You are 10 inches tall and suddenly your safe, predictable territory, your home, is invaded by many more footprints and voices, loud unpredictable activity and, worst of all, running, screaming children chasing you trying to play with you. You go to hide under the bed. Or if your typically attentive, predictable people start to scurry around but ignoring you. Then they suddenly leave you alone for hours only to return with smells of other people – or worse – animals you are not familiar with.
Cats can get pretty stressed out. when the holidays are upon us.
No one likes his beloved familiar routine tossed out the window for no apparent reason.
If you were a cat, how would you feel?
Here are some ideas for helping your kitty cope with your holiday activity:
1) Plug-in calming hormones are great to help calm your kitty in the midst of your home’s holiday activities. You can find these on-line, at pet stores and even at larger variety stores. One plug-in can last up to a 30 day period. Place it where your kitty spends most of its time in your home and plug it in before the holiday activity starts or even before you leave on your holiday trip.
2) Give your kitten healthy treats from time to time during holiday activity. Make sure she knows that you absolutely have not forgotten her. At the same time, make sure she doesn’t get into foods that can be dangerous for her, such as chocolate.
3) Have a “safe room” for your kitten to go into and spend time in - a spare bedroom, bathroom, laundry-room. Have everything your kitten needs in that room like food and water an something cozy to sleep on and maybe even some toys. And keep her in there at the height of the festivities.
4) Spend some time with your kitty before, during and after any stressful event. You will be appreciated immensely for hanging out with your kitten. Talk to her and cuddle with her. Reassure her that everything is going to be OK and that you still love her and are there for her. This is a good opportunity for you to take a time out from all the hustle and bustle, too.
5) Keep as many routines as you can familiar. Cats really prefer set routines. They get stressed out if there a lot of changes to the normal day to day activities. This can make them more susceptible to illness and can bring on a stress- induced bout of a chronic illness that is normally under control. When kitties are stressed they can exhibit atypical behaviors such as aggressiveness, improper elimination, depression and diminished eating /or hygiene habits.
6) If you are going to be gone, make arrangements early for someone you trust to tend to your kitten at home. Schedule some time for your kitten to be with his/her caregiver before you leave so that they will be good friends while you are your fur-baby are apart. Be sure that the caregiver will continue as many routines for your kitten as are possible. If you prefer boarding your kitty, make that reservation now!
