Well, it’s December, and the holidays are upon us!
During this festive season, it’s important to be mindful of our cats’ behaviours and environment to ensure they remain happy and stress-free. Cats thrive on routine, and the inevitable changes during the holidays – like busy schedules, new decorations, and visiting guests – can be unsettling for them.
Maintain Their Routine
Cats are creatures of habit, so disruptions to their feeding, playtime, and litter box routines can cause stress. Try to keep these routines as consistent as possible to help them feel secure amidst the holiday chaos.
Provide a Safe Haven
New people, loud noises, and festive decorations can overwhelm your cat. Create a quiet, cozy space where they can retreat and feel safe. Avoid moving their resources (like food, water, and litter boxes) but consider adding vertical spaces or cubbies in private areas for extra comfort.
Decorations and Safety
Cats are naturally curious, and shiny, noisy decorations can be irresistible but dangerous. Keep items like tinsel, ribbons, and breakable ornaments out of reach, as these can cause harm if ingested. Opt for pet-safe ornaments and remember that holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and lilies can be toxic to cats. Even lily pollen on their coat can be harmful if ingested during grooming.
Cats and Christmas Trees
Bringing home a Christmas tree is a holiday tradition, but it’s important to consider how this change impacts your cat. To help them adjust:
- Allow them to explore the area before setting up the tree fully.
- Create positive associations near the tree with treats or gentle pets.
- Redirect their attention with vertical perches, cozy spots, or enticing toys like catnip or silvervine.
When decorating, avoid hanging shiny or moving ornaments at the bottom of the tree where they’re easily accessible. Opt for a pet-safe artificial tree to avoid risks associated with pine, cedar, or spruce needles, which can be harmful if ingested.
Traveling During the Holidays
If you’re traveling and leaving your cat at home, ensure they’re comfortable and well cared for. Whether it’s a trusted friend, relative, or a professional pet sitter, it’s best to keep your cat in their familiar environment with someone visiting at least once every 24 hours. This ensures:
- Regular feeding and hydration.
- Clean litter boxes for hygiene and comfort.
- Social interaction to reduce loneliness and anxiety.
- Monitoring for signs of illness or distress.
- Home safety checks for potential hazards.
Hosting Guests at Home
If you’re staying home and hosting, be mindful of your cat’s comfort. Some cats enjoy extra attention, while others may prefer solitude. Provide a quiet space for them to retreat if needed and secure doors and windows to prevent accidental escapes. Rewarding your cat for staying on their favourite perch or in a cozy box can also help them feel safe.
Holiday Cautions and Fun
While it’s fun to include your cat in holiday festivities, choose safe toys and treats specifically designed for cats, and avoid sharing human food that might be harmful. Regular playtime can also help redirect their energy away from inappropriate items like decorations.
If your cat ingests string-like decorations such as tinsel or ribbon, do not attempt to pull it out yourself, as this can cause serious internal damage. Seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Wishing You and Your Pets a Joyful Holiday Season
As we wrap up, we’d like to extend warm wishes to all the humans and their beloved pets. May your holidays be filled with love, laughter, purrs, and wagging tails.
Happy Holidays!
Article by Krista Schulte
I am a fear-free, force-free, and positive reinforcement Certified Cat Trainer and Behaviour Specialist in Canada. I volunteer in shelters and work on feline enrichment and socialization, and behaviour modification for TLC cases. I threw myself into the Cat Behaviour community and began a path of rigour study, gaining various certificates to attain this goal and will always continue my education. After helping get cats out of the shelters, I transitioned to a Behaviour Counsellor with Toronto Cat Rescue (still with them) to keep cats from going back to the shelter. I am passionate about these cats and their welfare.
www.felinebehaviourcoach.com
Instagram: FelineBehaviourCoach
Facebook: FelineBehaviourCoach
