The holiday season can bring a significant amount of change to your household and daily routine. Maybe you have extra time off work during this season and can be home more often to care for your furry friend. You might be hosting family and friends or traveling elsewhere to visit them instead. Even small changes to your cat’s routine and surroundings can effect them and alter their behavior, so it’s helpful to ensure caring for your cat during the holidays is at the top of your list.
Entertaining Guests in Your Home
If you plan to host gatherings or holiday parties at your home this season, it’s important to consider how your cat reacts to social situations and large groups of people in their space. Is your cat extra friendly? Does he or she like when there are more people around to meet and cuddle up to? Many cats are shy and tend to withdraw or hide when there is a lot of commotion, so yours might be out of sight at the arrival of even one or two guests.
If your cat is the sneaky or stealthy type, you may also have to worry about them sneaking outdoors when guests are coming in and out of your home. Additionally, you’ll have food out for guests to enjoy and if your cat likes to beg or hop up on your countertops, they might get into something that could make them very sick.
Traveling for the Holidays
Many of us travel for the holidays so that we can spend time with family and friends who we otherwise do not see often throughout the rest of the year. If your cat is fine with traveling and has done so before, leaving them home or in the care of someone else may not be necessary. However, you’ll want to make sure that the place you are staying is cat-friendly, so consider:
- Any allergies your family members may have
- Other pets that will be present
- Whether or not there will be comfortable spaces for your cat to rest
- Where your cat will be able to go to the bathroom
If traveling with your pet isn’t an option, you can either leave them at home or book them a mini-getaway of their own at a local pet boarding facility to ensure someone is caring for your cat during the holidays. When leaving them home, try and arrange for a friend or neighbor to come by and check on your cat while you are gone. Cats are known to be independent and can get on well while their owners are away as long as they have food, water, warmth, and a clean litter box. However, if you’re gone for an extended period of time or if your cat has special health needs and care, it’s best to have someone available to make visits to your home while you’re away so you can ensure your cat will be cared for.
Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy this Holiday Season
Since your cat has individual behaviors and needs, it’s best to schedule a wellness check with your local veterinarian before hosting events at home or traveling for the holidays. Here at Catonsville Cat Clinic, we are dedicated to caring for your cat during the holidays by providing you with the best advice possible for how to best care for your cat based on their age, temperament, health conditions, and dietary needs. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and make sure you’re giving your cat the attention and love they need during the holidays.
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Catonsville, MD
Catonsville Cat Clinic is here for all of your cat’s health-related needs, whether they’re dealing with gastrointestinal problems, behavioral issues, or simply need a routine check-up. Our staff is professional and compassionate in their work and know that your furry friend has individual needs that must be satisfied in order for them to live a long and happy life. If your cat is vomiting more than usual, or you have a feeling that something might be wrong with your cat’s health, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.