Is it possible for your tree and your sanity to make it through Christmas? I can't address the sanity- except for wine, lots of wine. But I can help with that tree your cat believes is a giant scratching post.
1. Leave the tree bare when you first bring it home. It will give them a chance to get used to it and the appeal will wear off. You can also use this time to figure out how to tether it to a wall in the case that your cat is undeterred by your first subtle attempt and wants to bring it crashing down to the ground.
2. Don't use toxic material i.e.; tinsel, tree fertilizer, poinsettias, fake snow, etc. You may want to re-think glass ornaments as well. These all look like dangling cat toys to them. And if your cat is one of those who likes to test the 9 lives theory, unplug your lights at night and when you leave the house.
3. If this doesn't work: distract, distract distract. You probably have a plethora of boxes from Amazon Prime when you ordered gifts last minute. If you own a cat you know that boxes win over any toy you've ever bought them!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOOD LUCK!
If you have any funny stories or clever suggestions about your cat vs. your Christmas tree send them to us! thepetcottage@hotmail.com