We have a hook in the ceiling and use clear fishing line to attach. Also, we do not put ornaments on the bottom branches (other than a couple fabric kitty toys). Years ago, my cousin and I spent HOURS putting tinsel on our huge tree strand by strand. In the middle of the night we heard the tree topple - THE CAT! I have never put tinsel on a tree since and have made our trees as kitty-proof as possible. And, I also used the playpen trick, but it was more to keep the little babies out of the tree and the packages!