Expert Q&A: How to help your cat survive through the festive season

Christmas comes but once a year — and when it does, it brings changes in your home that may not be appreciated by your routine-loving kitty.

Our veterinary expert, Dr. Alexandra Beck, shares advice and top tips to help you keep your cat safe and happy over Xmas.

We will be having lots of guests visiting the house over the Christmas period. How can I make sure this doesn’t upset my cat?

Excessive cleaning, moving furniture and decorating your home in order to prepare for Christmas guests can disrupt your cat’s routine and remove their “happy messages” (the scents they deposit around the home reminding them that it’s safe).

To help keep your kitty relaxed during this busy time, try and dedicate a quieter room just to them — a space with all their essentials inside: a litter box, fresh food and water, a scratching post and toys. This way, Christmas time will be a fun time for them too!

Your cat should have constant free access to this area incase they want a timeout. Using FELIWAY CLASSIC will help make the room feel familiar and safe, just plug the diffuser in their special hideaway to offer them constant support and reassurance over the Christmas period.

How can I make my Christmas tree cat-friendly?

Christmas trees — whether real or artificial — can be a a tad problematic for your kitty.

The pine needles on real trees can cause irritation to their mouth and stomach if nibbled on, so it’s preferable to select a non-drop variety. You also need to keep an eye on the base of your tree if you choose to keep it in water — this can be toxic if your feline mistakes it for their water dish.

If fake is your thing just be sure to avoid purchasing a tree that comes with a sprinkle of synthetic snow, as the chemicals in it may cause harm if licked by your kitty.

Cats are also famous for their curiosity, so hang breakable decorations as high as possible on the tree, out of their playful reach.

Don’t let this put you off — you can still enjoy a Christmas tree! Just keep pine needles off the ground and hope for a white Christmas with real snow.

What Christmas decorations/plants do I need to be cautious of?

Other than the “King of festive plants” (the Christmas tree), you should also be relatively cautious of the following: red lilies, berries from holly or mistletoe, poinsettia, amaryllis and dieffenbachia. These Xmas foliages can cause issues if ingested by your kitty and should be kept out of their reach!

Tinsel and thin ribbons left on the floor after Santa’s visit can be dangerous if they get caught on your kitty’s spiky tongue, so be sure to put them straight into the bin once they come off your presents!

Last but not least, be aware that Christmas lights can be a real danger if chewed. Keep them high up out of your kitty’s reach. Battery powered LED lights can also be a good option instead of lights that plug straight into the mains supply.

What leftover food should I avoid feeding my cat on Christmas Day?

The adorable eyes and persistent stare make it difficult not to feel guilty when keeping Christmas dinner from your cat

You are allowed to share a few pieces of your leftover Christmas bird (turkey, chicken) with your kitty — as long as the portion sizes aren’t too big and you know what ingredients should be avoided!

One indulgent sweet that should NEVER be shared with your feline is chocolate (dark in particular) which is toxic for cats due to its high concentration of theobromine.

What gift could I offer to my cat on Christmas Day?

Most devoted cat parents thoroughly enjoy rummaging through the pet shop gift section trying to find the purrfect novelty present for their feline friend.

This year, instead of buying your feline a static toy mouse, why not treat them to something a little more useful? All cats love to climb and need to scratch, so consider treating them to a new scratching post.

For those of you who have indoor felines, give them something that indulges their natural hunting desires and keeps their brain healthy. Clever, interactive toys, such as a speed circuits or puzzle feeders, are designed to encourage your cat to track and catch.

Finally, why not tuck FELIWAY CLASSIC into their Christmas stocking? They’ll start the New Year feeling surrounded by “happy messages”, feeling calm and content. Who wouldn’t want that!