How to Make This Your Cat's Christmas

If you have a cat, it's likely he will be intrigued by the glitter and busy preparations associated with the holiday season. Including your cat as part of the festivities and planning a few additional treats for him will heighten the enjoyment of the occasion for any cat lover. Here is how to make this Christmas your cat's Christmas too!

Edit Steps

Part 1: Making Christmas Time Special for Your Cat

Make your Christmas tree cat-friendly. To do this, hang no easily-breakable ornaments on the lower half of the tree. Place a tree in a room you are often in to avoid catastrophes. Put some of your cat's toys near or under the tree, and also a blanket or so under the tree, so your cat can enjoy sleeping there when you're in the room.

Buy or make presents for your cat. Ideas include:
- A new chew toy, which makes tons of noise. This will give your cat lots of pleasure!
- Some fancy food, or special cat milk.
- A new bed
- A new scratching post.
Buy presents according to your cat's personality, whether he is lazy or playful. There are also many ways you can make homemade toys that your cat may enjoy even more; see further How to make cat toys.

Prepare food and treats that are out of the ordinary. You might want to buy or make some special food once or twice a week while it's December, so that your cat can feel the holiday spirit and joy. Make Christmas Eve the most exciting and special, offering a good piece of meat or fish for dinner.

Play and spend time together. Play with your cat. He will have loads of fun and after all the fancy food could probably use the exercise. Let your cat snuggle up next to you in the couch and bed when you're watching TV or reading on Christmas day.

Part 2: Keeping Your Cat Safe During the Holiday Season

As well as ensuring the Christmas tree is stable, here are some other things to be watchful for during the holiday season.

Avoid seasonal plants that may be poisonous to your cat. Certain seasonally-common plants can cause illness or even fatalities in cats if chewed and/or swallowed. If you can't imagine your Christmas without these, consider purchasing silk versions.
- Plants to beware of if you have a cat include: Poinsettia, ivy, mistletoe, holly berries, Christmas rose, Christmas berry and yew.

Make sure your cat is safe from other seasonal items. Cats may be tempted by tinsel or string. If consumed, it can wreak havoc with their digestive systems, requiring emergency treatment. Although it is tempting to give Fluffy some of your Christmas leftovers, many Christmas dinner and snack items (see Warnings) can be hazardous to your cat's health. Keep tidy at Christmas -- you could save your pet's life!

Edit Tips

Cats like toys that make noise, and that have some loose threads or so. Of course, this can backfire at night when you try to sleep off the holiday stress.

Keep the spending low for cat presents; most cats enjoy simple, homemade toys and other cats won't even care!

If you have any Christmas traditions at your homes, have your cat join in too. Keep him in the vicinity so that he is present for the fesivities.

Edit Warnings

Take care not to overfeed your cat during the holiday season. Cats will usually eat whatever is put before them if it's delicious, and this can contribute to cat obesity.

Avoid seasonal foods, plants, or decorations that could injure or kill your pet. Tinsel, string, poinsettia, ivy, mistletoe, holly berries, Christmas rose, Christmas berry, yew, grapes, raisins, citrus oil extracts, macadamia nuts, mushrooms, garlic, onions, yeast breads, persimmon/sharon fruit seeds, fat trimmings, fish and poultry bones, alcohol, chocolate, tobacco and more can harm or kill your cat.