The holiday season is a time of joy, sparkling decorations, and cozy moments spent with loved ones. For many, cats are beloved family members, and involving them in festive celebrations can make the season even more magical. Whether it’s creating new traditions or simply sharing quiet, cozy moments, there are plenty of ways to bond with your cat during the holidays.
This guide is filled with creative and cat-friendly ideas to help you and your feline companion make the most of the holiday season together.
Visit a Cat-Friendly Christmas Tree Farm (Or Set Up Your Own at Home)
While taking a cat to a Christmas tree farm might not be practical, you can bring the fun to them by creating a festive tree experience at home. Choose a smaller, cat-safe tree, and decorate it with pet-friendly ornaments like soft, non-breakable items. Some cats love exploring the branches or batting at low-hanging decorations, so ensure the setup is sturdy and free of tinsel or other harmful items.
Tip: Sprinkle catnip near the tree or place a cozy blanket underneath to make it an irresistible lounging spot.
Capture Moments with Santa Paws
Photos with Santa aren’t just for dogs! Many pet stores, shelters, and even online platforms offer opportunities to have your cat pose with Santa (or you can play Santa yourself at home).
For a successful photo session:
- Use treats or toys to grab your cat’s attention.
- Dress them in a festive bow tie or bandana if they’re comfortable wearing accessories.
- Set up a quiet, cozy space with holiday props to create the perfect backdrop.
If your cat isn’t fond of strangers or new environments, a DIY photo session at home might be the way to go.
Snow Day Adventures—Indoors or Out
Some cats are curious about snow, and for those that enjoy supervised outdoor time, a quick adventure in the snow can be magical. Outfit them with a harness and a warm sweater, and let them explore the winter wonderland.
For indoor cats or those who prefer staying cozy, recreate the snowy fun indoors by:
- Filling a shallow container with snow for them to investigate.
- Setting up a window perch where they can watch the snow fall.
- Playing with white, fluffy toys to mimic the feeling of snow.
Give Back in Your Cat’s Name
Spread the holiday spirit by giving back to animals in need. You can donate supplies or funds to local shelters or create homemade toys to brighten the lives of shelter cats.
Here are some simple ideas for DIY cat toys:
- Pom-pom balls made from yarn.
- Feather wands or cardboard scratchers.
- Soft fleece blankets to keep shelter cats warm.
Your cat can even “help” by supervising your crafting or inspecting the finished products!
Holiday Photoshoots with Festive Flair
Celebrate the season by taking holiday-themed photos of your cat. Whether they’re snuggled in a cozy blanket, lounging by the Christmas tree, or peeking out from a holiday gift box, cats make the perfect models for festive photos.
Dress them up with:
- Tiny Santa hats or elf collars.
- Festive bow ties or bandanas.
- Matching pajamas (if they tolerate them!).
Capture their unique personality and share the photos with family and friends as holiday cards or social media posts.
Countdown to Christmas with a Cat Advent Calendar
Treat your cat to their own advent calendar filled with daily surprises like toys, treats, or catnip. You can buy pre-made ones or create your own with a mix of goodies. Watching your cat’s excitement as they discover each day’s treat is a delightful way to build holiday anticipation.
Prepare a Festive Feast for Your Cat
Cats are often curious about holiday cooking, but many human foods are unsafe for them. Instead, prepare a special meal with cat-friendly ingredients like:
- Plain, cooked turkey or chicken.
- Mashed sweet potatoes (without seasoning).
- Steamed carrots or green beans.
Serve it in their favorite dish and let them enjoy their holiday feast alongside you.
Cozy Up for Holiday Movie Time
Settle in for a festive movie marathon with your feline friend. Choose classics like The Cat Who Saved Christmas or simply enjoy the warmth of your favorite holiday films. Create a cozy setup with a soft blanket, your cat’s favorite bed, and plenty of treats for both of you.
Explore Holiday Decorations Together
Cats are naturally curious, making holiday lights and decorations an endless source of fascination. Take time to explore these festive sights with your furry friend:
- Let them “help” you hang ornaments or set up decorations.
- Sit by a window with twinkling lights and watch their reactions.
- Stroll them around the neighborhood in a pet stroller if they’re comfortable with it.
Remember to keep dangerous items like candles and breakable ornaments out of reach to ensure their safety.
