This holiday season, let’s jazz things up by honoring our ever-faithful feline family members who love and entertain us all year round. Here’s a traditions list—with a twist. It’s time to put our best foot (and paw) forward to make sure that we celebrate all the joy and love our cats bring to our lives.
Cooking Holiday Treats With Love
Nothing says “I love you” more than baking homemade treats. This year, while you’re making gingerbread treats for your family, take extra time to whip up fish-shaped catnip biscuits for your kitty.
Just mix 1 cup of wheat flour and 1 teaspoon of catnip in a bowl. Add half a cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 egg and half a teaspoon of honey. Mix well. Roll out the dough. Then cut out bite-sized fish shapes. Place your little fishies on a nonstick pan and bake for 20 minutes. Let ’em cool off, then voila! Happy holiday cat.
Host a Get Together
Thinking about having some neighbors over for drinks? Before you send out any invites, remember that cats are very opinionated. They make snap judgments about who they like or detest. Lucky for you, it’s never a mystery. If your cat hisses and runs away any time neighbor Joe stops by, scratch him off the list. Remember, this is a time to think of others, so even if your neighbor Emma bores you to tears, if your cat always greets Emma by purring and rubbing up against her legs, Emma is in.
Choosing the Christmas Tree
This year, let’s think outside the box. On holidays past you probably purchased what tickled your fancy. This year, let’s consider your cat’s favorite things. If the answer is batting balls around the house, better skip the round glass X-mas ornaments. Does your cat love chewing on things? Make sure to cover your electrical cords and string lights. For a full guide of ways to cat-proof your Christmas tree, see here.
Wrapping Presents
Gather all of the gifts to wrap and bring them to the living room. Plop down next to kitty so you can spend quality time together. Unroll the wrapping paper and lay it down flat. Select the first gift to tackle and place upon the paper. Smile adoringly at your cat and think about how lucky you are to have such a loyal sidekick. Reach for tape and scissors. At the sound of loud paper-rustling, turn towards your “helpful” co-wrapper. Notice said helper sitting on top of the wrapping paper next to the placed present. Try to shoo kitty off paper. When the cat won’t move and you receive a paw swipe and head butt for even suggesting such a thing, watch as kitty shreds paper then bats paper roll across carpet. Maybe the presents won’t get wrapped—but the memories you’ll make playing together is a gift for you both.
Movies and Snuggling
OK, here’s one tradition that most cats can excel at. Snuggle up on your couch or bed, and select the perfect holiday movie for your mood. (If you need some inspo, we’ve rounded up the best ones here.) Then, call your cat over, maybe even with some tasty treats. Before you push play, position yourself for the maximum benefit of a warm cat body nearby and the soothing sound of incessant purring.
Recharge Your Batteries with Cat Yoga
Don’t forget about wellness during the holidays. Practice relaxing yoga poses. Lie flat on your back, stretch your arms out and let go of all muscle tension. Focus on your breath. Stay chill while leaning into positions like “downward facing dog,” and take time to appreciate any of your cat’s favorite poses, too. Common kitty yoga moves include “big stretch,” “leg-up grooming,” and “pounce on Mommy’s head.” If you burst out laughing, you’ll know you’re doing it right.
Sing Some Cat-Approved Carols
Take a time out to enjoy some holiday tunes together. Create a new song compilation of seasonal music—but remember to keep your cat in mind. In addition to “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” or “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel,” select cat classics like, “What’s New Pussycat,” “Cat’s in the Cradle” and “Cat Scratch Fever.” Then, sing and dance like no one’s watching (even though your cat is likely to give you some major side-eye).
Enjoy Seasonal Treats Together
Even if your cat can’t have a glass of eggnog, they can still enjoy a seasonal treat of their own. As you sip your glass of sugar, egg yolks and bourbon, hand your sidekick a calming cat-friendly cocktail. Watch kitty relax along side you and enjoy the fun times you get to spend together.
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