Tips And Tricks On Keeping Your Cat Calm During The Holidays
The holiday season can be an exciting and stressful time of year for both you and your pets. Between the holiday decorations, friends and family coming over, the merriment and cheer, it’s a lot for your feline friend to handle. Our pets don’t fully understand our holiday traditions or what they represent, but they are still family and shouldn’t be left out of the celebrations. Our cats can enjoy the holidays too, but only with the proper precautions and approach. This article will offer a few tips and tricks to help keep your cat calm and less stressed out this holiday season. If you enjoy this article, be sure to check out our other articles on practical cat info such as Travel Tips For Cats In A Car.
Create A “Safe Space”
Cats can be very social creatures, but are very independent by nature. They will often play or crave attention, but enjoy having the option to retreat to their favorite hiding spots like underneath the bed or behind the furniture. Cats feel more comfortable when they have a space or hiding spot that is secluded and well hidden. During the holiday season, make sure your cat has some form of a “safe space” where they won’t be bothered by your dinner guests or family members staying over. Giving your cat a place to hide and be alone will help them deal with their anxiety and calm their nerves. Some good examples of a “safe space” for your cat include, an unused guest room, laundry room, comfortable basement, and a hooded cat bed in your bedroom closet. Remember, the darker and quieter, the better.
Calming Diffusers
Cats use chemical signals called pheromones to communicate with each other and other animals. If you’ve ever seen a cat rub its face against your furniture or shoes, it’s because they are marking it with pheromones to signal that these objects are safe and familiar. The pheromones in the air and in a cat’s environment will directly affect a cat’s mood as these chemical signals inform a cat whether or not they are safe or threatened. Thanks to the ingenuity of pet science, you can regulate these chemical signals through the use of a calming diffuser. Essentially, a calming diffuser can mimic a cat’s natural pheromones and convey messages of safety and peace to your feline friend. To learn more about cat pheromones and how they work, check out the Comfort Zone website for more information.
Supplements And CBD
If your cat is experiencing severe anxiety during the holiday seasons, then you should consider giving them calming supplements and/or CBD infused treats. CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). CBD is derived from the hemp plant and does not produce the “high” effect that THC does in marijuana. However, CBD does produce a calming and relaxing effect when consumed. Studies have shown that CBD, if used in correct doses, can help both cats and dogs deal with chronic and acute anxiety. CBD comes in a variety of forms such as oil and infused treats. There are also a variety of supplements for cats on the market as well that can have similar calming inducing effects. Some examples of these calming ingredients include b vitamins, colostrum, chamomile, and skullcap. While these options can be effective, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat any CBD or supplements for their anxiety.
