Not all kittens got in it at once,Some favored lower branches, some higher ..The branches bent and my daughter was constantly reshaping the tree..it was a hassle..I tried to remember to spray around it often as my room was closest to the tree..It did help.
I am considering doing that on the cabinet top of my bookcase so I can do lights in the evergreen swag with ornaments like last year..I’ll spray the carpet in front of the bookcase.. They may climb on the desk and jump over..O My..LOL.
What are you spraying? I know of no cat repellent.
My cats always knock the tree over.