Keeping your cat calm this Christmas and holiday season

OP FEITEN GECONTROLEERD DOOR

Piet Hellemans, DVM

Dierenarts & Veterinair consultant

Just like other pets, cats can get easily stressed out at Christmas. Flickering lights, lots of people, different smells – these can all overwhelm your cat. There are certain things you should keep in mind if you want to keep your cat calm during the holiday season. 

Here is NatuPet’s guide on how to ensure your cat has calm and relaxed Christmas.

Cat-proof your holiday decorations and tree

Let’s begin with the Christmas tree and holiday decorations. Because artificial snow, tree water, some seasonal plants, and even tinsel may be deadly to cats, you should use extreme caution when cat-proofing your tree.

One of the simplest ways to keep the tree from falling over is to attach it to the wall and place it on a strong foundation. Hang the more attractive, delicate decorations higher up the tree, out of your cat’s reach, to prevent ornament breakage. Because cats may climb, you should use indestructible ornaments on the tree and preserve the more delicate ones to exhibit elsewhere in cat-proof boxes. Use plastic or shatter-proof decorations and hang them with string rather than hooks that might harm your cat.

Avoid using artificial snow as it can be very dangerous if ingested by your cat.

Beware of poisonous Christmas plants

This time of year, there are a variety of festive plants available, ranging from gorgeous poinsettias to lilies and blooms embellished with berries. You might be tempted to put them on display or offer them as a gift. What you may not realize is that many of these plants are harmful to cats, causing disease and, in extreme circumstances, death.

Which Christmas plants are toxic to cats?

• Cats can be extremely sensitive to lilies (even little amounts of pollen), whether they are brushed against, licked, or drink the water the flowers are kept in. All lilies, including the Easter lily, Tiger lily, and Oriental lily, are toxic.
• Poinsettia plants can irritate the stomach of your cat.
• If mistletoe and holly berries are consumed, they can induce poisoning.
• Cats can be poisoned by Amaryllis plants.
• Dumb cane and leopard lily can irritate the mouth.

Related content: Is cannabis harmful to cats?

If you know or think that your cat has eaten any harmful plants, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Prep your guests

When you have company around for the festivities, always allow your cat to decide whether or not it wants to socialize with them. If a visitor approaches or attempts to pet your cat, it may feel frightened and afraid. Allow your cat to get acquainted with your guests on its own. To put it another way, let it happen on your cat’s terms.

Make a safe haven to get away from it all

To reduce tension, provide a safe haven for your cat where he may feel at ease and protected while viewing all the new bustle in the house. Consider utilizing a cat tree, a hooded cat bed beneath a table, or a pop-up cat tent to provide a sense of safety while still allowing your cat to see the outside world.

Make sure you provide an extra litter tray away from busy areas.

Leave some treats in those retreat areas to make them feel extra cozy. A great way to treat your cat with something special this holiday season is to use NatuPet’s CBD oil for cats. It’s special formula and tempting fish taste transform every ordinary cat snack into an irresistible treat. Simply drip some oil onto your cat’s treats and turn it into their new favourite snack.

Provide mentally relaxing activities

Include a food puzzle in your cat’s dry food or treat routine to provide him the cerebral stimulation that so many house cats need. The natural tendency of a cat is to work for their food. Providing this outlet in your cat’s habitat can be a very effective method to help him relax over the holidays. Food puzzles can also assist maintain continuing physical and mental wellness throughout the rest of the year.

Adding some CBD infused cat treats will tempt your cat even more, making it focus on the food and forget about the hustle and bustle of the Christmas celebrations

Watch the Christmas table carefully

While you may be tempted to give your feline companion tasty goodies over the holiday season, keeping them away from human food is an important aspect of keeping your cat safe during Christmas.

Onion and garlic, whether cooked or raw, can be deadly, so keep your cat away from kitchen worktops. Even in little amounts, raisins and grapes are poisonous to cats. With chocolates and sweets on the market over the holidays, cats may be tempted to sample them as well. Chocolate is deadly to cats, even in trace amounts, and should never be served to them.

The entire NatuPet team wishes you and your pet a happy holiday season!