Hilarious Ways Owners Kept Their Pets From Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
One of the most beloved parts of the holidays is putting up decorations, but this tradition can quickly go haywire if you have a pet. Some dogs and cats can't help but paw, chew, and jump on the shiny, colorful embellishments. This is especially true when it comes to the Christmas tree.
That's why some pet owners have gotten creative with how they keep their Christmas trees animal-proof. From clearing the bottom half to hanging the tree from the ceiling, you won't believe the lengths some will go to pet-proof their Christmas.
Challenge Accepted
This cat looks like it's trying to analyze the best way to go about attacking those ornaments. While suspending ornaments from the ceiling may seem like a clever idea, it's also a huge tease for the cat.
From the feline's perspective, those are all toys begging to be played with. On the bright side, we're impressed that the owner hung them in the shape of a tree and love that the presents are still below.
Ah, How The Tables Have Turned
This isn't the kind of thing you'd expect to see. A miniature Christmas tree sits in a pet crate, while the pet is sitting coyly right next to it. You know you have a curious cat when it takes a cage to keep things protected.
This one kind of takes the joy out of the holiday decoration. It's like seeing Frosty the Snowman behind bars. We'd almost rather see the tree torn to bits.
This Is Still Our Tree
These cats look hilarious all balled up under the Christmas tree, especially since the bottom branches are cut off. Clearly, these felines have a history of messing with the tree. Though they can't paw at the ornaments anymore, the pets seem to be content just being close to the tree.
Their tiny cushions are right underneath so that they look like two vacationers lounging under an umbrella. We do have to wonder if those beds are a little too small for the fluffy felines, though.
I Can Still Reach Them!
First of all, is it just us, or is that a pet fox? Secondly, those Christmas trees look like they're going into and coming out of two separate portals into another universe. The smaller tree to the right was clearly fashioned to the ceiling via the tree stand.
However, we're dumbfounded by how the owner managed to suspend the larger tree. What's holding on to its branches? One thing that's for sure is this fox is prepared to mount whatever it needs to for the sake of reaching those trees!
Great, Another Reason To Obsess Over The Vacuum
Pets and vacuums have a love-hate relationship. While the sound often sends them running, they also can't help but want to analyze the curious object. If this cat thought the vacuum cleaner was a mystery before, now it's a complete puzzle.
The owner decided to attach their miniature Christmas tree to the handle of the vacuum cleaner, which apparently was the safest place to put it. Now the cat is looking up at it just pondering a way to dominate that thing.
That Must Be Some Thick Saran Wrap
Saran wrap may be thick enough to keep bacteria out of your food, but we're not so sure it's hefty enough to resist a sharp claw. This pet owner figured that it was better to wrap their entire Christmas tree in plastic than risk an ornament getting smashed.
The good thing about this hack is that you can still see the decorations clearly through the wrap. The con is we're pretty sure this is a recipe for disaster because we wouldn't put it past a pet to knock the tree down trying to paw its way in.
This Felt Christmas Tree Is Cozy
This may be one of the most ideal pet-proofed trees we've seen so far. It's made of felt, so the cost is relatively low and you can make the tree as large as you want. Plus, the cat loves how cozy it is and isn't tempted to claw anything.
Additionally, it doesn't get in the way because it's flat, and you don't have to worry about it falling from the ceiling. It'd be a fun project to work on with the family.
A Repurposed Candle Holder
This itty-bitty Christmas tree would be way too vulnerable to pets if it were left out on its own. A cat would probably rip it to bits, and a dog could probably manage to eat it whole.
That's why the owner put it in a large candle holder. The holder matches the holiday theme well and is just large enough for the tree. The only problem is that the tree is bound to become buried in presents.
This Tree Is Missing Pants
This Christmas tree looks like it's wearing a shirt and no pants! That's because the owner limited the decorations to only the top half. This way, the pets can't reach the shiny garland and ornaments that they love to play with.
We have to wonder if they ran the Christmas lights all the way down to the bottom. If not, it probably looks like a small, floating tree at night when the rest of the room is dark.
The Top Of The Fridge Is Always A Safe Zone
Remember being a little kid and not being able to reach the top of the fridge? The height made it a perfect spot for parents to store the bowl of Halloween candy (until you climbed up on the counters to get it).
The same logic led to this miniature Christmas tree going on top of the fridge. Instead of keeping sweets from kids, it's keeping ornaments from pets. It's not exactly a focal point, but at least the tree is safe!
You Call This A Christmas Tree?
We don't know what's funnier, this careless blanket "Christmas tree," or the unimpressed look on this cat's face. According to the person who posted this image, they constructed the tree by turning a tomato cage upside down.
They then threw a couple of blankets over the top along with a short string of lights. The good thing is that this is probably the most environmentally-friendly tree option out there. The downside is that we're pretty sure that the cat could still rip this thing apart.
You Can't Mess With A Cactus
The simplest way to pet-proof your Christmas tree is to just make it a cactus. There's no need to sacrifice ornaments or to block off the tree when it has needles poking out all over.
It's literally nature's way of keeping animals off. At the same time, the tree poses just as much of a threat to people as it does pets. That means you'll want to be extra careful while decorating the cactus, and probably don't want to involve young kids.
Pleaaaaase Can I Go In The Cage?
This dog's longing eyes make us want to open up that Christmas tree cage right away. Usually, when you see a begging dog it's because they want to get out of a crate, not go into one!
The poor thing looks like it is begging for a treat, which in this case would be the ornaments and garland. Some dogs will eat just about anything and we're guessing that's the case with this cute pooch.
I Believe I Can Fly
Another pet owner decided that hanging their tree upside-down from the ceiling was the best way to keep it from the cat. Though the idea seems extreme, the look on this cat's face explains it all.
Even with a tree suspended several feet in the air, the cat looks completely mesmerized and determined to attack. It's perched on the dining room table and looking wide-eyed at the tree like it's conjuring up the strength to fly.
Check Out My Wall Tree
This Christmas tree looks like it was squished like a pancake and then hung on the wall. In reality, the pet owner probably either constructed it out of garland or bought a tree specifically made for the wall.
Either way, it's a great solution for pets. This cat doesn't look too thrilled about the flat tree, but it still enjoys lounging underneath it. The downside is that they had to omit ornaments, but at least they still get to enjoy the lights!
A Christmas Tree Work Of Art
This has to be one of the most clever pet-proof Christmas trees we've come across. You wouldn't think that an image of a Christmas tree would give you that holiday feel, but this one is particularly impressive.
The picture has an optical illusion feel to it so that you can't quite tell what is 2D and what's 3D. We're fairly sure that the tree was drawn on a chalkboard and then a string of lights was attached. The owner then hung ornaments on the wire and topped it with an unlit star.
The Doggy Border
Pets love to explore, so having to adhere to boundaries isn't their favorite. In this case, the poor dog is looking at the owner and sitting up very tall, as though it's holding out for access to the Christmas tree.
The owner probably isn't going to give, though, because that would defeat the purpose of blocking off the tree with a dog gate. At least the pet is well-behaved enough that it isn't going to leap over the barricade.
Why Get A Tree When You Have A Chandelier?
This pet owner threw the idea of a Christmas tree out the window. Instead, they decided that chandeliers are the new trees. We can see where they were coming from since it already has lights and there's plenty of spots to hang ornaments.
Though the hack certainly serves to keep the delicate ornaments out of reach, it isn't the prettiest alternative. Light bulbs just don't compare to twinkling Christmas lights, and without a green backdrop, the ornaments just look tacky.
I Will Get To The Train!
We already saw a tree that was only decorated at the top half, but this pet owner took it a step further. They managed to impressively suspend the train set so that it wraps around the middle of the tree like a belt.
Apparently, this cat is just as innovative as its owner, because it's found a way to crawl up the middle of the tree. We have to admire the feline's determination to get what it wants!
Her Costume Is Her Punishment
This photo is only humorous when you know the story behind it. This cat may look cute in its Santa costume, but don't let that fool you. The person who posted this image clarified that the cat was actually in the middle of a punishment.
Many pets despise being dressed up, and this cat must be no exception because the costume is part of its punishment. Anytime it messes with the Christmas tree, the cat has to wear its Santa jacket for 15 minutes.
Technically, Trees Belong Outside
Though there are plenty of plants that can thrive indoors, the great outdoors are technically their natural habitat. Those who find it offputting that we keep Christmas trees indoors will be happy to see this one that's been banished to the patio.
Granted, putting ornaments and lights on a tree is pretty unnatural to begin with, and this outdoor tree boasts both. Still, we have to wonder if the tree lasted longer in the fresh air, in addition to not being attacked by the curious cat.
That's One Way To Gather 'Round The Christmas Tree
This pet owner tried to make their tree barricade look as inconspicuous as possible by blocking the tree off with furniture. They appear to have surrounded the tree with chairs and then covered them all up with a large blanket.
The problem is that the chairs block most of the decorations! Plus, anyone sitting in the chairs would be facing the wrong direction, which gives a whole new meaning to gathering 'round the Christmas tree.
I've Got This
By the looks of it, this is a fake tree. Typically those are constructed in such a way that you add layers of branches as you go, the owner probably just put on the top piece and called it a day.
Though there are several feet of bare tree "trunk," this cat looks determined to reach the top. We could see it putting a ninja move and catapulting off the window or scaling its way up.
Just Put It On The Wall
This Christmas tree is different than the first one we saw that was pinned up on a wall for a few reasons. For one, it's higher up on the wall, making it impossible for the cat to scratch anything.
This one is also completely decorated, whereas the other one only had Christmas lights on it. We're rather impressed with this wall Christmas tree because it looks complete with all of the ornaments and it even has a skirt!
Watch Your Head!
This Christmas tree is hanging from a vaulted ceiling, which is especially impressive considering how large it is! We're not sure how the trunk is so securely attached to the ceiling.
Just as shocking is how the star isn't falling right off the bottom. In our experience, it's challenging enough to get the star to stick on the tree when it's right side up! It would be fun to add ornaments to an upside-down tree.
A Reindeer Christmas Tree Chandelier?
There's a lot going on with this item, so we aren't sure what exactly it's supposed to be. The ornaments and garland suggest that it's meant to be a hanging Christmas tree that the pets can't reach.
At the same time, the branches everything is suspended from look like deer antlers, so it could be a take on Rudolph. After all, they did stick to an all-red theme reminiscent of his red nose. Either way, it's a hot mess.
They Went A Little Overboard
This cat must be a mastermind when it comes to sneaking into places, because the owners didn't skimp out on protecting their Christmas tree. They didn't just put a gate around the tree.
They completely caged in the giant tree and then secured it with a lock. We don't know what this cat has done in the past, but it must have been pretty advanced. The best part is how cute and innocent it looks in its tiny little bed.
I Just Like To Admire It
This cat looks like she loves the holidays just as much as any Christmas fanatic. The person who posted this image wrote, "She likes admiring it now, but doesn't attack it. Holidays saved by DIY!"
That tells us that this cat has a history of clawing Christmas trees like crazy. While we'd like to believe the owner and think that the cat is just innocently observing, part of us thinks that she's planning her next attack.
Perfect Fit
Though you don't usually put items as large as this tree on top of a little cabinet, we're surprised how well it fits. If that Christmas tree had been any larger, it would have completely overpowered the piece of furniture.
Fortunately, the snug fit is just right so that the owner can save the tree from pets without having to hang it upside down, Saran wrap it, cage it, or any of the other hilarious tactics we've seen.
Don't Even Bother With Ornaments
The person who posted this image wrote that they're omitting ornaments until Christmas Eve. At that point, we almost have to wonder if it's worth going through the trouble of putting them on at all.
After all, it's not like you'll be able to keep them up for long with all the cats still running around. Though the tree might not be as colorful without them, it still looks elegant and it has just enough holiday cheer.
That'll Stop Them
Don't let the placement of the vacuum cleaners fool you, those aren't presents. If they were, they'd at least have some bows on them. Plus, all of the presents are stacked up and on the chair to the right.
Why are they over there, you might ask? Probably because there's an animal in the house who loves ruining surprises. Though the vacuum cleaners do a lousy job of blocking access to the tree, we have to wonder if the pet is afraid of them and that's why they're there.
At Least They Added Bows
Of all the gates and cages that we've seen used as a barrier to protect Christmas trees, this is the first that's actually decorated! If you're going to decorate every other part of the house, you may as well include the unsightly gate that's around the tree.
These pet owners added bows all the way around their baby gate to give it some holiday spirit. At the very least, it makes it seem less like the tree is in time-out.
Is That Thing Real?
We love how intrigued this cat is by a picture of a Christmas tree. We always wonder what pets are thinking when they see a picture or look into a mirror. Do they know it's a copy of reality?
In this case, we're fairly sure that this cat thinks the Christmas tree picture hanging on the wall is the real deal. Hopefully, it won't leave scratch marks all over the wall trying to get to the bottom of this mystery.
A Wall Tree Fit For A Tiny House
At first glance, it isn't clear what's so pet-proof about this Christmas tree. The owner did a ladder-like design with beads and sticks so that it lays flat against the wall. They hung lights and ornaments to help clarify what the unique decoration is supposed to emulate.
The person explained in the image caption that they live in a tiny house. Therefore, they needed to do a wall tree to prevent branches from poking into the dog bed.
Have At It, Kitty
This is probably the most realistic Christmas tree compromise we've seen. Cats love to be the center of the universe, so turning their climbing tower into a mock Christmas tree only makes sense.
This way, the cat can climb their heart out and the owner has something to put lights on and presents under. The only downside is that guests will definitely assume that you're a crazy cat owner who can't help but bend to the will of their beloved furry friends.
There's Nothing Wrong With A Tiny Tree
This is hands-down the smallest Christmas tree we've ever seen. We're 99.9% positive that it came from one of those decorative kits where you can build a holiday town on your counter.
What's strange is that they decided to hang it upside down from the ceiling like some of the other owners did. We can understand doing that with a larger tree, but is it really necessary with a tiny one? Apparently, this pet can climb literally anything.
Keeping The Tree Super Safe
This pet owner explained that this area is the only place in her home that the cats don't mess with. That's why she set up a holiday table, which is hopefully tall and isolated enough that the felines can't climb up and wreak havoc.
Though the owner says that the cats don't bother with this setup, we still find it suspect that she placed the tiny Christmas tree all the way at the top, just to be safe.
The Dog Christmas Tree
We've seen quite a few variations of Christmas trees, from photos of a tree hung on the wall to a cactus to a blanket tree. But none of them can compare to this hilarious Christmas tree.
There's no need to protect the tree from the dog when the dog is the tree! Its triangular shape looks hilariously like a tree, while the basket he's sitting in could be the stand and the blanket underneath looks like the skirt!
Don't Mess With My Tree
This pet owner didn't bother to leave any of the branches on this tree, and we can see why. The look on that cat's face as it lies behind this barren tree screams "back off."
We wouldn't want to go near the ferocious-looking feline. Then again, if the cat is that dominating when it comes to Christmas trees, why even have one? Sometimes it's better to omit the tree than to hold on to only the trunk of it.
Babies And Pets, Approach With Caution
This Christmas tree barrier looks like it was meant for both babies and pets. It's precisely placed around the tree's perimeter with just enough space to store presents on the other side.
Now animals and babies won't be able to pull down ornaments or rip up the gift wrap prematurely. We have to wonder if the parents are planning on still doing this after the kids are older, just so that the pets don't get any ideas.
