As much as we love our pets, they can make decorating a little tricky especially around the Christmas tree. From curious cats to playful pups, tree skirts can quickly become toys, chew targets or even hazards. Luckily, there are plenty of stylish and practical pet friendly tree skirts & alternatives that work beautifully in homes with fur babies.
I’ll always remember when we first got a family dog, he arrived just before Christmas and had obviously not seen a Christmas tree before because when we put it up I’m sure he thought we’d brought him an inside toilet! That was the year I first realized that Christmas wasn’t always pet-friendly!
Read on to find out why traditional tree skirts don’t always work with the fur members of the family, pet friendly alternatives as well as some tips to keep pets away from the base of your tree.
Why Traditional Tree Skirts Don’t Always Work
Most tree skirts are made from soft fabric that sits loosely on the floor. For pets, this looks like:
- A comfy bed to nap on.
- A fun toy to scratch or chew.
- A hiding sport for mischievous adventures.
This can lead to constant readjusting and sometimes, a toppled tree.
Best Pet Friendly Alternatives
1. Woven Baskets or Tree Collars
A tree collar made from wood, wicker or metal fits snugly around the base of the tree. It hides the stand completely, looks polished and is far less tempting to paw at. These baskets and tree collars also complement a number of different Christmas tree themes.
Wooden or Fabric Wrapped Boxes
You can place your tree stand inside a decorative box, either custom made or repurposed. This creates a clean, structured base that pets can’t easily disturb.
Sheepskin or Low Profile Rugs (Secured)
If you prefer a softer look, you can still use rugs – just secure them underneath the stand or use a heavier mat so pets can’t pull it away.
Pet Friendly Fabrics and Finishes
If you want to stick with a skirt, opt for durable, tightly woven fabrics that are less appealing to claws and teeth. Canvas, burlap and washable cotton blends ca stand up to more wear and tear than delicate faux fur or knits.
Christmas Tree Fences
In recent years I’ve seen Christmas Tree Fences available and these are great at keeping both pets and young children away from the tree. Now I’m not sure that it will keep a larger animal or very determined one away, but they can look really good. There are some that look like white picket fences which would really go well with a rustic farmhouse style of tree. You can also get clear acrylic gates (these are often marketed as foldable pet playpens when it’s not Christmas)
The wood style of fence is the most popular (although sometimes it looks like wood, but is plastic) and they come in a range of colors including candy cane stripes. They can even come with lights attached..
Christmas Tree Picket FenceClear Acrylic Tree FenceCandy Cane Picket Tree Fence
Tips to Keep Pets Away from the Tree Base
- Use double-sided tape or a pet deterrent spray around the skirt area.
- Keep dangling ornaments higher up the tree to reduce temptation.
- Add a soft pet bed nearby to redirect their attention.
- Choose a sturdy stand and secure the tree well to prevent accidents.
Stylish Doesn’t Have to Mean Fragile
With the right approach, your Christmas tree can still look elegant and festive without worrying about constant pet chaos. Many pet-friendly tree collars and boxes are designed to look chic and complement modern, holiday decor, so you won’t have to sacrifice style for practicality.
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Now that you have a way to keep your tree safe from your fur babies, let’s look at a few posts you might enjoy.