8 WAYS TO KEEP THE HOLIDAYS STRESS FREE FOR YOUR CAT

5. Promote Confidence-Building Activities

One of the best ways to help cats feel more confident and less stressed during the holidays is to play with them using a wand toy that you maneuver. Your cat is at her most confident and fear-free when she is hunting—or in this case، preying—on her toys. A moving toy can be much more enticing for a cat to stalk and chase than a stuffed mouse toy “asleep" on the floor.

Cats can also feel extra confident if they have high places to retreat to، so consider setting up window perches، cat trees، or cat condos. The right toy can provide an added bonus of distracting your cat from holiday decorations and the Christmas tree. If you give your cat a special hideaway that only comes out during the holidays، she might lose interest in your tree altogether.

6. Provide Mental Stimulation

A cat's instinct is to work for his food. So consider incorporating a food puzzle into your cat's dry food or treat regimen to provide much-needed outlet that many housecats lack. This can be an effective way to help him de-stress during the holidays. If your cat needs more mental stimulation throughout the year، consider clicker training.1 

7. Extra Attention Goes a Long Way

Grooming، petting، or just spending some extra time with your cat، even if only a few minutes here and there amidst all the commotion، can help improve your cat's confidence and diminish stress. As long as your cat enjoys the affection، it can help strengthen the bond with you. Your cat loves you، and the more time you spend together، the better she will feel.

8. Predictability is Important

Cats become used to routines، and if something in their predictable schedule changes، it can cause stress. This can be especially true for cats that are fed at certain times of the day. If you're going to be out late holiday shopping and unable to feed your cat his evening meal on time، get a timed feeder which dispenses food when your cat expects it. There are timed feeders for both dry and canned food varieties. Try to maintain other routines too، like the specific time of day you play a game، or a nightly snuggle on the couch.

When holiday festivities are over and the guests have said their goodbyes، don't forget to pet your cat and enjoy a few magical holiday moments together. The holidays are for everyone، including feline friends.