Three Steps to Reduce Holiday Stress for Your Kitty

The annual holidays can be a very stressful time for your cat. This is the time of the year when that strange tree goes up, bright trinkets are hung (but all your cat hears is "No, no, bad kitty!" when she tries to explore them), delicious food is prepared (cats need not apply to eat it!), and lots of strange people come tramping into the house.

Some cats are in their glory, being in the middle of the tree decoration tradition, while others react to differences in the household by cowering in fear. Plus, if the holidays stress you out (raise your hand if they don't; the rest of us would like to know your secret), it'll be communicated to kitty, and she may react in kind. And sometimes that fear and stress manifests itself in your cat urinating outside her litter box.

Here are three steps you can do to reduce holiday stress for your cat.

First, keep the household changes to a minimum. Think about where you might put the Christmas tree. If you put the tree in a place that normally belongs to kitty, she could be mighty upset with you. Her reaction could range from hiding for days to urinating underneath the tree, if not trying to pull it down. Look for a location that pleases both the human and animal population in your house. If that's not possible, and knowing how cats can be, you'll have to settle for pleasing one or the other. My bet is it's whoever pays the bills.

My cat Scout thinks the Christmas tree is a new litter box location. She'll urinate on the tree cover. That's a treat to clean! I have to keep a plastic liner under the tree to facilitate the clean up. I make double certain to keep all the litter boxes clean, but she feels a need to express herself creatively at this time of the year. It's her way to contributing to the tree decorating tradition.

Next, if you own a scaredy kitty, confine her to a safe room when hosting holiday events in your home. If possible, confine your kitty in a place that guests won't stumble in. Put her food, water, and a clean litter box in the room. Stop in from time to time to reassure her that it's alright. If there aren't adequate hiding spots in her room, think about putting a box or large paper bag in with her, and encourage her to burrow in it.

Finally, purchase some natural flower essence compounds to put in her food or water all during the holiday season. There are several good remedies that are recommended for situational stress. Add a few drops in kitty's food or water twice a day, and you'll see results within 24 hours. Flowering essences are also safe for human consumption, so if you're contemplating a fall into insanity, take a few drops yourself!

You can also purchase synthetic hormone substances that come pre-packaged in a bottle that plugs into any electrical outlet in your home. This remedy lasts approximately a month.

Good luck, and happy holidays to you and your family ? humans and animals!

About The Author

Nancy E. Wigal

www.cat-urine-odor-advisor.com

nancy@cat-urine-odor-advisor.com

I'm a cat lover who has had cats since childhood. Quite a few of these wonderful creatures are available for adoption because they don't use the litter box, and the previous owner has grown frustrated trying to solve the inappropriate elimination problem.

I have one of those cats, and I've successfully discovered the reasons why she wouldn't use her box. I created the Cat Urine Odor Advisor to help cat owners understand the materials, solutions, and resources that work together to eliminate cat urine odor from their homes.

---

Holiday Candy Canes Are Festive and Fun

Candy canes are everyone's favorite holiday treat. Just think about how versatile they are. Not only do candy canes look great hanging from Christmas trees, but their... Read More

The Magic Of Gift Giving At Christmas

Regardless of age, almost everyone can remember at least a few magic moments of their past at Christmas time. Even in our fifties and sixties, we can... Read More

Tips to Save Time & Money; Christmas Shopping Online

So Christmas is a few months away. Seems like a lot of time but we all know how quickly time passes to the holidays. It feels like... Read More

Tis The Season For Love ? and Stress!

The holidays are upon us and for many people this is the most stressful time of year. There is so much to do and not enough time... Read More

Outside the Box Gingerbread Houses

Beyond trees and wreaths, there are few symbols of the holidays so well venerated as the gingerbread house. Throughout the country, gingerbread house displays and contests attract... Read More

Santa Goes Low Carb!

North Pole- The word is out! Due to an "unpublished dilemma" last Christmas Eve Santa has gone Low Carb!Sources reveal that Santa was stuck in a chimney... Read More

A New Look at Labor Day

A day to reflect on the accomplishments of working people: That's been the proud tradition since the first, unofficial, Labor Day back in 1882.But, one of labor's... Read More

Thats the Christmas Spirit

Last Christmas, Uncle Albert promised his neighbor, Wilson, to find a way to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year. You know, just like Wilson and everybody... Read More

Tools and Tips for Keeping the Holidays Organized

It's November 1st. You've walked into your favorite store to buy half-priced Halloween candy and what do you see? Christmas decorations! "Oh, no!" you think to yourself.... Read More

Easter Traditions: Seven Ways To Add Meaning To Your Family Celebration

Family traditions connect us to past and future generations. They provide meaning and connection, as well as a sense of ritual and comfort. And they can create... Read More

Single During the Holidays

Mistletoe. Holiday parties. New Years kiss at midnight. This time of year can be challenging for singles. With such an emphasis on family togetherness and couples exchanging... Read More

Gift Wrapping Ideas

If you're tired of your gifts looking like everyone else's, put some creative thought to it. Gifts don't have to just be paper and ribbon that you... Read More

Funny Couples Costume Ideas For Halloween

Tired of the same old typical Halloween costumes. You know the ones?.vampire, witch, or mummy. It also seems that everyone just "has" to wear the latest movie... Read More

A Safe Halloween Harvest How-To

Halloween Safety Tips Halloween is an exciting night for children and a busy time for their parents. With such excitement, it's easy for children to forget basic safety... Read More

10 Tips for More Meaningful Holidays

No matter how many lists you make, cards you send, gifts you buy, or packages you wrap, there will be things you intended to do this holiday... Read More

Getting Great Pictures of the Kids this Halloween

There she was in all her glory. Long white lab coat, frizzy hair, safety goggles -- and a face smeared with the black ash of an experiment... Read More

9 Fantastic Formulas for a Stress Free Holiday!

The holidays are officially here. And so the season for giving begins. Warm loving intentions, thoughtful giving and stocking stuffing take over.It's a wonderful time of year,... Read More

Terrible at choosing gifts?

Need help with gifts? Not everyone is good at choosing them. But there's more to gift giving than getting gift ideas from someone else.This is why we'd... Read More

Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas is a magical time of year, both for kids and adults. They say that the joy of Christmas is the giving, not the receiving of gifts... Read More

Virtual Assistants... Even Santa Needs One!

Trying to fit all the planning and preparing and celebrating of the holiday season into an already busy schedule can bring a lot of stress to a... Read More

Do It Yourself Gifts

Sometimes gifts that you purchase are not as personalized as you would like. They do not quite seem to fit the idea you had in mind. For... Read More

Country Christmas Idea: Milkweek Pod Poinsettia Ornaments

Country Christmas Idea: Milkweed Pod Poinsettia OrnamentsAt first glance, milkweed plants and poinsettias don't seem to have much in common. If you live in an area where... Read More

This Mothers Day -- Give The Gift Of Fitness

Do you know a Mom that deserves a special gift this year for Mother's Day? I'm sure you know at least one, if not more. Sure, flowers... Read More

Wake Up ? Its Almost Fathers Day

Father's Day is approaching fast. In the USA it falls on the third Sunday of June which this year is June 19th 2005. So if you start... Read More

Valentines Day is NOT only for Lovers

Some people hate to see Valentines Day come around. Some have ended relationships and feel lonely while others have not yet met that someone special. Valentines Day... Read More

Kid Birthday Party Game Ideas - 7 Proven Winners

Here are 7 classic kid birthday party game ideas that are always successful. And you can easily make all of them fit your party theme.Incredible Musical StatuesThey'll... Read More