Cat Stress Relief: How to Keep the Holidays Stress Free

When the holidays approach, celebration with loved ones is always on the to-do list. But our time of cheer and merriment also brings about some changes to your feline friend’s routine and habits, and that can be stressful on a kitty! Great Aunt Frida has already invited four of her friends to your house, completely disregarding your cat’s feelings about crowds! So what are you to do?

How to Destress a Cat During the Holidays

The good news is that you don’t have to switch up your plans or trim the guest list. Here are some ways you can help anxious cats de-stress before, during and after the celebrations. Grab your pen and get ready to take notes — because even your cat may have questions about how to de-stress their holiday.

1. Introduce Your Kitty to the New Humans

Has your furry friend met everyone on the guest list? If not, add peaceful introductions to the agenda. You can do this by letting your cat decide when they would like to interact with company.

If your cat backs away when approached by a new face, let your guests know it just takes your fur baby some time to warm up to folks. Many cats prefer to meet new people on their own terms. Pressuring your cat into being held or petted will only cause unnecessary anxiety.

2. How to Calm Down a Cat

A safe space can help to relieve cat anxiety when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Grab their favorite security blanket, pet bed or one of your old T-shirts. Next, find a space out of the way, like under a side-table in the home office or a quiet spot under your bedroom window. Now add the little bed and a few favorite toys and treats. Voila! You’ve created a haven for your cat to escape to during stressful moments.

If your cat’s food and litter tray are in central areas, consider moving them to a quieter location. Be sure to show your cat their safe space and the new locations of their cat food and water bowls and litter box. Let your cat come out of their haven when they’re ready. Like humans, some cats are more introverted than others, and that’s perfectly okay.

3. Use Caution on Holiday Décor and Plants

This tip can be just as much a de-stresser to cat owners as to their cats. Holiday décor and plants can bring an array of hazards for your cat, so choose unbreakable décor to avoid the risk of broken glass when your cat tries to knock it all off the table (you know they will).

Additionally, many holiday plants like poinsettias, holly and mistletoe are poisonous to pets when ingested. Try opting for fake holiday plants instead. Bonus: With a fake addition, you’ve got your plant décor covered year after year.

4. Keep to Your Routine to Reduce Cat Anxiety

Try to keep your cat’s routine in place as much as possible. Before, during and after your holiday celebrations, keep the same feeding times and designated play/walk times to avoid adding extra stress to your feline. Older cats especially cope with stress better by keeping to their set schedule.

5. Give Your Kitty a Little Extra Affection

Cats form attachments to their favorite humans, and even if they don’t show it, they crave that human touch and general human interaction and bonding. Therefore, it’s important to show your cat a little extra love before and after the festivities. Snuggling can help reduce stress and let them know these holiday celebrations were only temporary and that all is well in the home. A special treat (cat-friendly, of course) can go a long way, too.

6. Add Soothing Pheromones as Calming Aids for Your Cat

Synthetic cat pheromones found in sprays or diffuser products can relieve cat stress and anxiety. Studies show that when the synthetic pheromone is released into the air, it can mimic a variety of natural chemicals released by cats that are known to signal a safe, familiar territory. This method can also help cats with litter box issues, spraying or aggressive behavior.

Note, you’ll want to purchase pheromone sprays or diffusers at least a month before your upcoming holiday shindig. Each cat is different, so it could take as little as 2 to 4 days for them to respond to the synthetic pheromone; or it could take up to 30 days for them to feel the calming effects.

How to Tell if a Cat Is Stressed

They might not outwardly show it, but cats are sensitive beings who are affected by stress in ways that will be familiar to humans. Cat stress can lead to behavioral issues, physical concerns or emotional challenges in your cat, and the holidays are some of the most stressful times of the year. For everyone.

But the holidays aren’t the only cause of cat stress. Any changes to a cat’s environment, like the addition of dogs, other cats, other pets or a new family member, can cause cat anxiety. Cats are good at hiding their stress, but you may notice some signs of stress, like accidents outside the litter box, a change in their eating and grooming habits or them not acting like their usual self. 

Stress Relief for Cats Is Possible

We hope this list brings both you and your furry feline peace and comfort during your upcoming holidays. However, if your cat still seems stressed as you put up the holiday décor (or at any time), it might be best to call your veterinarian. Sometimes relieving cat anxiety needs a little extra help from your vet.