Cat Proof Artificial Christmas Tree Kittens SOL

With so many kittens in our house, it was tempting not to have a real or even artificial Christmas tree this year. However, my 9 and 7 year olds wouldn't stand for that. After all, "Santa wouldn't know where to put the presents." Mom says, "Christmas tree and cats generally don't go together...unless you don't put ornaments or lights on the tree." Of course, that's no fun! My daughter says, "Mom, you can make anything work." Scary that she's only 9 and knows just what to say! So, I set out to prove we could have a Christmas tree that the felines can't maul. The outcome is the Christmas tree on a shelf (see picture).

Older cats don't usually disturb our decorated Christmas trees but for kittens it's often their newfound playground. Unless, of course, you put it out of reach! There are several ways to achieve this. One way is to hang an upside down artificial Christmas tree. If you don't have the right set-up to accommodate this idea, the following is a great way to make Christmas and cats work without a constant headache throughout the holiday.

To create a cat proof Christmas tree:
Hang a shelf away from tables, etc. and high enough that cats and/or kittens won't be able to jump up on your Christmas tree or play baseball or soccer with your ornaments. Artificial Christmas trees are better than real trees because your felines will not be instinctively enticed to the smell of a fresh-cut tree. A real tree is also heavier, so if you go this route I would highly recommend investing in a stud finder. This tool will ensure you have a sturdier shelf, it won't find you a real, hot man - haha. Be sure to measure the distance from shelf to ceiling!

Make this Christmas project even more fun by involving your kids (if you have them). Mine held the level and shelf brackets. After I started the holes they drilled the screws into the brackets. I hung the lights and they pulled up chairs next to the artificial Christmas tree on the shelf. box of ornaments between them and they put them on the tree. Alternatively, you could put lights and ornaments on while the tree is on a table and then put the tree on the shelf. I personally find this more difficult.

In conclusion, Santa will be putting presents on our dining table and the kids are happy they got to decorate the tree. The only other alternative would be the floor under the artificial Christmas tree and I just think that would be recipe for disaster. We've been training the kittens and cats to stay off our table. I told my kids I would leave Santa a note next to his cookies and milk regarding where to leave the presents.

Side note: With 4 kittens and 3 cats, you may have images of me as the crazy cat lady. In a sense, I guess I am. With all of the kittens and cats out there with no home, I selfishly chose to allow my cats to breed - just for the experience and education for my kids. I videoed from the time of the mucous plug appearance to the births and our Queen cat's stellar job after each birth. I've been very particular about finding the 'right' home for our kittens.

We've only found 1 home so far. I prepared myself for this before the decision to allow my cats to procreate. Seems I'm a glutton for punishment. Still hoping my sisters have a change of heart but in the meantime, we have a houseful of love and lots of poop and messes to clean up.

Sources: Queen Cat's Newborn Kittens , Ranee Wright
Hanging an Upside Down Christmas Tree, Ranee Wright