Preparing Your Cat for the Holidays

You are not alone if you are wondering how to prepare your cat for holiday visitors. The holidays are a time for large gatherings full of family and friends. Maybe you are hosting Thanksgiving at your home this year. Or maybe your cat is just not used to being around a lot of people. Either way, there are several ways you can ensure that your cat remains comfortable even in a household full of unfamiliar faces.

How To Prepare Your Cat for Holiday Guests

Preparing your cat for the holidays means you need to ensure that he is comfortable while people are over. These tips are handy even throughout the year when you have large gatherings at your home. Here are some things you can do to prepare your cat or dog.

Find a Hiding Place for Your Cat

This doesn’t pertain just to cats. If you own a shy dog, you can also apply these tips to him. Ensure that your pet has a safe room or area where he can run and hide should he need it. This “hiding place” should be an intimate and well-known area. Don’t close any doors or use anything to block your cat or dog in the room, since doing so may make your pet anxious. Furthermore, a hiding place ensures that your pet has entry to a place they can withdraw should they feel scared or stressed.

Make Sure To Let Guests Know Your Pet Is Anxious

It is important to let your guests know that your pet is a bit anxious when they arrive. This is especially true for pets that are shy when first seeing unfamiliar faces. Be sure to communicate with your guests about the dos and don’ts when it comes to your cat or dog. If you don’t want anyone feeding your dog under the table, etc., let them know. But most importantly, let your guests know that if your pet goes into hiding, leave them alone. This ensures that everyone’s experience is enjoyable.

Ensure They Have Attention

Cats and dogs are emotional just like humans. If your cat has an outgoing personality and loves to be around people, allow them to get additional attention from your guests. The hiding place you created is “just in case.” However, you may find that your guests love cats or dogs, and if yours isn’t shy, this is a big plus. This will also ensure that your cat or dog remains happy and active.

Limit Disruptions

If you have a lot of people over, be mindful of your cat or dog. Some pets don’t like loud music or too much noise. Be sure to keep the music to a minimum and ensure your pet has access to other areas in the home where he can go and be undisturbed.

Secure Entryways

It is easy for cats and dogs to run out of the house, especially if you have a curious pet. It is extremely important that you do everything in your power to ensure your cat or dog doesn’t escape outside when visitors come in and out of the doors. You can do this by informing your guests to be watchful of your pet when entering and leaving your home.

Categorised in: Cat Tips

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