We've had real trees and for the past 6 years, we've had a gorgeous fake tree. All the years of our marriage we've had cats - not a one of them did anything more than sleep under the Christmas tree or occasionally bat at one of the balls.

That all changed 3 years ago when Reese was a kitten. We put up the tree and no sooner were we done, then Reese was climbing it. No matter what we did, she climbed the tree. She even took naps in it. She was about 6 months old, but small for her age.

We didn't decorate that year. Then the next year (2002), we tried again. We had another new kitten, Abby. Reese, now 18 months, and 8 pounds, went straight up that tree - didn't even wait for us to get done attaching everything. And Abby went with her!! Down came the tree.

Last year things did improve. Reese was 2 1/2; Abby was one year. And we used a squirt bottle without mercy. We did decorate the top half - no lights though.

Not sure what will happen this year. But we will try again.

Remember - this was the first cat I have ever had who climbed a tree. So don't worry about it - until it happens. Keep the squirt ready. And if you have a playpen, put the tree in it -