Dear Human, Making Holiday Gatherings Less Stressful for Me ????

Dear Human,

As a cat, I am a fascinating combination of two incredible roles: part graceful predator and part alert prey. This unique balance makes me who I am, and it’s what allows me to navigate the world with such keen awareness. Understanding my nature, my instincts, my needs, and my preferences can help you see the world through my eyes and ensure that I feel comfortable, safe, and loved. ??

The holidays are here, and while I know they’re a time for fun and excitement, they can also be a bit much for me. All the hustle and bustle, the guests, the extra noise ... it's a lot! But don’t worry. I’ve got a few tips to help make this festive season as calm, comfortable, and feline-friendly for me as possible!

Strangers in the House? That’s a lot to Process! I love you, but new people? They can be a bit... much! I’m not being shy; I just need time to adjust. It’s not that I don’t like our guests; I need a little space to observe and get used to the new faces. A quiet, cozy spot where I can take a breather away from the action really helps me feel safe. It’s like having my own little "me-time" oasis in the middle of all the holiday madness!

All the New Smells and Sounds... Oh My! Whew! The smells of holiday food, scents, and all the extra noise are enough to make my whiskers twitch! Cats like me are sensitive to smells, so all the new scents can be overwhelming. And don’t even get me started on the noise, laughter, and clinking glasses; even the sound of wrapping paper crinkling can possibly get to me. If you could make sure there’s a peaceful corner or bedroom with my favorite familiar scents and belongings, I’ll feel a lot better. Oh, and maybe keep the vacuum away from me for a little while? That’s one of my least favorite things!

I Love You, But I Need My Space, Too! While I love spending time with you, sometimes I just need a little break. The holiday season can get busy, and that means more people and more activity, which can make me feel a little uneasy. If you could respect my personal space and let me retreat to a quiet spot when I need it, that would be awesome. I might not want to be the center of attention 24/7, but when I do want some love, I’ll be sure to come find you!

Changing Things Up? Not My Favorite. I’m a creature of habit, so when the furniture gets moved around, or the decorations go up, it’s a little... jarring. I get it, you want to make everything look festive, but I’d really appreciate it if you kept my cozy spaces just as they are. If my food station and litter box stay in the same places, I’ll feel more secure and less stressed. Plus, sticking to my usual routine ... feeding, playtime, and cuddle time helps me feel grounded in all the chaos.

A Clean Litter Box, Please! With all the extra activity, sometimes my litter box gets overlooked. Please, please, please keep it in a quiet spot where I can access it easily with a 360-degree view. No one wants to be stressed out about finding a clean place to do their business, right? Keeping my litter box clean and in a calm area helps me feel much more relaxed.

Keep Tabs on My Daily Behaviors! I’m great at hiding things when I’m not feeling my best. Whether it's eating less, drinking less, grooming more, or changes in my litter box habits, I don’t always show discomfort right away. With all the holiday excitement, it’s easy to miss small changes in my routine, so keeping an eye on my usual behaviors is really important. If something seems off, it could mean I need some extra attention! Your watchful eye can help catch these signs early, so if I need care, you can get me to the vet right away.

It’s All Better When You’re Here! The more people there are, the more I need YOU. It’s not that I don’t like everyone else, it’s just that I feel safest when you’re around. Your presence makes everything feel more calm. So when the party is in full swing, a little bit of time with me, maybe sitting quietly or just hanging out nearby, makes a huge difference. I’ll feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed if I know you’re there to keep me grounded.

Let’s Make This Holiday Season Purrfect! I know the holidays are supposed to be full of joy and excitement, and they can be with just a little planning. If you give me my space when I need it, keep my routine as normal as possible, and respect my boundaries, we can all enjoy the festivities together. It might take a little extra effort, but I promise I’ll be a much happier, more relaxed kitty and maybe even join in on the fun when I feel ready!

So, dear human, thank you for understanding me this holiday season. I can’t wait to celebrate with you!