Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Cat Stress-Free During the Holidays (Early access for our Patreon community)

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The holidays are a time for joy, get-togethers, and festive decorating, but for your cat, it can be a whirlwind of strangers, loud noises, and change. While we’re busy enjoying the season, our cats might be feeling overwhelmed. To ensure a peaceful holiday for both you and your cat, it’s important to prepare and create a calm environment that minimizes stress.

Here are ten tips to help you and your cat survive and even enjoy the holiday season.

1. Maintain a Consistent Routine

Cats are creatures of habit, and sudden changes in their daily schedule can lead to stress. The holidays often bring extra errands, parties, and guests, making it easy to overlook your cat’s regular routine. To keep things calm, stick to regular feeding times, play sessions, and cuddles.

Pro Tip: If you know you’ll be out more than usual, and your cat has a pet sitter or friend they love, have them check in on your feline for a little extra play time.

2. Create a Holiday Cat Sanctuary

Designate a quiet, comfortable space where your cat can retreat whenever the holiday hustle becomes too much. This “cat sanctuary” should be stocked with their essentials like an extra litter box, water bowl, toys, and their favorite cozy spots to relax. It’s important to choose a space that is quiet and away from high-traffic areas. Consider adding calming elements like cat pheromone diffusers and soothing music to keep the atmosphere tranquil.

Pro Tip: Introduce this space a few weeks before the holidays, so your cat doesn’t associate it with new stressors. A familiar sanctuary will provide them with a safe retreat when guests arrive. Heck, keep this sanctuary available at all times for you kitty.

3. Introduce Calming Aids

For cats that tend to get particularly anxious, calming aids can help reduce stress. Look for natural options such as flower essences, herbal remedies, pheromone sprays, and calming music. These products can help create a sense of security for your cat during holiday gatherings. Additionally, offering calming treats infused with ingredients like chamomile or L-theanine can be helpful in reducing holiday anxiety.

Pro Tip: Start using calming aids a week or two before the festivities to allow your cat to adjust to the new products.

4. Manage Door Traffic and Safety

The constant coming and going of guests can be a recipe for a cat escape. If your cat is curious or tends to bolt, take extra precautions by securing them in their sanctuary during high-traffic times with the door closed. You can also install high baby gates or use a temporary latch on doors to prevent your guests from opening the door. Make sure all guests know to be cautious when entering and leaving, and consider using signs as reminders.

Pro Tip: Microchip your cat or update their ID tags before the holiday season for added peace of mind in case they do sneak out.

5. Be Mindful of Holiday Décor

Holiday decorations are fun and beautiful, but many pose a serious risk to your cat. Tinsel, ribbon, candles, and tree lights can all be tempting and dangerous to a curious feline. Cats may ingest or chew on these items, leading to choking hazards or intestinal blockages. Poinsettias and mistletoe are also toxic to cats, so it’s best to keep them out of reach. If you have a real Christmas tree, cover the tree water to prevent your cat from drinking it.

Pro Tip: While not attractive, you can put an X-pen around your Christmas tree while you can’t supervise your cat.

6. Litter Box Considerations

The holidays often bring more guests, leading to increased foot traffic around your cat’s litter box. To help alleviate any stress or accidents, consider adding a second litter box in a less crowded area. This can be in addition to their cat sanctuary. For kitties, you can never have too many litter boxes.

Pro Tip: Reinforce your cat’s sanctuary by providing a designated quiet space where they can retreat, and introduce any litter box changes well in advance of the holidays, allowing your cat to adjust to the new locations comfortably.

7. Provide Mental Stimulation

Boredom can lead to stress, especially when your cat is confined to their sanctuary or if their routine is disrupted. Keep her mentally engaged by introducing puzzle toys, food-dispensing games, or interactive toys. Hide treats around the house to encourage her natural hunting instincts. Not only will this provide entertainment, but it will also give your cat a sense of accomplishment and keep her active.

Pro Tip: Use a lick mat filled with your cat’s favorite treats to provide a calming distraction during holiday gatherings, keeping her entertained and relaxed in her sanctuary.

8. Schedule Daily Playtime

In the hustle of holiday festivities, it’s easy to forget about spending quality playtime with your cat. However, daily interactive play is crucial to reducing stress. Use a variety of toys, such as feather wands, puzzle toys, and cat castles, to engage your cat in active play sessions. This not only helps them burn off energy but also strengthens your bond during a busy season.

Pro Tip: Set a timer as a reminder for playtime. Even fifteen minutes a day can make a big difference in your cat’s mood.

9. Be Cautious with Holiday Treats

Many holiday foods and treats are toxic to cats, including chocolate, raisins, and onions. Be mindful of what you’re eating around your cat, and discourage guests from sharing their food with your cat. Instead, prepare special cat-friendly holiday treats, like small amounts of cooked turkey or a sprinkle of catnip, to ensure they feel included in the festivities without the risk.

Pro Tip: If you’re baking for the holidays, consider making a batch of homemade cat treats that are safe and healthy. It’s a great way to include your cat in the celebrations!

10. Prepare for Guest Interaction

Not all cats are social butterflies, and holiday guests may cause anxiety for some kitties. If your cat isn’t a fan of strangers, let guests know ahead of time to give your cat space. For more social cats, provide a slow introduction to new people and allow them to initiate contact. Be sure your guests know how to interact calmly and gently with your cat to avoid overstimulation.

Pro Tip: Encourage guests, especially children, to respect your cat’s boundaries. Teach them not to pick up or chase your cat and to let the cat come to them.

Wrapping Up the Holidays with a Happy Cat

With a little planning, your cat can enjoy the holidays as much as you do! From maintaining their routine to providing mental stimulation, these simple steps will help reduce stress and keep your cat calm and content. After all, a happy cat means a happier holiday for everyone.