There is so much hubbub during the holidays, that sometimes we forget our pets' feelings and needs.
It's difficult to know how much company is OK for our cats. Some cats are very social and want to be part of all the activities. Others (most, in my experience) prefer a more retiring lifestyle, and only come out for food, or when folks are at the table (less feet to step on tails, perhaps??) Other cats end up hiding in the bedroom under the bed when our family comes over - or the kids go looking for the kitty and Scruffy gets cornered - and scratches someone. So, try to find that balace with your cat. If your see your cat becoming uncomfortable with the attention, it's time to put her away in a quiet part of the house. Make sure that the litter box and some water are easy to get to. Your cat will be more friendly later, and by thinking ahead and anticipating your cats' needs, you demonstrate your love.
And the decorations can be very tempting. All these shiny, blinking lights! Things that sway in every little breeze, glittering to draw attention. That MUST be a toy, right??? No, that's the tinsel on the tree! Oh My!
And the trees we bring in at this time of year - something no self-respecting cat would do. And the smells of those trees!
How intoxicating to Puss who has been watching birds in the trees all the rest of the year - surely there must be one in this tree! So, Puss climbs up the tree and it topples over! Poor Puss! And all the broken ornaments make sharp things she needs to run through. She's lucky she doesn't slit her toes open! So, we need to be sure that the tree is secure and won't topple easily.
The glittery ornaments are so tempting! Balls and bells, snowflakes and angels... Such shiny, little, tempting morsels! Batting them about, Fluffy wants to get them on the floor where some serious ball-chasing action can take place! Oh, what fun it is!
In short, this is a time of year that presents all kinds of trials, tribulations and temptations for our cats. The foods are interesting, the decorations are interesting and the company can be too stimulating. Protect your cat as best you can. Care for your cat can mean the difference between a safe, happy holiday season and an emergency trip to the vet - or worse!
