My cats don't get in the tree, but I still tie it back, just in case. One of my cats, Jimmy (the big orange guy in my signature), got in it when I first put it up but after getting squirted with a water bottle he no longer goes near the tree. Two of my others, Raisin and Kitten, LOVE to sleep under the tree. Then there is Oliver and Sundae who are rarely found near it.

I haven't had any problems with the cats and the Christmas presents, but we have had the dogs unwrap a few before. I now keep them somewhere the dogs can't reach them.