12 ways to make it a 'purr-fect' festive season!

AS Christmas draws nearer, it’s easy to forget that feline family members may not enjoy the hustle and bustle of the festive season.

Charity Cats Protection have put together 12 easy hints and tips that will help keep puss purring into the new year:

1. Keep pets away from toxic bouquets. Christmas flowers, plants and wreaths often contain holly, ivy, poinsettia, lilies or mistletoe which are dangerous to cats. A full list of harmful plants can be found at www.cats.org.uk/dangerous-plants

2. Cats are furrever. Don’t give cats as a present, they are a life-long commitment and should never be thought of as a novelty or surprise gift.
3. Keep kitty away from decorations. We all love to add festive cheer so put hanging decorations near the top of the tree away from clever cats. Baubles can be painful to paws if broken, while trinkets with small parts as well as tinsel and ‘angel hair’ can be fatal if swallowed.
4. Cats look cute without added sparkle. Don’t eclipse your cat’s natural beauty – fancy dress not only makes them stressed and restricts movement but increases risk of injury and prevents grooming or stretching, too.
5. Avoid the temptation of a Christmas tree playground. Leave the bare tree in place a few days before decorating so that your cat is less interested once decorations are added. Pine needles can cause internal blockages if eaten and injuries to paws so vacuum quickly. Real trees often contain toxic preservatives so deter puss from the base using noisy foil or citrus peel and ensure any tree is well-weighted for those cats who are determined to reach the summit!
6. Human food is not cat food. Most cats prefer attention from their owner but if you would like to share your festive fare, it is best to stick to cat treats rather than leftovers or raw meat. Although cats will often appreciate a little bit of well-cooked fresh chicken or fish, never share anything containing chocolate, onions or raisins with your cat as they are all poisonous.
7. Create a calm haven. Noisy parties, unknown people, crackers and party poppers can all be stressful so provide your cat with the option of their own space for some kitty quiet time with cat food, water and litter tray also easily accessible.
8. Keep things tidy. Electrical cords and fairy lights may be mistaken for toys or prey, so keep them covered up to avoid disaster. Put away ribbons and bows from gifts to prevent your cat from taking a nibble.
9. Fires and fur should never mix. Candles and firelight look beautiful but neither should be allowed near puss. Candles should be kept out of your cat’s reach and open fires should be screened.
10. Ensure festive cat toys are feline-friendly. Embroidered features are far better than plastic or glass as they are less likely to come off during play and if you buy edible gifts, choose some that have been made with cats in mind.
11. Plan ahead and book a sitter. Cats love routine and prefer a familiar environment so consider a cat sitter rather than a cattery if you’re going away. Your cat can stay calmly at home and visits from a sitter will make your property look lived-in, too.
12. Plug-in for puss. New year can be filled with parties, fireworks and bright lights which can be scary for cats. Keep your curtains drawn, consider a pheromone plug-in diffuser and play soothing music to help your cat start 2023 in a warm, restful way.