Christmas Cats: A Literary Companion

Guests

And let's not forget the stress of all that new company coming in and out of the house. Cats are creatures of routine. Some are quite sociable and will welcome each new guest. Pounce is such a cat. He loves parties, for he can move from lap to lap, licking the noses of unsuspecting visitors. Other cats, however, will run and hide, refusing to come out until hours after the last person has vacated.

If you have indoor cats, be careful guests do not inadvertently let your cat out. Put up signs, and inform guests that your cats are not allowed outdoors; ask them to please be careful and close the doors well behind them. You might want to allow only one door to be opened and closed, thus eliminating the worry of more than one escape route for the cat(s). The Christmas snows are not the time you want to be searching for a lost kitty. If you can, supervise the door each time a guest arrives or departs.

If your pet will be happier, keep her locked away in another room, particularly one she finds comfortable, such as your bedroom where your scent is prominent. Be sure you provide your pet with enough food and water and a clean litter box to last until she is able to be released. Keep the door locked, or a No Entry sign posted clearly.