Helping your cat at Christmas

Cats navigate the world through their sense of smell. It is incredible and we can only comprehend what they smell. Researchers discovered that a  cat’s nasal structure was found to be over 100 times more effective in odor detection compared to an amphibian-like straight nose (Neuroscience News Website, 2023).

Here are just some of the things a cat may smell during the Christmas season: 

• Candles burning unusual scents (be sure to keep these out of the way as many cats like the flicking and could get burnt)

• Visitors coming in with their new perfume and aftershave

• Flowers that may have been purchased (be sure to keep these dangerous plants away)

• The smell of visitors who have pets (this smell can stay on a person).

Here are some of the noises they may experience that can be spooky (again remember because of their superb hunting abilities, cats have an incredible hearing range so they can hunt mice!) 

• The sound of party poppers

• New loud voices

• Christmas crackers
   

In terms of experiences, your visitors may not know how to speak ‘cat’. They may be dog people and base their interactions on how they would with a dog. Our feline masterpieces are not small dogs!

 Here are some tips

• You can pop some feline body language signs up on the fridge.

• You can let your guests know that cats don’t like tummy rubs (I know some cats do – but they may only like them from you – their trusted human.. not a stranger).

• Visitors may not know that cats like water and leave glasses around which your cat could smash.

• Petting induced aggression can occur, where cats are petted for too long, so let them know that cats like small, low key interactions.

Helping your cat feel safer

• An upturned cardboard box can help reduce stress. 

• A hiding place – a comfy place to relax under the bed can help.

• Having a place where visitors don’t come is sensible so your cat can go and relax and get away from the festivities if they want is important. A safe space is key but it must be a space that they like being and that they have access from and to

• Make sure their litter tray is somewhere accessible but private.

Helping your cat to stay safe

Ribbon and hairbands and string can be eaten and swallowed by cats - it is really important that this is kept away and out of reach.

Glass baubles can result in cut paws and other injuries.

Hobs can be very hot so shutting doors is key.

Glasses can be smashed too so making sure they are out of reach (or plastic ones’s are a great alternative).