There’s nothing like putting up the Christmas tree to get the whole family in the holiday spirit.
Unfortunately, certain furry family members seem determined to dismantle our mantels, along with everything else we attempt to decorate! Indoor pets simply don’t understand why their humans have dragged a giant tree into the house, and it shows.
Thankfully, there are a few tried-and-true techniques designed to protect the tree from even the most ferocious critters.
Best Pet-Proofed Christmas Tree Ideas
1. Child-Proof Gate Tree
Baby gates aren’t just for babies, you know.
![Decorated Christmas tree blocked off by baby gate](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/decorated-christmas-tree-with-gate-900x900.jpeg)
2. Hovering Tree
Introducing the magical hovering Christmas tree! (Don’t worry, no husbands were injured while balancing on a ladder to put this thing up.)
![Decorated Christmas tree placed so animals don't get to it](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/christmas-tree-red-skirt-900x900.jpeg)
3. Two-Dimensional Wall Tree
Who says you need a “real” tree, anyway?
![Christmas tree built on wall to keep animals away](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/christmas-tree-on-wall-900x900.jpeg)
4. Twig Tree
Or an evergreen, for that matter?
![Skinny Christmas tree with two Rottweilers under it](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/christmas-tree-and-two-rottweilers-900x1125.jpeg)
5. Upside Down Tree
This tree is so sly, the cat doesn’t even seem to know it’s there!
![Christmas tree placed on the ceiling to keep the cat away from it](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/christmas-tree-on-ceiling-900x900.jpeg)
6. Refrigerator Tree
Of course we put the Christmas tree on top of the fridge. Where else would be put it?
![Christmas tree placed on top of the fridge in the kitchen](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/christmas-tree-on-top-of-fridge-900x1200.jpeg)
7. Blanket Tree
It’s not the prettiest, but it will do.
![Christmas tree made out of blankets and a single strand of lights with a cat in front of it](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/tree-made-out-of-blankets-900x1200.jpeg)
8. Cactus Tree
Go ahead, try to touch it. We dare you.
![Christmas tree made out of a cactus with bulbs placed throughout the plant](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/cactus-christmas-tree-900x900.jpeg)
9. Upside Down Mini Tree
Which end is up? Does it matter?
![Decorated Christmas tree placed on ceiling fan](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/christmas-tree-on-ceiling-fan-880x1600.jpeg)
10. Caged Tree
Nothing is getting in there… not even Santa.
![Christmas tree blocked off by wood planks and a screen](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/christmas-tree-blocked-off-900x900.jpeg)
11. Duct Tape Tree
Forget tinsel! This year’s tree calls for duct tape, and lots of it.
![Christmas tree secured down with duct tape](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/christmas-tree-taped-down-900x675.jpeg)
12. Branchless Tree
Wait, is this a before or an after picture?
![Christmas tree with no branches and a mischievous cat at the base](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/christmas-tree-with-no-branches-900x1200.jpeg)
13. Lantern Tree
It may be tiny, but it’s pretty darn adorable.
![White lit up Christmas tree inside of a case](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/white-tree-inside-light-case-900x1125.jpeg)
14. Cutout Tree
If You Can’t Beat ’Em, Join ’Em.
![Christmas tree decorated as a cat bed with a cat inside of it](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/tree-disguised-as-cat-bed-900x1125.jpeg)
15. Outdoor Tree
When all else fails, just admire the beauty from afar!
![Lit up Christmas tree placed outside of the house with two cats staring at it from inside](https://lwm-a1.azureedge.net/uploads/2021/12/christmas-tree-outside-900x674.jpeg)
These naughty animals do make things challenging, but their parents wouldn’t have it any other way! Every time they cuddle up to us on the couch or flop over for belly rubs, we instantly forget how obnoxious they are around the holiday decorations. They’re worth the extra work!
This story originally appeared on InspireMore. Join the Love What Matters family and subscribe to our newsletter.
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