That's exactly what Ds and family did with their tree, by leaving one section out of it when assembling. They also did it last year, since they had a 1 year old, Frankie, and 2 cats. So, I know that it's a good solution.

That's very true about cats. When we first got Krypto, we would fill his bowl with his dry food, and set it on top of the refrigerator while he had his constitutional before eating.

One day, when they came back in, they found Mamou up there eating the dog food, which he loves, but is not allowed to have!

That sounds like a good deal on the Christmas food! I'm glad that you will be getting together!