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How To Destress Your Cat Over the Holidays: 9 Simple Ideas

Written by: Ashley Bates

Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

young-woman-hugging-her-cat

How To Destress Your Cat Over the Holidays: 9 Simple Ideas

The holidays are notorious for bringing cheer, joy, and gratefulness, but they also cause a great deal of stress for many people. Even though we know that we are going to be putting things off until the last minute and preparing countless side dishes, we forget that we are not the only ones affected by this stressful season.

Our animals can feel tension in the air and notice the changes in habits, environments, and personalities. So, if it seems like your cat is a little stressed out over the holidays, they’re likely reacting to all of the activity, changes to the household, and people coming and going. Here are some tips to help destress your cat over the holidays and keep them safe.

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Top 9 Ideas To Destress Your Cat Over the Holidays

1. Remember to Relax

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Image Credit: Wanwajee Weeraphukdee, Shutterstock

Every year around the holidays, things can get quite busy around the household. It seems that you’re always having errands to run, things to buy, and dishes to make. With all this preparation, it’s easy for one to get pretty scattered.

It’s hard to remember to take that deep breath in and really relax to alleviate a lot of that stress. But if you take time to relax, it can help your cat to feel more relaxed also.


2. Try to Keep Last-Minute Bustling to a Minimum

Anytime the gift giving season is around, it is imperative that you don’t put everything off until the last minute. We know you have 1 million things to get done, but it’s always best to do that when you’re in a fresh relaxed state of mind.

Trying to get all of your holiday shopping done on a timed basis so you aren’t scattered and going through the motions. Our cats can sense our struggles and can get stressed as a consequence when they know their humans are feeling a little out of sorts.


3. Give Them Space

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Image Credit: Alex Di Stasi_Shutterstock

It’s time to give your cat a little bit of space! They are probably sick and tired of doors slamming bags rattling, and tape rolls stretching. So, make sure to give them some space as well, as they are probably feeling the energy around the household for sure and the noises and activity could be stressing them out.

If you have nephews, nieces, or other family coming over for the holidays, make sure to tell them to give the cat space as well. It can be extremely exciting for a little kid to want to hold and snuggle up with a Kitty every time they see one.

But if your cat is already pretty stressed out due to the holidays, make sure that handling stays to a minimum. Also, if you know your cat’s body language, you might want to suggest a hands off approach if they seem like they aren’t interested and affection at the moment, or keep your cat in a separate room until your guests leave.


4. Include Your Cat

When your brain is busy, it’s easy to forget to enjoy the simple moments. Don’t forget to take a time out and snuggle, cuddle, and relax with your cat. But that’s not all! You can also include your cat by taking a holiday photoshoot with them if it doesn’t make your cat more stressed.

When your mom gets a Christmas card this year, she will enjoy her fur grandbaby as well! You could also put out an Instagram photo or even TikTok showcasing your purring pal enjoying the holiday season feline-style!


5. Give Them a Fancy Feast

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Image Credit: Africa Studio_Shutterstock

Include your kitty during holiday meals. Make them their very own fanciful feast of turkey or chicken. Make sure to only give them cat safe options that are completely approved by your veterinarian.

Cats are carnivores and can surely partake in meat, but cannot have some of the seasonings and additives put on human dishes. So, you can serve up their very own dish of boiled, plain meat. Even though it doesn’t have the delicious honey or clove seasoning, your cat will think it’s just scrumptious.


6. Make Sure They Stay Busy

Don’t let your cat get bored. Make sure they have enough entertainment around the household to keep them satisfied. If your cat is stressed, they might have a little extra pent up energy. They might need to release it in the form of play.

When was the last time you went to the store to get your cat a present? You could always make sure that they’re stocked up on their own form of entertainment. You can get a cat tree, toys, or a new cat scratching post.

Our Pick: Hepper Hi-Lo Modern Cat Scratcher


7. Keep Exterior Doors Closed

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Image Credit: Natalliaskn_Shutterstock

Be mindful when you’re closing doors this holiday season. Many cats get out when you leave doors open due to carrying in boxes of gift bags and presents. They can also get out when you aren’t paying attention since you will be a little bit more distracted during this time.

They may try to sneak outside if they’re feeling stressed as a way to get away from whatever is stressing them. Try to keep the door shut behind you as much as possible and try not to slam doors either—you might get your cat’s tail!


8. Mind Electrical Areas

Electrical areas can be a huge cause for concern for our feline pals. Holiday decorations are very alluring, and many of them can seriously hurt your cat, including electrocution. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation didn’t just make a funny scene—it happens!

If you have a tree plugged in, Christmas lights hanging up, or other festive decorations, always make sure that your cat doesn’t have unsupervised access to them, especially if it is playful!

Your cat may try to play with the cords if they’re feeling bored or stressed, so you don’t want to risk them getting hurt.


9. Keep Inedible Items Put Up

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Image Credit: nadtochiy, shutterstock

Your cat could try to get into all sorts of goodies, even the inedible ones. There’s a lot more around for them to get a hold of, knock around, and play with. Even though cats aren’t super notorious for swallowing things they shouldn’t, they can still accidentally get something in their system.

Not only can they get potentially toxic substances in their system, such as the poinsettia flower, but they can also eat sharp objects from decorations and other holiday gear. You know your cat better than anyone. If you think that something might wind up in their belly, put it up!

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Conclusion

Now you can understand a little more about some things you can do to destress your cat over the holiday and keep them safe. Remember that you and everyone else will be stressed out and anything you can do to curb this reality is very important.

Your cat can certainly join in for the holiday fun, but be sure to be mindful of their body language and listen when you know they’ve had enough.


Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

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