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Dog Toy Reviews : Durable and Tough Dog Toys
HuggleHounds Crunchy Dog Toy Review
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored review. However, I will always offer my readers an unbiased and honest account of my experiences. Your trust is very appreciated, and never taken for granted. ~Tonya, Dexter and Nutter
How do you like my new HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey? HuggleHounds was kind enough to send me one to try and one to use as a giveaway! Thanks, HuggleHounds! I’ve been a fan of HuggleHounds toys for some time now. You can read my review of my Knotties Raccoon here.
This crunchy monkey is referred to as “monkey” in our house. That’s strange. Mom and Grandma call me monkey too. I don’t think we look alike at all. Anyway, my HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey is super fun! I have a real good time tossing him up in the air, shaking my head like I’m trying to kill him, and playing tug with Mom. My monkey dog toy is quite large and tough. From head to bottom he measures 12″ long. HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey has a crunchy recycled bottle inside his body. The cool thing is there is a Velcro enclosure on the bottom so the bottle can be replaced with a new one…..or even with something else. You can even put a squeaker toy inside, or treats, or whatever else you can think of for a new game.
HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey has really long arms and legs. They are great for tugging and dragging the dog toy around the room. He is made of soft corduroy plush and lined with Tuffut Technology for extra strength and durability. The monkey has squeakers in his arms and long, fun bungee legs. I am really digging my HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey. This has been at the top of my toy box this past couple of weeks. He’s a real hit! He is holding up strong to my tugging and fetching and tossing.
However, I did manage to pick away at his furry head (he had hair) and chewed his ears off. But once I got those out of the way, he’s tough. Seams are holding strong and no holes. For most dogs, he probably would hold up nicely. As you know, I’m just a focused picker.
So the verdict? HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey is a win for being fun, large and tough for tugging.
I’m still able to pick at pieces, but fabric toys are just that way.
Thank you again HuggleHounds for your toy to review.
Pros: Durable soft dog toy, lots of fun points to tug and chew on, tough squeakers and fabric, affordable, machine washable
Cons: Didn’t stand up to my picking, made in China
Is your dog hard on his toys? Tell me in the comments.
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Winter is here! While Dexter (RIP) loved the crisp air and cozy days, the colder months can sometimes make it harder to keep our dogs mentally stimulated. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Today, I want to share some of my favorite winter enrichment activities to keep your dog busy, engaged, and happy.
As you know, I’m a big believer in making sure our dogs get the mental stimulation they need to live happy and fulfilled lives. Stewart, my 7-month-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is no exception. He’s a curious little guy with boundless energy, so I’m always looking for creative ways to keep him entertained when we’re stuck indoors.
Why Mental Enrichment is Essential for Dogs in Winter
When the temperatures drop, it’s tempting to curl up with a blanket and call it a day. But our dogs still need activities that challenge their minds. Canine enrichment isn’t just about “keeping dogs busy.” It’s about giving your dog a way to use their brains, feel accomplished, and, let’s face it, stay out of trouble!
Here are some fun and easy winter activities to try with your dog.
1. DIY Snuffle Mats and Hide-and-Seek Games
One of my go-to activities for Stewart is a DIY snuffle mat. If you’re unfamiliar, a snuffle mat is basically a treasure hunt for treats! You can buy one or make your own using fleece strips and a rubber mat.
Scatter some treats or kibble, if you use kibble, in the mat and let your dog “snuffle” around to find them. This was one of Dexter’s favorites and it kept him focused for a good chunk of time. The snuffle mat is a great enrichment game for senior dogs!
You can also hide treats around the house and encourage your dog to find them. Start easy, and as your dog gets the hang of it, make the hiding spots more challenging.
Make a snuffle mat today!
2. Frozen Food Puzzles
Yes, frozen dog puzzles are a fun and effective winter activity for mental stimulation. Fill a durable dog food toy or lick mat with your dog’s favorite raw food, wet food or homemade “mush mix”. Add some healthy dog treats for extra challenge, then freeze it overnight.
Stewart is still learning about frozen interactive dog toys. This means, after it’s frozen, I allow it to thaw a bit, then give it to Stewart. This ensures it’s not too difficult and he enjoys it. The point of dog enrichment is for your dog to enjoy the activity, not find it frustrating.
3. Indoor Obstacle Courses
You don’t need fancy equipment to create an indoor obstacle course. Use chairs for tunnels, cushions for balancing, and a broomstick for a low hurdle. Guide your dog through the course with treats or toys.
Dexter absolutely lit up when we did this together. It’s not only great mental stimulation but also a fun bonding experience for both of us. And for senior dogs, it’s great for their mobility!
Indoor dog obstacle course ideas!
4. Paper Bag Game
Grab some brown paper sandwich bags, cut a few holes in them, and toss in some treats. Place the bags around the living room for your dog to find, dig around in, and even tear up. It’s a simple but fun way to engage their brain and satisfy their natural instincts to search and explore. Just make sure to supervise your dog during the game to ensure they don’t actually eat the paper!
Watch this canine enrichment game in action!
5. Nose Work Games
Place your dog in another room, grab a few shallow boxes, and toss treats inside. Let your dog out of the room, say “find it” as they enter and start searching. When they find the treats in the box, toss another one inside to keep them engaged. Once your dog gets the hang of it, spread out the boxes, but only hide treats in one of them. Tell your dog to “find it,” and when they do, add some bonus treats inside the box to keep the game exciting.
Learn how to play nose work at home!
6. Training Sessions with a Twist
Winter is the perfect time to teach your dog new tricks or reinforce their existing skills. It’s even better when you add a creative twist! Instead of sticking to the basics, challenge your dog with combined tricks or interactive props to make training sessions more exciting. For example, you can put tricks together into fun sequences, like stepping over a broomstick, weaving through your legs, and spinning in a circle. Or try something more performance-style, such as walking through a hula hoop, circling around you, and finishing with a bow. You can also build on their problem-solving skills by teaching them to “find” a specific toy by name or to put their toys back into a basket. Check out my entire tricks video playlist on Raising Your Pets Naturally and Cavalier Tips and Fun!
7. Cup Game
The cup game is a simple yet mentally stimulating activity for dogs, perfect for a cozy day indoors. Grab some plastic cups and place a treat under one of them. Shuffle the cups around and let your dog figure out which cup hides the treat. Once they get the hang of it, you can make the game more challenging by adding more cups or shuffling them faster.
Or, just let your dog knock the cups around for the rewards. It’s not about perfection, it’s all about engaging their mind and having fun. It’s a great way to entertain your dog on cold winter days while building his problem-solving skills.
Learn how to do the cup game.
8. 101 Things to Do with a Box
This classic dog enrichment game is all about creativity and confidence building. Simply place a cardboard box or any random item in the room and reward your dog for any interaction with it. Whether they sniff it, paw at it, step inside, or push it around, every behavior is worth marking and rewarding.
As your dog gets more comfortable with the game, you can encourage more complex interactions like putting their paw inside the box or nudging it across the floor. It’s a fantastic way to let your dog’s imagination run wild while keeping them engaged on those chilly winter days. Stewart is learning and loving this new game! And I always enjoy watching his problem-solving skills in action.
Learn how to teach your dog the 101 things to do with a box.
9. Toilet Roll Treat Game
This simple yet creative game combines problem-solving and scent work to keep your dog engaged. Start by taking an empty toilet paper roll and punching a few small holes in it. Place some treats inside, fold one end to partially seal it, and the other is open to help the treats escape. Give it to your dog to explore. The holes will let the scent of the treats escape, encouraging your dog to investigate and knock it around.
To make it more exciting, place one treat-filled roll and a few empty rolls inside a cardboard box. Let your dog sniff and paw through the rolls to find the one with the treats. It’s a fantastic way to challenge their nose and their brain! Be sure to supervise the activity to ensure your dog doesn’t eat any cardboard.
Playing with paper games!
10. Interactive Toys and Puzzles
Interactive dog toys and dog food puzzle games are fantastic tools for keeping your dog mentally and physically engaged during the colder months. These toys challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills and provide an excellent outlet for their energy when outdoor playtime is limited. From treat-dispensing balls to advanced puzzle boards with sliding panels and hidden compartments, there’s something for every dog’s skill level and interest.
For beginners, start with a simple treat ball that dispenses small treats as your dog rolls it around. Lick mats are also a great beginning interactive dog toy. More experienced pups might enjoy a multi-step puzzle where they have to lift, slide, or flip pieces to reveal the treats hidden inside. Some toys even allow you to adjust the difficulty level as your dog masters the game, keeping it fresh and exciting.
When selecting an interactive dog toy, consider your dog’s size, play style, and problem-solving ability. Always supervise their play, especially with new toys, to ensure safety and prevent frustration. Interactive dog toys are not just fun, they’re also a wonderful way to strengthen your bond and give your dog a sense of accomplishment.
Tips for introducing your dog to frozen treat toys.
Final Thoughts
Remember, canine enrichment is just as important as physical exercise, especially during the winter months. Our dogs rely on us to provide them with activities that keep their minds sharp and their spirits high.
Try a few of these ideas, and let me know which ones your dog loves the most! And don’t forget, your time and attention are the greatest gifts you can give your dog. These activities are about more than just keeping your dog busy in the winter; they’re about building a deeper bond with your dog.
Stay warm and have fun!
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As dog parents, one of the most rewarding things we can teach our dogs is how to relax. Whether it’s when they’re left alone, during vet visits, or just winding down after a day of play, relaxation is crucial for their overall well-being. But before we dive into dog relaxation techniques, it’s important to remember that a well-rested and relaxed dog is only possible if their daily enrichment and needs are met.
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Meeting Your Dog’s Needs First
The foundation for teaching your dog to relax lies in making sure their needs are being met. If your dog isn’t getting enough mental and physical stimulation, they’re going to find it much harder to settle down when it’s time to relax. Without proper positive dog training, bonding time, enrichment games, and plenty of sniffing opportunities, your efforts to teach relaxation will likely fall short.
Think about it, when dogs aren’t engaged enough during the day, they can become restless or anxious, making it difficult for them to relax. Just like us, dogs need a fulfilling day to feel calm and content. So, before starting any relaxation training, ensure you’re giving your dog the mental and physical exercise they need.
How to Teach Your Dog to Relax
Teaching your dog to relax is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. Here are some steps you can take to help your dog unwind and enjoy moments of peace.
1. Create a Relaxation Spot
A quiet, comfortable spot in your home will be crucial for your dog to associate with relaxation. It could be a soft bed or blanket in a corner where they can feel safe and undisturbed. Start by teaching your dog to settle in this spot. Whenever they naturally go there, give them a treat to reinforce the behavior. Eventually, you can use cues like “relax” or “settle” when you want them to calm down in their space.
2. Use Gentle Handling
Physical touch is a powerful way to help your dog relax. Start with circular rubs along their chest, using slow, soothing motions. Gradually move to massaging their temples, face, and even their legs and arms if your dog enjoys it. Always pair these calming touches with a soft voice and positive reinforcement, such as gentle praise or treats. Over time, your dog will associate this gentle massage with relaxation and trust.
3. Relaxation Cues
Teaching your dog specific cues to signal relaxation can be helpful. For example, using a calm and gentle voice and saying “relax” or “settle” can help your dog understand that it’s time to wind down. Pair the word with your dog going to their designated relaxation spot. Over time, your dog will learn that the cue means it’s time to rest.
4. Reward Calm Behavior
Every time your dog shows signs of being calm and relaxed, be sure to reward them. This could be as simple as sitting quietly next to you or lying down for a few minutes. By reinforcing these moments of calm with treats, praise, or extra bonding time, you’ll be helping your dog learn that relaxation is rewarding.
5. Teach “Down” and “Stay”
One of the best ways to help your dog relax is to teach them the “down” and “stay” behaviors. Once they understand these behaviors, you can encourage them to lie down and stay in one place for longer periods of time. Start with short durations and gradually increase the length of time as they get more comfortable. Make sure to reward them for staying calm.
6. Focus on Deep Breathing and Calm Energy
Dogs are very sensitive to our energy. If we’re anxious or tense, they’ll pick up on it. Practice deep breathing and stay relaxed yourself when you’re teaching your dog to relax. A calm, steady presence will help signal to your dog that it’s safe to wind down and relax.
7. Incorporate Relaxing Activities
Incorporating activities that promote relaxation into your dog’s routine is essential. This could be anything from calm walks to interactive chew toys, or even dog-friendly massage. Engaging your dog in these activities will help them wind down after a busy day. You can also introduce calming music or nature sounds to help them relax even further.
Be Patient and Consistent
Remember that teaching your dog to relax doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that takes time and consistency. Just like with any training, you’ll need to be patient and understanding as your dog learns what relaxation means.
By focusing on meeting their daily needs, mental stimulation, physical exercise, training, and bonding, you set the stage for success. With the right approach, your dog will not only learn how to relax but will also feel happier, healthier, and more balanced.
Have you started teaching your dog to relax? What methods have worked for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
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If you’ve recently adopted a kitten, you may be wondering, Why is my kitten so active, and how do I stop them from getting into trouble? Kittens, especially during their early months, are full of energy and curiosity. Our new kitty, Chester, is no exception. He’s a playful whirlwind, getting into everything he can. Understanding why kittens need playtime and how to provide the right kind of exercise can make a world of difference in keeping your kitten happy, healthy, and out of trouble.
Why is My Kitten So Hyper?
Kittens are naturally active, and their energy bursts stem from their hunting instincts. These little predators are designed to chase, pounce, and wrestle as they learn essential skills. Most kittens are particularly energetic at dawn and dusk, mimicking their wild ancestors who hunted during these times. If your kitten is up and down the hallway or attacking your feet, this is normal behavior. Not something we may like, and something we can curb with the right kind of interaction.
The Importance of Kitten Playtime
Daily, interactive play is crucial for a kitten’s physical and mental well-being. It provides exercise, stimulates their minds, and satisfies their natural hunting instinct. While toys that kittens can play with alone, like crinkle balls or scratching posts, are helpful and recommended, they don’t replace the benefits of playing with you. Interactive play with wand toys, boxes, little stuffies, balls or even training keeps your kitten engaged and helps build a strong bond between you. No laser lights!
How to Play with a Kitten
To meet your kitten’s play needs, use toys that mimic prey. Wand toys are fantastic for getting your kitten to chase and pounce, while hiding soft toys in a box and popping it out can satisfy their hunting instincts. It’s important to play with your kitten daily, ideally during their most active times, morning and evening. Chester lights up when he has a play session, and it’s easy to see how much he enjoys this time to run, jump, and explore….in an appropriate way.
Interactive play not only tires out a hyper kitten but also prevents them from getting into trouble around the house. Think of it as directing their boundless energy into something positive.
Kitten Enrichment to Prevent Boredom
Keeping your kitten busy goes beyond physical activity. How do you prevent kitten boredom? Enrichment activities can help. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys engage your kitten’s mind while giving them a rewarding challenge. However, don’t assume these toys alone are enough. Your kitten needs you to be part of the fun, engaging them with new challenges and play routines.
Chester, like most kittens, quickly gets bored without proper stimulation. By providing a variety of interactive and solo play options, we ensure he stays happy and entertained. How to keep a kitten busy becomes much easier when you have lots of toys to choose from!
How to Stop Kittens from Getting into Trouble with a Playtime Schedule
If your kitten is constantly getting into mischief, chances are they need more interactive play. A good play session helps tire them out, reducing the likelihood of them “getting into trouble.” Instead of waiting for your kitten to start climbing curtains or knocking things off counters, plan short, play sessions throughout the day, morning, afternoon, and evening. These sessions don’t have to be long; 5-10 minutes of engaging play is usually enough to satisfy their energy.
Consistency is key to success. Establish a regular playtime schedule that aligns with your kitten’s natural activity habits. Kittens are most active during morning and evening, so plan your interactive play during these times. Use toys like wands, balls or stuffies to teach them to play appropriately, avoiding the use of your hands. These routines not only prevent unwanted behaviors but also help your kitten develop good habits, making life easier for both of you!
Building a Bond Through Play
Playtime isn’t just about burning off energy; it’s a wonderful opportunity to bond with your kitten. Your presence and engagement make playtime exciting and meaningful. Kittens thrive on interaction with their human family. Chester and I have built a special connection through our daily play sessions, and it’s a reminder of how important this time is for building trust and happiness.
Remember, kittens grow up fast. Make the most of this playful time in their lives and give them plenty of love and enrichment. You’ll be rewarded with a well-adjusted, content cat and a lifetime of fond memories.
Do you have any tips to share? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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I’m a treat trainer, for sure. Dogs need to eat, and I like rewarding dogs often for good behavior and learning. But, sometimes, a dog is so food and treat motivated, they can’t think of anything else. Some dogs can barely contain their excitement the moment they see a treat bag, you reach for a treat in your pocket, or go to the room you do most of your dog training in. These dogs may start to bark, jump, spin, and just seem like they are out of their minds. In a sense, they are. They can’t think straight. Today, I’m going to share some tips on how to continue to use food and rewards in training these dogs, but still work on teaching them to be calm around food.
Have Patience and Take it Slow
Building calm behavior in a food-driven dog is about teaching a new habit for both you and your dog! I know, it can be really frustrating to try to train your dog during these times, but know that it can happen and you can teach your dog patience, but you need to have 10x more patience than they do at this time. Dog training never happens overnight, and this behavior is definitely something that will take time and may be a bit of a life-long process for your dog, depending on their history and personality. Working on the following exercises daily, will be key to quicker learning. Dogs learn best when we are consistent and when we have clear goals on what we want.
Start with Low-to-Medium Value Rewards
Not all treats are created equal, and when you’re working with a highly food-driven dog, using lower-value treats can help tone down their excitement. For example, save those high-value treats (like meat) for difficult training tasks, and use low-to-medium value treats during calmness training. The goal is to make the treat a reward, but not so exciting they are doing flip-flops for it. And, yes, some dogs see any kind of food as flip-flop worthy.
Keep Treats in Random Locations and in Your Pocket
Keep small treats stashed in a few spots around your home. Throughout the day, reward calm behaviors your dog offers on their own like sitting, resting quietly, or playing calmly. This way, your dog starts to understand that good things come when they are calm and collected, not just when they perform a dog-training behavior.
I also like to keep dry treats in my pocket. This way, I can again reward those good behaviors, and my dog will learn that treats-in-my-pocket is a normal part of life. It’s not a part of “training” to get all excited about.
Teaching “Leave It” Around Food
Learn how and don’t forget to subscribe to @RaisingYourPetsNaturally for more.
Leave it is a great behavior for teaching impulse control. Start by holding a treat in your closed hand. Wait for your dog to remain calm—no jumping, barking, or grabbing—and, once they do, calmly give them the treat. However, if you go to hand them the treat and they get all whipped up again, close your hand, wait for the calm again. Once calm, deliver. This approach teaches your dog that the treat isn’t a reward for excitement but for calmness.
Practicing Calmness Around Food Daily
Watch a VERY food motivated dog learn how and don’t forget to subscribe to @CavalierTipsandFun for more!
Holding food in front of a food-driven dog can be challenging, but it’s essential to practice calmness around food each day. Start by holding a bowl of food, bag of treats, or a treat bag, and wait for your dog to offer calm behavior, like four paws on the floor or a relaxed sit. Don’t say anything; just wait. If your dog stays calm, reward them. If they get too excited, simply pause until they relax again. Over time, this daily exercise will help your dog stay collected around food.
Teach a Calm “Watch” Behavior
Learn how to teach the watch cue.
“Watch” is a valuable cue to help your dog focus on you rather than the treat. Instead of teaching watch with a food lure, make a subtle clicking sound, when your dog glances up and makes eye contact, use a marker word like “yes” and give them the treat. Still, giving the treat in a calm manner as above. As your dog starts to catch on, add duration before yessing and treating. So, you make a clicking noise, they look up, you say goooood boy, yes, and treat. Repeat, adding a longer duration. Goooood boy, you are so handsome, treat.
Begin Each Training Session with Calm Focus Exercises
When you start a new training session that isn’t a calming exercise, start with one of your calming exercises first. Maybe leaving the treat bag, a few watches, etc. This helps set a relaxed, focused tone for the session and reminds your dog to stay calm and attentive. When your dog is calm, start the new training session. Keep your new training sessions short, calm, slow, and mix in calming exercises between new exercises.
Model the Patience You Want Your Dog to Learn
If we want a patient dog, we need to be a patient trainer. Dogs pick up on our energy, so remember to stay calm, move slowly, and be deliberate. Think “turtle”: quiet, slow, and steady. If you’re patient and gentle in your approach, your dog will learn to adopt the same calmness over time.
Wrap-Up
Training a dog who goes crazy around food takes time and a whole lot of patience. As mentioned earlier, some dogs will need to continue to practice impulse control games around food. By sticking with these steps, you’ll see your dog’s impulse control improve, making training easier and more enjoyable for both of you. Just remember, every bit of progress counts, so take it one small step at a time. Stay patient and consistent, and you and your dog will get there!
Is your dog crazy for training? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
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As a positive dog trainer, I tend to focus on pet home training vs. dog sports. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t help with specific training requests. Recently, I was asked how to teach a dog to sit and down in heel position without flipping to the front. This is a great question, and it’s a skill I actually encourage everyone to practice. But, before we dive into that, let’s chat about why dogs tend to move in front of you.
Do you know why? I bet if you think about it, you can figure it out. When we are training our dogs, we tend to face them, and they face us. So, if I’m walking with my dog, and they are on my left, and I ask for a sit, my dog is likely going to spin around, face me and then sit. That’s what sit means to them. Ah. And this is why when I work with my dog-training students, I teach them to teach their dogs that when asked to do a task, such as sit, the request should be performed where they are, whether that’s in a heel, or five feet in front of you. Now, let’s teach our dogs this important skill.
What Is Heel Position?
Heel position means that your dog is walking closely beside you, typically on your left side, with their head aligned with your leg. In this position, your dog should be calm and focused, ready to respond to your cues.
Watch it in action & don’t forget to subscribe to @RaisingYourPetsNaturally for more positive dog training.
Steps to Teach Sit in Heel Position
Find a Wall: Start your training session next to a wall, with the wall on your left side and your dog walking beside you on the left. This setup helps your dog stay close and understand the desired position.
Use a Lure: Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and slowly lift it up. As your dog follows the treat, their bottom should naturally move to a sit position.
Reward the Behavior: Once your dog is in a sitting position, reward them with the treat and plenty of praise. Keep your tone positive and encouraging!
Add Movement: After a few repetitions of sitting next to the wall, take a step or two forward and repeat the lure. Once your dog is sitting easily, start to add your cue word, such as “sit,” just before they perform the behavior.
Walk and Repeat: Keep this going, walking, sitting, reward, walking.
Fading the Wall: As you and your dog walk forward, keep your position alongside the wall. Gradually begin to walk past the end of the wall while tossing in sits. The goal is to reinforce the sit behavior with your dog on your left side even when there’s no wall present. You may need to add in the lure before the sit cue to help your dog get on track. Keep rewarding them for sitting as you walk along, ensuring they feel confident and engaged in the task.
Check out Natsu learning to heel with some sits in heel. Don’t forget to subscribe for more!
Steps to Teach Down in Heel Position
Return to the Wall: Once your dog is good at sitting in heel position, return to the wall for down training.
Use a Lure Again: From the standing position, hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and lower it down toward the ground, encouraging your dog to follow the treat with their nose to the down.
Reward the Down Position: As soon as your dog is lying down, reward them with the treat and praise. If they haven’t learned how to down from a stand, you can watch this video and/or start from a sit then down. But it’s best to start from the stand.
Add Movement: After a few successful downs, take a step or two forward and repeat the process. Just like with the sit, introduce your cue word, such as “down,” once your dog is comfortable.
Fading the Wall: As you practice down, continue walking alongside the wall then start walking past where the wall ends while asking for the down. This will help your dog understand that they can lie down in heel position without the wall as a guide. Keep rewarding them for downs as you walk along, ensuring they are happy and engaged in the behavior.
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Final Thoughts
Teaching your dog to sit and down in heel position is a rewarding process that builds focus, confidence, and a strong bond between you and your dog. Remember to keep training sessions short and fun, using plenty of rewards and positive reinforcement. With patience and practice, your dog will master these behaviors in no time!
What challenges have you faced while teaching your dog to sit or lie down in heel position? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
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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.
Do you have any tips to share? Share your experiences and positive tips in the comments below!
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