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Holidays With Cats

(This list of suggestions is given from one pet owner to others, and was not written with any professional supervision. Growing up in rural America, stray cats were left at our doorstep on numerous occasions.  A handful of these cats adopted us, and were the greatest cats we ever lived with.  The number of holiday seasons spent with these felines has yielded much of the following experience.)

After already writing my own article for this site – Holidays with Dogs – a supplemental piece for cats seemed especially suitable. Much of this will be presented in a more humorous tone, as no cat owner should ever be without a sense of humor.

The holidays can bring a lot of fun and a lot of stress to everyone. This also includes our cats, who will have some bigger targets to claw on if not the motivation to do so. From experience, spending the holidays with cats can often be easier and more amusing, but sometimes more frustrating than with a dog.

Loneliness. Although cats may love us, many don’t mind being left alone for a while. Chances are he’s getting in the same trouble as in the other eleven months, hiding it just as well, or just sleeping. Make sure to feed and water your cat. Do take the time to pet and enjoy your cat’s company as though it were any other time of the year, especially when he is being good.

Mischief. Most cats don’t care what you bring home unless it comes with its own gravy in a metal can. Store presents up high just in case, and bring home some of the good stuff for dinner. 

The Tree. Every branch is a perch or a scratching post, every needle a new plaything. The preoccupation some cats have with exploring this wildly lit jungle would be comical if not for the danger to himself plus everything and everyone around him. Supervise your cat when he is in the same room as the tree, and try to keep him separated from it when not around. Some people seem to have a good deal of luck with Scat Mats or StayAway when separation is not a possibility.

The Big Day: Remember the good stuff you brought your cat for dinner? This would be a good time to open it. Try to do so just before opening presents to avoid any unexpected caroling from a hungry cat. A new catnip toy may also give him something to do. In turn, his antics may entertain your family more than the cat himself!

These are tricks that have helped my family make it through the holidays in a home where cats were loved and welcomed. A little planning and love can help a lot.  Again, I am not by any means an expert on animal behavior but the happy survivor of many holidays with pets.