Twinkling lights, unusual smells, the house is full of novelties. Suddenly, a huge tree appeared, sparkling in the middle of the living room! But what’s going on?
It’s a unique time of year, and absolutely fantastic! For a cat, this transformation of daily life is unexpected, to say the least! While a few changes stimulate the little feline’s curiosity and revive his senses, this considerable upheaval also brings its share of stress, and even danger.
Here are a few tips to make holiday celebrations fun for the whole family… including Mr. Cat, of course!
The domestic cat finds well-being and security in the stability of its routine. Far from being trivial, everyday routines are the soothing canvas on which cats embroider their days.
The holiday season is anything but predictable! Mealtimes change, litter trays are cleaned less assiduously, adopters are absent or, on the contrary, are there more often… It’s all quite a stress for a little cat!
In the midst of all the festivities, it’s important to maintain as much consistency as possible in our daily routine. When we’re at home, we make sure we feed and play with our cat at roughly the same times every day. That’s right. Even with our hectic holiday schedule, it’s a good idea to find time to play with our cat. He’ll feel reassured and more relaxed. And so will we!
If you’re planning a vacation away from home, read our column How do I find a cat sitter while on vacation? Please note that if you’re only going away for a few days (and a maximum of two weeks), it’s best to leave your cat at home and find someone you trust to come and look after her every day at around the same times, so that a new, predictable routine can be established. Our cat-sitting service is available if no-one is available to come and see your cat at home.
It’s a well-known fact that cats are routine creatures, and we also know that they are particularly attached to their immediate environment. So when a visit comes to the house, two aspects of life are turned upside down.
We move furniture around to make room. We run around because we’re running out of time. Then scary strangers ring the doorbell, creating cacophony and disorganization. While some adventurous cats do quite well with noisy children or a grandmother in a walker, for many it’s an anxiety-inducing cocktail.
So before guests arrive, it’s best to confine our fearful cat to a quiet room with everything he needs: his litter box, water bowl, food, toys and a soft hiding place. In his own peaceful room, he can calm down and go about his usual activities.
It’s strongly recommended not to disturb our cat when he’s in his resting room, to avoidfrightening him. We then take the time to find the right words to explain to our loved ones that our cat prefers to be left alone today, and that it’s best if they don’t go to see him. Young and old alike learn to respect our pet’s limits. A little human psychology to preserve feline mental health!
Of course, if your cat is blissfully happy among partying guests, you can allow him to linger. Just make sure he can go to the litter box, eat, drink and rest in peace. In other words, a peaceful room is still a good idea. Just make sure you leave the door ajar so your cat can come and go as she pleases. After that, you may need to make your family and friends aware of the dangers that await your cat during this festive season…
If you have a problem with your cat when you have visitors, contact us. We’ll be happy to advise you.
During the festive season, our home is filled with curiosities that are both attractive and potentially dangerous for animals. A few precautions are needed to keep your cat healthy until January!
For many, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a tree. But let’s face it: to have a tree growing next to the sofa overnight is an attention-grabbing oddity. And with good reason!
The domestic cat is partly arboreal. Climbing, jumping, observing from a promontory, resting high up are all natural behaviors for Felis silvestris catus. So we shouldn’t be surprised if the fir tree becomes our cat’s center of interest. Especially as we brighten it up with lights and shiny dangling objects!
That said, a cat climbing a Christmas tree puts itself in a precarious position. The risks of falls and injuries are high. To protect our pet, the most effective solution is to install the tree in a room with lockable doors. This is also sometimes the only way to prevent recalcitrant cats from climbing it. Our article on destroying furniture provides further tips.
If your cat shows little interest in the tree, make sure you don’t hang any fragile ornaments from the bottom branches. The tree’s support must also be particularly sturdy. In some cases, you can secure the installation by attaching the trunk to a hook fixed to the wall. This prevents the whole thing from collapsing.
Many conifer species are toxic to cats, including balsam fir. If your cat nibbles its branches or drinks the water in which it soaks, it’s in real danger. It’s best to keep it out of the way. It’s also important to keep the ground impeccably maintained. Resinous needles sometimes pile up by the hundreds at its foot. In this context, opting for an artificial tree rather than a natural one can be a wise decision.
What’s more, many plants are poisonous: holly, mistletoe, poinsettia and so on. Their dangerousness varies from one species to another, but in all cases, vigilance is essential. To find out which plants are toxic to cats, visit the following site.
Beware of ribbons, tinsel and other decorations that could be accidentally ingested. What’s more, some cats have a habit of nibbling on electrical wires. Among other strategies, the use of wire covers helps protect fairy lights from the sharp little teeth of carnivores. For more details, please refer to our column on nibbling.
A note about traditional holiday foods: certain foods are harmful to cats. Garlic, onions, chocolate, alcohol and coffee should all be avoided. That’s why it’s best to tell your guests not to give your cat table food… even though your cat can sometimes be insistent.
That’s it! You’ve got all you need for a safe Christmas!
Now that Monsieur-le-Chat has calmed down and the house is secure, let’s take advantage of this period of gratitude to celebrate with our little furry friend. A few empty boxes, a new toy and why not… some catnip? After all, it’s Christmas for him too!
Whatever the case, his well-being lies in a routine that’s predictable without being monotonous. An enriched environment, including a cat tree, observation posts in front of the windows and plenty of playtime, guarantees a happy feline… at Christmas and all year round!
Written by Marie-Ève André
Cat Behaviorist, Educator
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