Well, it’s December and the holidays are upon us. During this time, it’s important to be mindful of our cats’ behaviours and environment to ensure they remain happy and stress-free.
Changes in routine are inevitable, and cats thrive on predictability. Busy schedules, holiday activities, and company can easily disrupt their sense of stability. It’s important to maintain their feeding, playtime, and litter box routines as normal as possible.
New people, loud noises, and holiday decorations can also create stress. Make sure your cat has a quiet space where they can retreat and feel safe. It’s best not to move their existing resources but rather add vertical spaces or private cubbies where they can escape when the house gets busy.
Keep in mind that cats are naturally curious and may be drawn to shiny, crinkly, or noisy decorations. Ensure items like tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments are kept out of reach—these can be extremely harmful if ingested. Consider using pet-safe ornaments that don’t break or shatter. It’s also crucial to remember that certain holiday plants—such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and lilies—are toxic to cats. Even lily pollen on their coat can be dangerous when groomed.
Cats and Christmas Trees
Many pet parents look forward to bringing home a Christmas tree, but it’s essential to consider how this sudden environmental change may affect your cat. To help them acclimate, let your cat explore the area before the tree is fully set up. Creating positive associations—like treats, gentle pets, or playtime—near the tree can help reduce stress.
Practice gentle redirection and reward your cat when they respond. This will be helpful once the tree is fully decorated. Instead of using deterrents, try providing a designated cat-friendly space nearby, such as a vertical perch or a cozy spot with cat grass, catnip, or silvervine. Encourage your cat to relax and play in their own space, rewarding them for good behaviour. While you’re introducing these changes, you can also place a dog X-pen around the tree when it’s unattended.
When decorating the tree, be mindful of what goes near the bottom. Anything shiny, dangly, or highly moveable will be irresistible to a cat. Keep delicate or tempting ornaments toward the top.
Be cautious with tree types—avoid pine, cedar, or spruce, as their needles can be harmful if ingested. A pet-safe artificial tree is often the best choice for feline households.
Important note:
If your artificial tree includes “snow,” read the labels carefully. Ensure the coating is non-toxic and safe for pets before purchasing or decorating.
Holiday Travel and Your Cat’s Comfort
If you’re travelling or leaving your cat during the holidays, make sure you have reliable care in place—whether through a trusted friend, relative, pet sitter, or boarding facility. When possible, keeping cats in their own home is always best. Their territory, scents, and routine provide comfort.
A cat should never be left alone for several days. Here’s why visits every 24 hours (or more often) are essential:
- Feeding – Cats need regular meals, and some may eat less when their caregiver is away.
- Fresh water – Hydration is crucial.
- Litter box cleaning – Prevents frustration, discomfort, and house-soiling.
- Social interaction – Visits reduce loneliness, anxiety, and stress.
- Health monitoring – A sitter can catch early signs of illness or behaviour changes.
- Home safety – Ensures there are no hazards or emergencies inside the home.
Hosting Guests During the Holidays
If you’re staying home and hosting guests, be mindful of your cat’s comfort level. Some cats enjoy extra attention, while others feel overwhelmed. Make sure they have quiet escape spaces and allow them to choose when (or if) they want social interaction.
Toys, Treats, and Safe Holiday Fun
It can be fun to include your cat in the holiday spirit, but always choose safe cat-specific toys and treats. Avoid offering human foods, and keep an eye on inappropriate chewing, exploring, and climbing. Provide regular play sessions to help redirect their energy away from decorations.
Cats can also be sensitive to new furniture or décor, so give them time to adjust. And if your cat tends to door-dash, ensure all doors and windows are secure. Set up “high-value stations” like cat trees or favourite boxes where they can safely settle when guests come and go.
Emergency Note:
If your cat ingests tinsel, ribbon, or any string-like decoration, do not pull it out. Doing so can cause serious internal injury. Seek veterinary assistance immediately.
As we wrap up this festive blog, we want to extend our warmest wishes to all the humans and their beloved pets. May your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of purrs and wagging tails.
Happy Holidays to you and your furry friends!
Having Trouble with Your Cat’s Behaviour? Let’s Chat!
If your cat is trying to communicate and you’re unsure what they’re saying, I’m here to help. Book a free pre-consultation call, and we’ll go over what’s happening and how I can support you. Whether it’s litter box troubles, aggression, anxiety, or something else, we’ll talk about the best steps to restore peace in your home.
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