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December feels like the warmest month because it’s the holiday season. But it’s not just for humans. Christmas’ cats look forward to December too. Cats and Christmas trees have a weird love-hate relationship which we will explain further.

When you own a cat, you should expect it to add its personal paw touch to the Christmas tree. The funny thing is, even after its cute destruction, you will probably be patting it on the head with an adorable ‘Awww.' Thus, you must ensure you have a cat-friendly Christmas tree if you don’t want to risk ruining the Christmas spirit.

We here at Bored Panda have compiled a list of little feline Grinches who managed to fail Christmas in the most adorable ways. Do you also have problems having a cat safe Christmas tree? If so, submit your funny Christmas cats photos or vote for and comment on your favorite pics of funny cats below!

#1

No Need to Put a Star on the Top of the Tree Now

Orange cat standing on the top of a Christmas tree

SonOfRageAndLuv Report

#2

It Hasn't Even Been Up for 3 Minutes

Cat is under fallen Christmas tree

WildSquirtle Report

#4

Caught in the Act

Black and white cat stuck between Christmas tree branches

Insaneflea Report

#5

Get a Cat They Said, It'll Be Fun They Said

Cat stuck between Christmas trees branches

CaribSoul Report

Is It Ok to Have a Christmas Tree With a Cat?

Yes and no! It's a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to having a Christmas tree with a cat. It’s important to remember that some original Christmas trees can be risky for our cats unless you create a cat proof christmas tree. Pine trees, for instance, are a no-go because they can cause liver damage and even be fatal. 

Fir or spruce are safer options if you’re set on a live tree. Now, the tree needles can cause tummy trouble if your cat decides to chew on them. And the water bowl under the tree with fertilizers? A big no-no! It’s best to cover it up so your cat can’t take a sip.

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Now, an extra thing to pay attention to is the rest of the tree. We mean the glass decorations, tinsels, twinkling lights, and cords. All of these Christmas tree elements can be a whole other ballgame. 

Long story short, if you want to keep your tree and cat happy, consider a fake tree or take careful precautions with a real one.

#7

Woke Up to Our Cat Trying to Hide in the Tree

Cat ran into Christmas tree

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MysticalMan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just basic instinct. It's natural for cats to climb trees. Cute though.

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#9

The Christmas Tree Has Helped Clara Realize Her Dream of Being a Wild Cat

White cat climbing Christmas tree

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#10

My Friend's Cat Thought the Artificial Christmas Tree Would Be Tasty

Cat bitting Christmas tree

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TammyChapman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a burnt kitty or a burned down house waiting to happen.

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#11

Clem's Having a Good Time

Cat climbing Christmas tree and trying to destroy crown of a Christmas tree

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karenw.
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

every time my friend turned his back,his cat was at the tree;

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#12

Christmas at a Cat Cafe

Five cats playing with fallen Christmas tree

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NatalieBlenkhorn
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With that many cats was it really worth bothering with a tree in the first place?!

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#13

My Mom Sent Me Photos of Her New Cat Approved Christmas Tree

Black cat climbed Christmas tree

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#14

Undressing the Christmas Tree

Orange cat playing with ornaments hanging on the Christmas tree

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#15

This Cat Helped With the Christmas Decorations

Cat bitting the crown of a Christmas tree

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How Do I Keep Cats Off My Christmas Tree?

Keeping your tree safe from curious cats is totally doable. Here are some tips:

  • Set up and anchor the tree a few days before decorating. 
  • Avoid placing the tree near spots where your cat can jump.
  • Create a different play area with toys, and scratching spots.
  • Try a cat-friendly deterrent spray on the lower half of the tree.
  • If all else fails, set up the tree in a room your cat can’t access.
  • Hold off on putting presents under the tree until Christmas Eve.
  • Skip large ornaments at the base because they will look like toys.
  • Cats aren’t fans of aluminum foil. Thus, it's best to wrap the trunk.
  • Let the cat sniff and explore the tree without drawing attention to it.
  • Use a pet fence or playpen to protect your cat from the tree’s base.
  • Let your cat get familiar with the tree and the Christmas decorations.
  • Avoid decorating in front of your cat. Do it in another room so they won’t get curious about the decorations on the tree while you move them.
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#16

You Don't Need a Tree

A Cat in a Christmas tree stand

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TammyChapman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this one. Just put a star on his head, and call him a tree. No muss, no fuss. Less stress. : )

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#18

Why Fill the Bottom of the Tree With Presents When You Have a Cat

A cat playing with red Christmas ornament

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#19

It's Not Even Up Yet

A black cat sitting on the top of a Christmas tree

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TammyChapman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now that is funny. Don't you know not to turn your back when putting up the tree, especially with a cat nearby.

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#20

Ok. Now It Looks Nice

A white cat playing with Christmas lights

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TammyChapman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really like this one. Hope he didn't destroy it later. Such a pretty cat.

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#21

Not Sure About This Whole Tree Thing

Little kitten playing with Christmas tree

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#22

My Friend's Mom Has a Cat That Looks Majestic on the Top of the Christmas Tree

Cat standing on the top of a Christmas tree

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#23

This Tree Is for Me, Right?

Cat slying on the top of a Christmas tree

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#25

It's Delicious!

A cat bitting Christmas tree

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TammyChapman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

lol....That kitty needs some cat grass (yes, that is a real thing) or some catnip. Keep in mind though, they apparently can get really stoned from cat nip.

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Why Do Cats Like Getting in Christmas Trees?

Anytime it's the holiday season you probably wonder why your cat won’t leave the Christmas tree alone. And you are right. Cats are drawn to the ornaments because they see them as new shiny toys, and the tree offers a perfect mix of high hiding spots. Setting up the Christmas tree means a new, cozy cat shelter and playground. But why do cats have a magnetic attraction to trees? Here are five reasons:

1. Natural Instinct

Cats are born climbers and explorers. Trees, with their intriguing branches, offer a perfect playground for them to exercise their climbing instincts.

2. New Smell and Texture

A Christmas tree brings new scents and textures into the home, naturally intriguing to a cat. The fresh scent of pine or fir can be particularly enticing.

3. Hide and Seek Spot 

The branches of a Christmas tree provide excellent hiding spots. Cats love finding cozy nooks to observe their surroundings while feeling safe.

4. Attractive Shiny Toys 

The dangling ornaments and twinkling lights are like an open invitation for play. Cats can’t resist the temptation to “hunt” the shiny baubles.

5. Warm and Cozy Feeling

Christmas trees are often set up in the coziest corner of the house. Cats love being where the action is, and the tree becomes a cozy corner for them to curl up.

So, when it comes to cats and Christmas trees, it’s a mix of natural instincts, safe feeling, and cozy comfort that draws them in. Just be sure to have a cat friendly christmas tree so their playtime won’t lead to any cat-astrophes.

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#27

Pretend Like Nothing Happened

Two cats near fallen Christmas tree

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#29

My Friend's Cat Helping Us Take Down the Christmas Tree

Cat playing with Christmas tree

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#30

Were You Looking for Me?

Cat next to a red Christmas ornament

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TammyChapman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gorgeous cat, and a awesome picture. you could use this pic as a Christmas card. Or even sell it to one of the big card companies, it is that good.

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#31

Good Night to All!

Cat sleeps inside of a Christmas tree

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TammyChapman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey at least he hasn't broken anything yet. ( Nothing I can see at the moment ). lol And he definitely looks like it's nap time. "No more pictures please. I am enjoying my new home. Go away."

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#32

The Cat Who Stole Christmas

Cat lying on the couch trying to play with Christmas tree

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#34

My Housemate's Cat is Curious About Christmas

Cat playing with ornament hanged on the Christmas tree

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#35

My Kitten Loves the Christmas Tree, but Doesn't Like the Ornaments

Cat stuck inside of a decorated Christmas tree

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Antonia
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does kitty want to be the only ornament to bright up your day, or just simply likes the tree?

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#37

My Cat is Decorating a Christmas Tree

Decorated Christmas tree with cat on it

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#43

He Didn't Even Wait for the Ornaments

Cat climbing Christmas tree

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Antonia
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Objective:find new toy. 2 secs later: Request complete.

#45

I'm Glad You're Home, He Passed Out!!!

A cat next to pushed Christmas tree

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#46

Samantha on Her First Christmas

A cat looking at the Christmas ornament

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#48

A Perfect Place to Sit

A cat hiding in the Christmas tree on the balcony

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#49

Dani Loves the Tree

A cat stuck in the Christmas tree licking his nose

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Note: this post originally had 119 images. It’s been shortened to the top 49 images based on user votes.