Help Your Cat Cope with Holiday Stress
Last Updated on November 10, 2023 by Holly Anne Dustin
Decorating, shopping, baking, parties, the in-laws and grandkids. Are the holidays stressing you out yet? Your cat is feeling the holiday stress too. Just imagine, your furniture gets moved around, the people bring in a tree and dress it up with shiny baubles, make it look like the most amazing looking toy ever and then yell “no, don’t touch” and guard it with the dreaded spray bottle. And all the strangers…
Help your cat cope with holiday stress because it can lead to illnesses such as digestive distress, itching and over grooming, and cystitis. If you have a cat prone to urinary blockages keep a special eye on him during the stressful holiday season. Other cats react by house soiling or excessive scratching. Running away when guests come and go is another worry.
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Yes, tis the season for festive cheer and joyous gatherings, but let’s be honest – the holidays can bring on a whole lot of stress. And while we may think our feline friends are immune to the chaos, they too can feel overwhelmed during this busy time of year.
It’s important to consider your fur babies’ needs during your holiday planning just as you do your own or your human children. The following tips can help manage your Kitty’s holiday stress and let everyone have a happy holiday season.
Routines:
Cats are creatures of habit. It is important to keep their routines as normal as possible. Feed them at the same times. Keep up with the litter box maintenance, Play with them. Cuddle them as you would normally do. It is okay to treat them with a few special meals but don’t change Kitty’s diet radically at a stressful time. They are even more likely to develop an illness or react to stress by inappropriate elimination.
Enrichment:
Offering your kitty enrichment activities such as puzzle feeders, treat balls, and discovery toys can help relieve stress. Scratching surfaces give Kitty a way to work out excess nervous energy. Catnip toys and loose catnip can relax Kitty and help him cope with holiday stress.
For tips on how to keep your cat away from your tree, read this article.
Private Space:
Give your kitty a private space where he can go to get away from visitors and general chaos. Put in a litter box, his food and water dishes, a bed, a scratching post and some new toys. Give him a nice box or other space to hide in. Make sure Kitty has his favorites, so he has lots of familiar smells. Remind your visitors that Kitty’s room is off-limits to visitors, especially if you have children visiting.
Safety:
Set your Kitty up for success and consider holiday safety issues when you plan your event. Make sure that your visitors understand the rules. Don’t leave food, or drinks around in your kitty’s reach. Watch the door to make sure Kitty doesn’t get out.
Teach your guests how to interact with Kitty if he is likely to join the party. Explain to children not to chase him, stare in his eyes, or get in his face. A bite or scratch and a crying child will improve no one’s night.
Stress Relieving Products:
There are several products on the market that can help your cat cope with holiday stress. Plugging a Feliway diffuser in his private room can calm him. If Kitty will come to the party, a calming collar might help. Rescue Remedy, CBD oil or a commercial calming treat can help relieve anxiety. A severely anxious cat might benefit from a Thundershirt if he will wear it.
Related Post: For more about cats and holidays, click here.
Summary:
By keeping to a routine and making sure Kitty has a quiet and safe space, we can reduce the anxiety that our cats may feel during this busy time. Providing them with extra love, attention, and playtime can also help alleviate their stress. Additionally, using calming tools such as pheromone diffusers or herbal remedies can be beneficial in creating a calm and relaxed environment for our cats.
Remember to be patient and understanding as our feline companions adjust to the changes during the holidays. With some simple steps, we can ensure that our beloved cats are happy and healthy throughout this festive time of year. Happy holidays to you and your feline friend!
