December 13, 2024

Why Are Cats Fascinated by Christmas Trees?

Cats and Christmas trees: love or hate? Discover why cats are fascinated by Christmas trees and how to keep them safe this holiday.

A person wearing a striped sweater is holding a cat in their arms in front of a decorated Christmas tree

You've probably seen your cat get totally fascinated by the Christmas tree, right? Sometimes, a little too fascinated, leading to a sparkly mess on the floor. Why the obsession? Why are cats so fascinated by Christmas trees?

 

Well, cats love new stuff…

 

Anything different in their space is super interesting, especially if it smells like the outdoors – Christmas trees smell amazing to cats because they have those wonderful outdoor scents. On top of that, for many cats, it's the best climbing structure in the whole house! Most cats don't get enough opportunities to climb, so a tree is super exciting: it smells good, it's new, it's tall, and it reminds them of the outdoors. 

Plus, all those shiny things and dangling decorations? It's like a cat toy store exploded! The branches are perfect for scratching, too.

Every cat is different, though. Some cats couldn't care less, but others would make a beeline for the tree and turn it into their climbing gym. But those glass ornaments are dangerous, and the tree water can make them sick. The lights are a hazard too. Even normal cat behavior can get them into trouble.

Cats also love high places. It's in their nature – they feel safe up high. A Christmas tree is a perfect lookout tower. They can climb, hide, and watch everything from the top! It's a comfy cat hideout and a fun climbing toy all in one.

If you have multiple cats, things can get even crazier. They might all decide the tree is their territory, leading to some serious scratching, climbing, and maybe even accidents.


Cats Love Christmas Trees Because They're Exciting

A woman posing with her cat in front of a decorated Christmas tree

Cats do a lot of natural things outdoors—exploring, climbing, and hunting. But many indoor cats don't get enough chances to do those activities. A simple toy mouse isn't enough for a cat that's used to chasing real mice. So, many indoor cats are bored. Then the Christmas tree arrives—a huge, exciting new climbing spot, full of shiny, dangling ornaments! Can you really blame your cat for going crazy?


Are Christmas Trees Toxic to Cats?

A beautifully decorated Christmas tree with ornaments and a large wooden star

Real fir trees contain oils that can irritate a cat's mouth and stomach if they eat them. While a little nibble probably won't hurt, it's best to keep them from eating too much. 

The bigger risk comes from the needles. If your cat swallows them, they could puncture their digestive system. For that reason, an artificial tree might be a better choice. But if you're set on a real tree, look for one that doesn't drop lots of needles.

Potted Christmas trees can be risky, too. The soil might have fertilizers or plant food that are poisonous to cats, so replace it with a new one if you buy a pre-potted tree. Also, a big pot might look like a giant litter box to your cat! Cover the soil with pebbles or something so your cat can't get to it.


Christmas Tree Dangers for Cats

A curious cat peeking out from behind a decorated Christmas tree

Dogs might knock things over, but cats are climbers. They can jump right into the tree, which could make the whole thing fall on them. That could hurt them, but it's pretty rare, thankfully.

The string on ornaments, especially tinsel, is a bigger problem. Cats could swallow it, which can cause serious tummy issues. You see many warnings online about poisonous pine needles and tree sap, but that's mostly overblown. A cat would have to eat many needles to get sick.

Many vets agree that while it's theoretically possible, it's very rare for cats to have problems with electrical cords or lights. Dogs sometimes chew on cords—that's dangerous—but cats are less likely to do so. They generally aren't interested in wires, and the hot lights would be a deterrent. So, while these things could happen, they're uncommon in cats.

 

Christmas tree photos with cats are cute, but safety first! 

 

Clean up wrapping paper and ribbons after opening presents. If your cat really loves the tree, consider putting chicken wire or clear panels around it to keep them away. Or, use only cat-safe ornaments—things like citrus peels instead of tinsel, which is dangerous.

Give your cat lots of things to play with all year round, not just at Christmas. If they have a cat tree or a natural scratching space like the Cat-e-Corner, they'll be less interested in the Christmas tree. 

Remember, cats are cats! Give your cat lots of praise and attention when they use their Cat-e-Corner or other toys. Make those things more fun than the Christmas tree. Put the cat tree in a sunny spot, or somewhere they can watch birds, and reward good behavior more than bad.

You might also need to secure the tree to the wall to keep it from falling. Use unbreakable ornaments and keep anything small that they could swallow up high. Also, pay attention to electrical cords, tinsel and string are especially bad. And cover the base of the tree so your cat can't drink the water.

Basically, cats think Christmas trees are awesome new toys – and their thrones. And yes, they deserve to be adored, not just on Christmas, but every day.


Keeping the Holiday Mess in One Room

A Scottish Fold cat standing on top of a stack of wrapped Christmas presents, with a decorated Christmas tree in the background

One of the easiest and most effective tips is to keep your tree, presents, and guests in one room. This keeps the rest of the house familiar and safe for your cat to relax, and makes it easier to ensure it’s out of that room when you're not around. 


Finally, Be Mindful Of Your Cat's Feelings.

A ginger cat relaxing on a cozy blanket in front of a Christmas tree with twinkling lights

Some cats don't like big gatherings and might want to hide during your holiday dinner. Make sure their hiding spot has water and a comfy bed. You might also want to move their food and litter box there.

Be patient! Your cat might look intense, but they're probably not trying to ruin your holidays. They don't think about the consequences, they just see something fun and want to play. It's our responsibility to make sure things are safe for them.

 

Let's make sure Christmas is enjoyable for everyone – including your cat! With a little planning, you can also ensure they have a happy holiday.

That's it for our post on why cats are obsessed with Christmas trees! Next, check out our tips for cat-proofing your tree this holiday.

 

Updated: January 14, 2025