So I’m working on a more detailed “save your Christmas Tree” video/blog. I know that quite a few people are looking to start this weekend. So- this is the accumulation of 18 years of cats, with Christmas trees up every year. I’ve only had one tip over. That was my rookie year. 1/

The majority of cats are only interested in the tree the first year they see it. Once they get a chance to explore it, they aren’t nearly as interested going forward. This leads to the secret. Don’t try to keep them out of the tree. Set up a safe tree that first year. 2/

The keys here- sturdy tree (either real or artificial), excellent low anchoring, minimal safety hazards, cat friendly ornaments, and NO family favorites/breakables. Again, in most cases this is just a year. Next Christmas they won’t care and will snooze under the branches. 3/

Sturdy Tree- get something that can support your tiny or not so tiny monster. I have two large artificial trees. My no foster kittens one and my foster kitten friendly one. That tree is currently the GE pre lit series. It’s got really solid low branches and fluffs well. 4/

Low anchoring- dealing with high anchoring is a hassle. It’s also not always effective, and in some cases is an injury hazard for kitty. I go with heavy weight at the base of the tree. 40 pounds of dumbbells has been fine, and I haven’t lost a tree since my first year. 5/

Proper low anchoring allows the tree to flex, and also replicates the instability of a natural tree. As kitty goes higher, the tree wobbles more and they get less interested. This method regularly ensures kitten and resident cats rumpusing in the tree. 6/

Minimal safety hazards- ideally use a pre lit tree. The lights are wrapped in such a way to minimize areas kitty can get snagged. Keep some cable ties handy to help secure any loose wires. No tinsel, or ornaments with weird tiny dangly bits, or tiny bits. 7/

Cat Friendly ornaments. Hit up Walmart and buy a few containers of shatterproof ornaments. Go through the family ornaments and pull out anything that’s soft, hard plastic, metal, or wood. Basically anything that a cat can’t kill if they get ahold of it. 8/

NOTHING BREAKABLE. No family heirlooms this year. Nothing that will generate sobbing children (or adults) if kitty gets ahold of it. Remember, next year you will likely be able to use them again. 9/

Did I mention nothing breakable? Or of critical sentimental value? Yeah. I mean it. Just don’t. 10/

Plan to set up the tree over two days. Day 1, set up the tree and anchor it using a low anchor method. Then walk away and leave it and the cats to get acquainted. Don’t yell at the cat when they get into the tree. Just keep an eye open for any potential safety issues. 11/

Day 2, decorate. Softer stuff towards the bottom, and make sure there are a few shatterproof ornaments down low. Don’t worry if kitty gets them. That’s why they’re there. Take breaks while decorating and give kitty a chance to inspect things. 12/

That evening, enjoy the fun that is kitty exploring the tree and participating in the seasonal shenanigans. Make any adjustments you need that keeps kitty safe, and still allows for family enjoyment of the tree. Also, keep a camera handy. :) 13/

These are the basics, and they work. I’ve had Nutsy and three kittens at once chasing each other in the tree. No tipping issues. I’ll be doing a more in depth version of this this week, and also posting pics of Queso and Xena as they explore the tree. Have fun, stay safe! 14/end