Ask The Cat Expert: Kitty Holiday Concerns

How can I keep my cat out of the Christmas tree?

ANSWER:

Sprinkle ordinary ground pepper on the skirt, or base of the tree and on the lower branches, and your cat will sneeze and leave! It’s harmless and won't affect your cat or damage decorations.
There are also sprays, such as bitter aloe, sold in both pet stores and pharmacies. Spray a little on the lower branches and the chances are your cat (and dog) will be discouraged to return. Sticky sheets usually used to deter scratching on furniture will also work when placed around the base of the tree. Kitty will soon get the message that Santa only has gifts for nice cats and not naughty ones! Also, consider putting any special gifts for your cat out at the very last moment, especially if catnip is involved. The feline nose knows.

My cat always gets stressed when visitors come around the holidays, what can I do to make her more comfortable?

RELATED: Learn more about cat stress

ANSWER:

Contrary to the fact that the term “party animal” is believed to refer to cats, our domestic felines are not party animals and don't really like exuberant social gatherings. It's a good idea to sequester your felines in a quiet part of the house before company comes over. Equip the room with their food, water, litter box and their favorite beds or blankets about two hours before guests are due to arrive.

If the room is carpeted, place a large garbage bag underneath the box to capture any litter and to guard against any mishaps. Put a notice on the outside of the door that says “Do Not Disturb.”
If your cats are particularly fearful, it may be a good idea to spray the room with a feline pheromone spray or plug one into a wall socket several days in advance. These sprays and plug-ins emit synthetic versions of naturally occurring feline facial pheromones, which cats deposit when they rub their cheeks against surfaces, marking the areas as safe and familiar. Thus they can help to make a cat feel less anxious in what could otherwise be a stressful situation.

There are also special calming collars made from all-natural products that can be placed on the cat along with her normal collar. The effects last up to a month.  

In the winter, I have to be extra careful because my cat loves to investigate around the fireplace and lit candles. Why is my cat so attracted to fire? 

RELATED: Read more from Sandy Robins

ANSWER:

Cats are attracted to the warmth of the fire and to anything that flickers. Fireplaces must be screened off with a fireproof screen. If your cat persists, take a can of compressed air (they are special cans for pets, but the type you use to clean a computer keyboard will work just as well). The hissing sound is an excellent training deterrent. A water spray bottle is another good alternative. Eventually, if you even leave the can or the water bottle in the vicinity of the fireplace (not too close to the fire for safety reasons), she won't even attempt to go close.

No cat is ever safe around candles, whether they are placed on a low table or up on a high mantelpiece. Cats can easily jump up to investigate. Again, you can try using a can of compressed air or a water bottle as training deterrent not to go close, but to be really safe, purchase flameless candles instead. That way you will have both the ambience and peace of mind.

Why is my cat obsessed with boxes, wrapping paper, tape, tissue paper, ribbon, and gift bags — basically everything gift/wrapping-related? How can I stop her from being such a nuisance around the holidays, aside from locking her in a room?

ANSWER:

From the feline point of view, boxes, wrapping paper and ribbons are deemed to be fabulous cat toys. Every cat owner knows that if you purchase a terrific cat toy, she will be more interested in the box in which it was packed. You may have to confine her to another room while you are gift-wrapping presents in order to give yourself a chance to get the job done. The problem is not only the nuisance value but also ribbons and string can be very dangerous if chewed and swallowed.

Never allow your cat to play with plastic bags. If you do decide to give her a big paper bag to enjoy and keep her busy while you are wrapping, cut the handles off so that she can’t get her neck caught and possibly strangle herself. Better still, buy her special feline crinkle bags to play with. 

Also, be wary of putting out gifts with ribbons and bows if your cat is attracted to such decorations. You can also sprinkle a little pepper on the gifts or bitter aloe spray to deter further feline interest until it is time to open the gifts.

I would like to put my cat in a costume for our holiday cards, but he hates it. Is there any way to get him used to wearing an outfit?