Keep Calm and Meow on 🤘🏽🐈

Ways to Relax Your Cat With Guests in the House for the Holidays

As we all know, cats are generally pretty easy to care for. They’re loving, playful, and always entertaining, but sometimes they’re a bit timid when it comes to new people in your home.

Cats are creatures of habit and rely on their daily routines to make them feel comfortable and secure in their space. But the holidays are right around the corner, and with them come inevitable changes to your surroundings as you decorate and invite friends and family over for celebrations.

Sudden changes might cause your cats some discomfort, so it’s wise to start preparing yourself, your feline friend, and any upcoming house guests to keep everyone feeling comfortable and content.

I first started to notice how skittish Obsidian (my cutie kitty if you haven’t heard) was when I began having others in the apartment. He would immediately retreat under my bed and would not come out until all the other humans were gone, so I knew the holidays might be a challenge for him.

With a little research, I was able to add some additional steps into our daily routine to prepare Obie for when guests will be coming, and I hope these tips and tricks can help you with all your loved ones this holiday season.

Starting with tip number one: Connect with your inner Obsidian (aka your cat)

No one knows your cat better than you do, so take the time to analyze how your cat is around others in your home before a large crowd comes in. If you have a roommate, partner, or close friend that regularly comes by the house take note of how your cat interacts with them.

Are they skittish and run away when the door opens or a person arrives, or are they the outgoing type ready for play and cuddles? Once you can see how they react to others it will be easier to know what they need and how to prepare before and when guests arrive.

Going on to tip number two: Set up their space

Whether your cat is an extrovert who loves company or an introvert who would rather hide from the world, it’s always best to set up a safe space for them. I know Obsidian has his favorite spots under the beds in my apartment or in the crevice between our wicker chair and the wall.

When having people over, I make sure to add a little extra comfort to his safe space by adding a comfy blanket or his favorite poncho for him to feel warm, safe, and free to make all the biscuits he needs to soothe any social anxiety he may be having. I like to keep the door cracked in case he starts feeling frisky and wants to say hello, but closing the door away from all the noise is also a great option.

Set them up for success by ensuring they have access to their food, water, and litter box, showing them some extra love with cuddles and treats before you close the door to let them know this is their safe space.

As for tip number 3: It’s time to prepare your guests

I feel it’s always best to prepare my guests for what they will be walking into. First, notify them that you have a cat upon invitation over to your house. This is also a good time to ask if your guests have any allergies you need to be considerate of or any fears around cats or pets in general.

Next, let them know of your cat’s personality if your cat is lovey-dovey, maybe a bit skittish, or a bit vicious to newcomers. Letting them know where your cat will be most of the time allows your guests to be respectful of not only your space but your feline friends’ as well.

And for tip number four: Reward and reassure

Providing your cat with treats and love while having others at your place can reassure them this is still their space and let them know they’re doing great. If your cat makes a friendly appearance, a good way to introduce them to guests who want to show some love is to have them give some treats. It will show your cat these people are friends, not foes.

Play it by ear

Overall sticking to your cat’s normal routine with feeding and playtime is always best. If you have them with the door closed in their safe space or out and about in the house with all the rectus taking them over to a spot with just them to play for a minute and feed them is always best.

If you are looking for some extra assistance to keep your cat relaxed, there’s no shortage of options: CBD calming treats for the morning of guests’ arrival, catnip may be helpful depending on how your cat reacts to it, and even soothing cat therapy music can be left on in the room with them. There are also cat-calming pheromone diffusers, sold at pet stores or online sites like Amazon and Chewy.

There are so many ways to help your cat relax during busy times in your household. Remember... prepare, keep calm and meow on 😼.

Now, for the real challenge: Keeping your cat away from the dreaded Christmas tree… but for that, you’ll have to wait until next month!