To a non-cat or even non-pet person, this may seem to be an irrelevant question.  Many of you maybe think about it, but what do you do with your cat during the holidays?

Maybe it’s because Sophie and me have bonded so closely.  I spend a lot of time at home, working.  She’s right there to oversee everything.  When the holidays roll around, I try to figure out what would be least stressful.

Some might say why bother.  Put out some food, fill the water bowl, and they’ll be fine.  Wrong.  Cats, my cat, is a social creature.  She craves human attention.  And since I take being a pet owner seriously, I’m not going to do something that I feel is not in her best interest. 

I’ll never forget returning from a weekend trip when my last cat was still alive.  Poor thing was hoarse from all the crying she did. 

Kennel her.

I’ve tried this.  My logic was that she’d get plenty of attention.  There would be lots to distract her.  Even with the proper attention, she was stressed.  Keeping a cat in a cage for more than a day or two is just not right, IMHO.

Take her with us.

Sophie travels well after she settles down.  Unfortunately, with the small pick up that we have now, there is no room for a bed, a kennel, a litter box.  Not an option.

Get a cat sitter.

This has been the single best thing I believe I’ve done for my Sophie.  Her sitter comes once a day.  She feeds her, plays with her, combs her.  The sitter will also check the mail and water the plants.  You can find a reliable sitter at the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters website.  The cost is right in line with kenneling your pet too.

I’d strongly encourage this route over trusting the kid down the street.  Sitters are bonded, so you can feel confident the pet and your home will be safe.  You leave the impression that you’re still in town.  The advantages are clear.

Holidays are stressful as it is.  Be a responsible pet owner and work out your plan for what to do with your cat during the holidays. Photo by badlogik

“Cats are smarter than dogs. You can’t get eight cats to pull a sled
through snow.”

Jeff Valdez

Photo by Simon Davison

Merry Christmas!

If you’re experiencing anything like what we are in Minnesota, you know that winter is being especially brutal.  It’s becoming a chore to stay warm this winter–and that goes for your pet too.

Remember your cat or dog can get frostbite and hypothermia too.  This is not the time to leave them outside because you have a house full of guests.  Kennel them, put them in the basement, anything but leave them out in the cold.

When your pet’s core body temperature lowers, it fights to warm itself in a fight for survival.  Hypothermia can kill. 

Unfortunately, that coat of fur does not protect a pet totally.  Ears and toes, as in people, are vulnerable as are your pet’s pads. Frostbite is the death of tissue from prolonged cold exposure.  It is serious and it is painful.

What to do if you suspect either conditon?  Pets911 has a nice write up on symptoms and treatment for frostbite and hypothermia.  I would add that because of the pain involved, you may want to first muzzle your pet. If you don’t have a muzzle handy, a belt or length of rope can work.  Place the rope over the top of the muzzle, criss cross underneath the snout, and tie around the neck, below the ears.

If you don’t have the numbers handy, find the number of your local emergency vet clinic.  Put it in a prominent place. 

Enjoy this holiday season and stay warm–your pet too! Photo by laszlo-photo

When winter is getting you down, it helps to just think like a dog.

Snow Dog

Photo by jpctalbot

“I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats
is infinitely superior.”
Hippolyte Taine

Photo by faeryboots