. Once the cat is refocused on that item, reward with treats and praise (or whatever that cat considers motivating). Be consistent with this, as it will take a little time for the cat to learn that new, more appropriate behavior.”

Of course, the sooner you can start training your cat not to be a holiday-decoration menace, the better. Stock up on their favorite treats to encourage them to play with designated scratching posts and toys, rather than batting at the colored lights. Your decorations — and your holiday mental health — will be in much better shape if you do.