Putting up a Christmas tree during the holidays finally makes a military home feel like home a little bit more. However, if you have a cat… you know the chaos that follows. They circle, sniff, bat at ornaments, and plot their holiday mischief.

This year, I learned a few tricks that actually work. Secure the tree, hang fragile ornaments higher, and tuck cords away, safety first. But the real game-changer? Giving your cat their own festive setup. A cozy blanket, a jingle ball, a catnip toy, or even a tree tunnel instead of a tree skirt keeps them happy and mostly off the tree.

Those first 48 hours are always the wildest. Cats inspect, plan, and test all the boundaries, but soon the tree becomes just another part of the home. Peace returns, ornaments mostly survive, and your cat still gets their holiday magic.

Now because December is all about surprises, don’t forget: Military Cat Club members can enter in for a chance to win our holiday DNA test kit sweepstakes! It’s the perfect way to discover your cat’s ancestry, quirks, and maybe a little holiday magic of their own. While you sip your cocoa and watch your cat bask in their holiday corner, imagine the joy of unwrapping a DNA test kit for them….or maybe letting them “unwrap” themselves. Don’t wait, make this December extra meowy and bright!