By Francesca Lees BSc (Hons) NCert(AnBeh) ISFM CertFN ABTC-ATI RVN
Christmas can be a very difficult time for cats. Cats like their environment to be predictable. They like to know where everything is and they don’t like change! Christmas brings so many changes such as furniture being moved, a tree being placed indoors, decorations being put up and lots of visitors!
It’s a very unpredictable and unsettling time for our cats and we may see behaviours associated with stress at this time. Hiding away, urinating in the home, spraying in the home, loss of appetite and aggression directed towards humans or other animals in the house are all behaviours that can be seen when cats are stressed.
So how do we try and make Christmas as stress free as possible for our cats and avoid problem behaviours?
Here are 8 handy tips to help get you and your cat through the festive period with minimal stressors for your feline friend!
1. Create a Safe Space
Designate a quiet, cat-friendly area away from the main festive activities. This could be a bedroom or spare room.
Stock the room with familiar items: bedding, toys, water, and a litter tray. A scratching post and a pheromone plug in would also be helpful.
Allow your cat to retreat there whenever they feel overwhelmed. Do not allow anyone to follow your cat to the room. If you have guests over, particularly young children, make sure they don’t chase or follow your cat to the room, even if this is innocent and because they want to stroke the cat. The cat’s choice to retreat must be respected.
2. Introduce Decorations Gradually
Cats can be sensitive to new smells and sights. Introduce decorations slowly. Put a small number of decorations up every few days. This allows your cat to become accustomed to the small changes gradually. Sudden changes and many changes all at once can cause considerable stress to cats. Cats are very sensitive to changes in the scent profile of their home and so decorations which change the scent profile of their environment can make cats feel anxious or as if their safe zone is being “invaded”.
Avoid fragile or dangerous ornaments (e.g., tinsel, glass baubles) within your cat’s reach. Make sure to avoid garlands or items which could get wrapped around your cat’s neck or limbs.
Secure your Christmas tree to prevent it from toppling if your cat decides to climb. You can also place a safety guard around the tree or a play pen type construction.
REMEMBER - Do not punish your cat for climbing the Christmas tree. Climbing is an innate natural cat behaviour and they regularly climb trees outdoors. Cats cannot differentiate between a decorative tree and a real tree. As far as they are concerned there is a tree in their home and trees are there to be climbed! Punishing your cat (either by using physical force, shouting or using aversive tools such as water pistols) all cause considerable stress and will break down the trust between you and your cat.
If your cat keeps climbing the Christmas tree try shutting them out of the room with the tree in, distracting them away from the tree using toys or using a cat friendly Christmas tree instead (like a wall mounted tree).
Avoid overwhelming and strong scents in the home. Strong smelling candles or pot pourri can also change the scent profile of the home, leading to marking behaviours such as urine spraying.
3. Maintain Their Routine
Cats thrive on routine, so try to keep feeding and playtime consistent. Always feed them at the same time every day and in their usual spot. Don’t move their food or water bowls and do not move their litter trays. Cats like to be able to go to their usual spots to eat, drink, toilet and sleep. If you move these around they may become stressed and, in particular with litter trays, may toilet elsewhere in your home.
Avoid disrupting their usual nap spots or mealtimes, even on busy days. If they are sleeping do not allow guests to wake them or stroke them. Advise everyone to leave them alone, especially children. Make sure to leave them alone when eating too. Explain to children that we leave our cats to eat in peace and not to disturb them.
4. Monitor Festive Foods
Keep cats away from foods toxic to them, such as chocolate, onions, and alcohol. Raisins and grapes are also toxic to cats so keep them away from mince pies too!
Ensure guests know not to feed your cat scraps, as even small amounts of some festive treats can harm them. Particularly avoid anyone giving your cat cooked turkey bones as these can get stuck in the stomach and cause fatal intestinal blockages.
5. Be Mindful of Guests
Limit your cat’s exposure to large crowds, loud noises, and excitable children. Tell all of your guests straightaway that you would like to make Christmas as stress free as possible for your cat and explain how you would like everyone to behave.
Teach visitors to respect your cat’s space and not force interaction. Explain to visitors that you’d prefer them to leave your cat alone unless it comes to them for interaction.
Your cat may be anxious or fearful of unknown visitors and guests they haven’t met before. Make sure these people don’t try to force interactions with your cat and allow your cat to sniff and investigate these visitors at your cat’s own pace.
6. Use Calming Aids if Necessary
Consider pheromone diffusers, sprays, or natural remedies to reduce stress. The pheromone plugs must be plugged in 24 hours before the stressful events start and plugged into the room your cat will be spending the most time in. There are also capsules and powders containing nutraceuticals specifically designed for anxiety in cats which can be purchased from your vets, pet shops or from online retailers. These capsules are natural products but can help relieve stress and anxiety in cats.
Consult your vet about appropriate options if your cat seems particularly anxious. There are also prescription only medications which can be used during periods of stress and anxiety.
You can also try calming music for cats or white noise. These can mask loud noises and party sounds.
Fireworks can be common around Christmas time. Prepare your cat in advance for noisy evenings by using a firework desensitisation programme for cats.
7. Monitor Your Cat’s Behaviour
Watch for signs of stress, such as hiding, excessive grooming, or loss of appetite. If you see any of these signs make sure to give your cat some space and time.
If stress becomes severe, consult a veterinarian for advice.
8. Travel Considerations
Prepare for Transport: Try to avoid taking your cat away from their home for Christmas. Cats do not enjoy being taken out of their safe zone and it can be very stressful staying in an unfamiliar house. It can also be very stressful going in a car. If you have to take your cat with you make sure to get them used to the car beforehand and train them to feel happy and safe going in their cat carrier and on the car. Always spray the box with a pheromone spray before you place your cat in the cat carrier and you can give supplements or medications from your vet to help particularly anxious cats who struggle in the car.
Stay-at-Home Option: Try to leave your cat at home and get a house sitter to care for your cat while you go away over Christmas. Cats prefer to stay in their own homes and this will be much less stressful for your cat. Find a trusted pet sitter who is fully insured and cat first aid trained.
Conclusion
With some careful planning, you can create a festive atmosphere that’s enjoyable for both you and your cat. By prioritising their comfort and maintaining familiar routines, you’ll help them stay calm and happy during the festive season. After all, a relaxed cat makes Christmas even more magical!
If you'd like more advice from Francesca Lees, our in-house feline behaviourist, please feel free to contact her by using the contact form on her website.