The Best Tree Guards For Cats

Cats and trees go hand in hand. It's in their nature to climb, scratch, and mark them as their own. The problem is that we humans like our trees too. After the decorations are up, we want to ensure that our furry friends keep their paws off the tree. Thankfully, tree guards reduce the chances of your curious cat clawing their way up your pretty pine. Take a look.

What to Look For

In our research, we found that the best tree guards for cats are durable, user-friendly, and of course, aesthetically pleasing. MCEAST’s tree fence meets all three of our requirements, and we love the little touches, such as the snowflake pattern etched on each panel. If you’re into the farmhouse look, then we’d suggest  Glitzhome’s wooden tree collar. It’s easy to assemble and quite sturdy. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks. We’re sure you’ll find the right tree guard for your home.

MCEAST Tree Fence

Purr-fect protection

This tall tree guard is high enough to keep out pesky paws.
Best Overall

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This tree guard might be made from durable plastic, but we think it’s still cute enough to wrap around your tree. The plastic is non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry if your cat decides to take a nibble. Plus, it won’t warp if exposed to moisture or fade in sunlight; it should last you for many years. But all this would be moot if it were a hassle to put together. We’re pleased to report that all you need to do is snap each section in place. No tools are required. What’s more, you can change the shape as needed or even add another fence to it if you have a larger tree. What’s not to love?

Pros:

  • We appreciate that this comes in several different colors.
  • It’s easy to both assemble and disassemble.
  • We love how expansive it is. You can order a fence with up to 36 pieces.

Cons:

  • While not difficult, snapping the fence together isn’t as effortless as we’d like.

Aneco Wood Tree Fence

Fortified frame

This sturdy wooden tree guard proves that you don't need to sacrifice aesthetics for practicality.
Runner Up

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Sitting at a foot high, Aneco’s tree fence is tall enough to keep curious cats a bay. It’s made from sturdy wood and quite easy to assemble. Aneco provides everything you need, even the screwdriver. The included hinges allow you to change the fence’s shape as needed. That means you can use these other places too, like a flower bed or even as a storefront display.

Pros:

  • We found that this fence worked well in deterring both cats and toddlers from getting too close to the tree.
  • We appreciate that all of the holes are pre-drilled, so all you need is a screwdriver.
  • This fence’s neutral look can be used year-round and for different purposes.

Cons:

  • If you find that the screwdriver isn’t compatible with the screws, pop out the handle. This particular screwdriver is double-ended.

Winemana Tree Collar

Pretty plaid

We love how this looks around a tree, and we think you will too. Plus, it's high enough to keep your cat from clawing at the trunk.
Best Collar

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If you’re looking for something festive, Winemana’s tree collar is a worthwhile option. The plaid pattern evokes cozy vibes, and most importantly, this collar’s height prevents your kitties from messing with your decor. It’s fortified with thick cardboard so that it retains its shape. Also, the firm polyester stitching makes it difficult for cats to bite or scratch.

Pros:

  • In addition to cat protection, this tree collar can handle run-ins from your robot vacuum as it sweeps through the room.
  • There’s no assembly required. All you have to do is wrap it around your tree with its velcro ends.

Cons:

  • The material isn’t as soft and fuzzy as it looks, but we’d trade that for the protection it offers.

Glitzhome Wooden Tree Collar

Timeless design

This tree guard adds a homey feel while providing plenty of protection from rambunctious kitties.
Best Farmhouse

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We think this wooden tree collar is gorgeous. The tree collar nails the farmhouse aesthetic with its rustic design that looks like something right out of a magazine. Style-wise, what we particularly like about this tree collar is that it could also work with modern or even traditional decor. Moreover, its four solid wood panels connect together with a locking bracket that latches into place. Between its height and boxy shape, your cat would be hard-pressed to find a way to break into this beautiful barrier.

Pros:

  • Cats who love to scratch up tree skirts will quickly lose interest in this durable tree collar.
  • We think it’s perfect for medium-sized trees, about 7.5 feet.
  • It’s available in several different colors.

Cons:

  • While we love the colors, they look a bit different in person.

Amgate Plastic Tree Guard

Feral cats beware

If you'd like to keep your outside trees safe from sharp claws and climbers, this tree guard is a formidable deterrent.
Best For Outdoor Trees

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Outdoor cats are notorious for marking territory and wreaking havoc on yards. If that’s something you deal with, Amgate’s plastic tree guard may be a great place to start. Each pack comes with six pieces that you can customize to fit your tree’s circumference. And while the thick plastic will keep out the claws, the guard features several slits so that your trunk receives proper air circulation.

Pros:

  • They’re thick but flexible and easy to wrap around all trunk sizes. If your tree is really big, simply buy another pack.
  • Despite the ventilation holes, cats will have a difficult time trying to claw your tree’s trunk.
  • Installation takes little to no time, which is nice when you have several trees that need protection.

Cons:

  • If you have a dog, they might be able to rip it off of your tree, depending on how rambunctious they are.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my indoor cat safe from my tree?

Indoor cats aren’t as savvy as their feral counterparts. If they see a new tree standing in the living room, they’re going to want to check it out. Aside from purchasing a tree guard, you may also want to consider trading your real tree for a fake one. Pine trees, in particular, can be a serious problem if your cat ingests its needles. If you’re determined to have a real tree, be vigilant in cleaning excess pine needles and cover the tree’s water bowl so your cat won’t take a drink.

Is a tree collar better than a tree fence?

It depends on what look you’re going for, but we think both do an equally good job protecting your tree.

About the Author

Jonathan has been a pet lover since his first cat at the age of six. Since then, he's been lucky enough to have many furry friends in his life — from cats, dogs, fish, and everything in between. His goal is to help you find the products you need to make pet ownership all the more fulfilling.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.