Pet Care

How to reduce Christmas stress for your cat


Christmas can be a stressful time of year for many cats. Many families and friends will gather together to enjoy the holiday fun.

Our home is usually a quiet place for our cats, but Christmas often means big changes. Suddenly, our peaceful home burst into life. A large tree, twinkling lights, decorations, wrapped gifts, excited children, and unfamiliar smells can all cause stress. We often have unfamiliar visitors or people staying overnight in our home. All of this can also cause stress and anxiety in our cats. We’ll try to give you some tools to help your cat feel less stressed during the holidays.

Tips to help reduce family stress

  • Make gradual changes when decorating your home. This gives your cat a chance to adapt to changing circumstances. This will help reduce their stress.
  • Cats are creatures of habit and thrive on daily routines. First, keep to their usual feeding schedule as this will reassure them. Secondly, water and feed bowls should be placed in a quieter area of ​​the house for easy access. Keep these away from all guests and excitement.
  • Guests may be keen to make friends with your cat. However, encourage them to let your cat come to them in their own time.
  • Create a safe place, such as a den or room, or even use a baby gate to separate a room or part of the house for your cat. Make sure there’s a warm, comfortable bed inside so they have somewhere to rest. Make sure there is fresh water and toys nearby to keep them occupied when they want to escape stimulation. Cats often like to be in high places, so a soft blanket on top of the wardrobe will be a welcome addition. Provide trash trays in quiet areas as needed.
  • Monitor room temperature, anxious cats can easily overheat.
  • Make sure visitors, especially excitable children, understand that the cat’s safe space is off-limits to humans. When they reach a safe place, they should leave the cat alone.

Travel Tips

If you’re traveling with your cat during the holidays, it’s equally important to make sure they’re safe and free of stress or anxiety.

  • Bring toys and familiar blankets to keep your cat occupied during the journey or destination. Don’t suddenly change your routine and neglect your cat. If they are used to a lot of play and interaction, they may feel isolated. Take the time to make sure they have a normal level of interaction with you.
  • Stick to their feeding habits. Provide regular water bowls and trash trays.
  • Carry all of your cat’s normal food, medications, and bedding with you so they have familiar smells. Be sure to look up the phone number for your local emergency veterinarian, just in case.

Other ways you can help

If you feel the need, there are various stress relief methods on the market that can further help your cat. It is recommended that you consult your veterinary team before starting any new supplements.

Pheromone diffusers and sprays are products that mimic the natural pheromones released by mother cats to soothe kittens. This pheromone acts on cats’ brains, calming them down and helping relieve stress and anxiety.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year for us all and it’s important to remember the impact we can have on our cats. Taking a few precautions can ensure a fun and safe holiday season for the whole family.


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