How to Turn Your Cat Tree Into a Christmas Photo Booth

If you’ve ever wished your cat’s holiday photos looked a little more magical—or at least more intentional—you’re not alone. Every December, pet owners flood Instagram with festive cat photos.

But instead of buying a bulky background or building a studio setup from scratch, there’s an easier, smarter option hiding in your living room already: your cat tree.

Cat tree or cat tower is not only a dedicated space for cats, but also a stylish piece of furniture. That makes it a perfect stage for holiday photography. With a few safe decorations, thoughtful lighting, and a theme, you can transform it into a Christmas photo booth that looks polished but still feels warm, cozy, and authentic.

This guide walks you through what to do and how to make it completely cat-safe, making your Christmas cat Instagram posts even more fun.

Plan Your Christmas Cat Tree Photo Session

Before you start decorating, it helps to plan like a photographer and like a pet owner. The result? Better photos, a calmer cat, and a setup that stays intact longer than five minutes.

Choose the Best Lighting and Visible Location

Lighting is the difference between an ordinary photo and something Instagram-worthy. Natural light is your best friend.

Choose a location with:

• indirect sunlight (avoid harsh contrast)

• a wall or corner that gives you a clean backdrop

• enough space to crouch, move your camera, and catch your cat’s attention without startling them

❄️ Pro Tip: Best Lighting Choices

• Soft window light → Warm, natural tones

• Warm LED fairy lights → Cozy Christmas glow

• Avoid overhead ceiling lights → create harsh shadows

Understand Your Cat’s Behavior During Decorating

Cats love routine. So when you start rearranging the room or adding new textures and scents, your cat may:

• climb the tree early

• hide for a while

• test the new decorations

• investigate every new item as if it’s a threat

Cats act this way because holiday décor changes their territory. Recognizing this helps you predict when they are most comfortable posing.

Most cats behave best:

• after mealtime

• when they’re relaxed and sleepy

• when you only introduce one new item at a time

Choose Your Theme: Cute, Cozy, or Comedic

Give your photos direction before you start decorating. Common Christmas photo styles include:

🎀 Cute

Think soft red ribbons, plush textures, sweet expressions, and winter pastels.

🔥 Cozy

Warm blankets, neutral tones, knitted textures, soft pillows inside cat houses or cubby holes.

🎄 Comedic

Perfect for cats who refuse to cooperate. Add oversized props, funny mini signs, or playful Santa hats near the cat tree—not on your cat.

Choosing a theme helps you avoid over-decorating or mixing too many styles.

Decorations You’ll Need for a Christmas Cat Tree

The trick is making the cat tree look festive without using anything unsafe. Many classic Christmas decorations (tinsel, glass ornaments, small hooks) are dangerous for cats. So focus on soft, durable, cat-safe options.

Cat-Safe Christmas Accessories

Use lightweight, non-breakable, chew-safe décor such as:

• soft felt ornaments

• plush garlands

• ribbon made of thick fabric

• large fabric bows

• holiday-themed bandanas or small scarves you can drape over a platform

These items add color without posing a risk.

Holiday Fabrics, Mini Props & Backdrops

A Christmas photo booth looks polished when the background blends seamlessly with the cat tower. Good options include:

• buffalo-plaid cloth

• faux snow blankets

• knitted throws

• neutral linen in warm tones

• fabric-based mini trees

• small plush stockings

• cardboard cutouts (stars, gingerbread, snowflakes)

You can attach fabric to the wall behind the tree using removable adhesive hooks.

Cat-Safe Lighting Options

Warm, soft lighting makes everything look magical and keeps your cat safe. Choose:

• battery-powered LED strands

• large-bulb fairy lights

• LED sticks or clip-on lights

Avoid:

• plug-in lights near climbing areas

• exposed wires

• lights with glass bulbs

Things You Should NEVER Use

Some decorations are cute for humans but extremely unsafe for cats.

If your cat is particularly curious, go simpler—not flashier.

Step-by-Step Setup

This is your full, practical setup guide.

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Cat Tree

A clean cat tree photographs better and keeps your cat healthier.

Do this first:

• vacuum platform surfaces

• remove loose fur

• wipe hard areas with a pet-safe cleaner

• replace worn sisal rope or frayed pads

• position the tree in good lighting

You’ll start with a fresh “canvas.”

Step 2: Add a Holiday Background

Secure the fabric backdrop behind the cat tree so it won’t fall during climbing.

Possible background ideas:

• fabric wall drapes

• paper backdrops taped high out of reach

• faux window frames for winter themes

• a Christmas-pattern blanket pinned neatly

Your background should complement—not overpower—your cat.

Step 3: Decorate the Cat Tree (Safely!)

Add decorations gradually:

1. First, wrap a wide ribbon or fabric garland around platforms

2. Add felt ornaments secured with string, never metal hooks

3. Place soft props like plush stockings near lower platforms

4. Add large bows to higher perches

Always secure décor tightly so your cat can’t remove or chew them.

Step 4: Set Up Cat-Safe Lighting

Use lighting to highlight:

• your cat’s face

• edges of the cat tree

• your background

Keep lights:

• fully secured

• out of your cat’s direct reach

• battery-powered only

Clip-on LED lights can brighten your scene without adding clutter.

Step 5: Prepare Your Cat’s Props

Keep props simple and optional. Cats prefer:

• small scarves or bandanas

• holiday-pattern blankets

• a plush reindeer toy or holiday cat toy

• mini Santa hat placed near them, not on them

Your cat should feel relaxed, not dressed up like an uncomfortable elf.

Step 6: Test Angles and Composition

Before your cat steps in:

• test your camera from multiple angles

• try eye-level shots

• move closer to reduce background distractions

• adjust lighting intensity

Once the cat climbs the tree, timing is everything. Get the shot within the first 3–5 minutes—they lose interest fast.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Setup Safe All Season

A festive cat tree is adorable—but only if it stays safe and intact.

Daily Check for Loose Decorations

Every morning or evening:

• inspect ribbons

• check for chew marks

• ensure nothing is dangling

• tighten anything that shifted overnight

Cats are curious; decorations never stay perfect.

Clean Without Removing the Decor

To keep the setup fresh:

• vacuum gently using a handheld attachment

• spot-clean fabric with pet-safe spray

• shake out loose fur outdoors

If you used removable fabric, you can toss it in the wash between photo sessions.

Refresh the Setup for Multiple Photoshoots

To create multiple Instagram-ready themes without a full reset, rotate:

• props

• bandanas

• bows

• small plush items

• backdrop fabrics

One cat tree can produce:

• a cozy theme

• a winter wonderland

• a red-and-white classic Christmas look

• a silly holiday meme series

This keeps your feed fresh without redesigning everything.

Holiday Magic, Beautiful Photos, and a Happy Cat

Transforming your cat tree into a Christmas photo booth isn’t about spending money on new décor. It’s about using what you already have, keeping things safe, and creating an environment where your cat feels comfortable enough to show their personality.

When you choose cat-safe materials, gentle lighting, simple props, and an organized setup, you get:

• better photos

• a calmer cat

• a stylish holiday scene

• memories you’ll love sharing

And most importantly, your cat stays safe. Because the cutest holiday photos are the ones where your cat feels happy, relaxed, and loved.

Further Reading:  Cat Tower Cleaning Guide