When I was about 10 years old, we got a new kitten a few days before Christmas. Some family friends had a litter and “Pumpkin” was the scrawny little runt. We had a decent size, real tree that year. First night Pumpkin was home there was a loud crash in the middle of the night. She must have climbed all the way to the top and then starting swaying big time, because no way did this little kitten weigh more than 10-12 ounces.
I use an artificial tree, and it is always securely anchored to the living room wall of my 4 cat home.