Reducing Stress in Cats at Christmas

Introduction

Most of us love Christmas - a time spent with family and friends, but amid the festivities, don't forget that a change in their routine and environment can be very stressful for your cat. Planning ahead can help minimise the stress for pets and ensure they have a happy home at Christmas, too.

New Cats & Kittens at Christmas

If you've welcomed a new feline friend to the family this year – this will be their first Christmas, and it can be a stressful time for them. For all pets, it's important to stick as closely as possible to their usual routine. This gives your cat a sense of security amid the chaos and ensures their daily needs are met, as discussed below.

Routine & Environment

Cats, especially older cats, cope better with stress when they have a routine they can stick to; consistency can help them feel more secure. So if you normally feed your cat at certain times of the day, you should try to stick to the same schedule and stay consistent with food types and amounts.  Consider how your cat’s routine and environment could change over the festive period, and introduce the necessary changes well in advance so your cat can get used to this change of routine.

Give Them Their Own Space

The holiday season can be especially stressful if your cat is easily frightened or not used to being around many people. Having guests over can cause stress to your cat if it disrupts its routine. You can keep your cat away from the noise and traffic when you have guests over by keeping it in a separate room for a little while, where it will not be disturbed. Make sure your cat has all that it needs: a litter box, food, water, a sleeping place, and toys to play with in this area. This gives them a calm place of refuge to retreat to when things get too much.

Don't forget to let friends, family and young children know that your cat may be anxious and not want to socialise. Encourage them to leave kitty be and never disturb them while they're eating or sleeping.

You can also give your cat hidey-holes to retreat to in case they feel unsure. Try on top of wardrobes or under furniture - even cardboard boxes can make good hiding places.

Show Them a Little Extra Love

Whenever the chaos and the crowds die down, make sure to spend some time cuddling and playing with your cat to let them know that the excitement is over for now and that things can go back to normal.

Keep a Close Eye for Unusual Cat Behaviours

Some cat anxiety is to be expected during the holiday months, but if you notice your cat isn't eating normally or using the litter box as often as usual, this may be a sign of more severe cat stress. This can sometimes lead to illnesses, so you should take extra precautions at this point and contact your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.

Don't Dress Up Your Cat at Christmas!

Christmas can be particularly stressful for our pets without the added fuss of novelty outfits. According to the experts at Cats Protection, owners should avoid dressing up their cats as it can heighten their levels of anxiety -  and means they can't act normally.  Putting cats into clothes restricts their natural movement and makes them less able to express normal behaviour, such as grooming. It's not just clothing the experts advise you to avoid: any accessories, such as antlers, elf ears, hats and bows, can also cause discomfort to our pets.

Cat Travel

Taking your cat on a journey over the festive season is not generally advised, as the travelling itself and the new environment will exacerbate the stress. A local cat sitter who can care for your cat in its usual home and surroundings is often the better and less stressful alternative for your feline friend.

Natural Products to Help Reduce Stress in Cats

Feliway

Feliway is a calming scent diffuser that can help with feline stress as it releases a comforting and reassuring pheromone throughout the home environment. Feliway comes in a diffuser or a spray, and it is recommended to use a plug-in diffuser over Christmas and New Year.

Zylkene

Zylkene is a natural calming supplement for cats to help them cope with separation anxiety and stressful situations inside and outside the home. Zylkene contains a natural milk protein that mimics a mother's milk and has clinically proven calming effects. It is easy to administer as you break the capsule and mix the powder into the cat's food once a day in the mornings.

For information on Christmas hazards for cats, please read our previous article - Christmas Hazards for Cats

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.