During the festive period, there can be a lot of new changes, new people, and additional noise. Just like humans, this time can really take a toll on your cat, and it can be harder to tell when they are feeling stressed, unsettled, or anxious.
Cats can be very sensitive to change and after spending a lot of time with us at Christmas they need time to adapt back to their normal routine. Changes in behaviour such as sadness or demands for attention are signs that your pet could be suffering from stress, which can negatively impact their health.
It’s important to keep a close eye on your feline friend so you know when they’re not being themselves. Any changes in behaviour could tell you something is up, but here are some top things to look out for:
- Being withdrawn or hiding more than usual
- Being less tolerant of people
- Eating or drinking less, or overeating
- Overgrooming
- Scratching furniture
- Meowing excessively, or hissing
- Crouching low to the ground
- Being reluctant to use their litter box
So, how can you help? While we may feel like we need to give them extra cuddles when they’re stressed, it can be best to give them some space and accept when they don’t want to be stroked. Make sure they have a safe spot where they can escape to that’s set away from other pets or people.
It may seem obvious but also make sure they have everything they need: food and water, scratching posts, and their litter box. Their food, water, and litter box should all be kept separately to keep them happy as well. Our litter range has something for every furry friend so you can remain consistent, keeping your cat happy and your home odour-free.
Try to stick to their normal routine as much as possible – cats are creatures of habit, after all!
Nobody knows your cat better than you and knowing what’s normal for them is part of keeping your cat happy. Try to limit big changes when shifting back to your post-holiday schedule and they’ll be cuddling back up to you in no time.