‘Tis the Season for Cat Sitting: Tips for Cat Parents and Cat Sitters to Keep Kitties Merry and Bright

Ah, Christmas—the season of twinkling lights, delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, and that special rustling sound as your cat dives headfirst into the wrapping paper. While the holidays are a time of joy and celebration, they can also be full of potential hazards for our feline family members.

Whether you’re a seasoned cat parent or a holiday cat sitter caring for someone else’s furry friend, these tips will help you create a safe and happy holiday season for everyone in your family.

1. Tree Tips:

Cats and Christmas trees—a tale as old as time! One year, my mischievous orange kitty, Cheeto, decided the star at the top of our tree was his new favorite toy. After his third climbing expedition, we decided the best course of action would be to invest in a sturdy base and making sure we anchored the tree to the wall. If you’re going to be having a cat sitter over the holidays, make sure you discuss with your sitter the option of securing the Christmas tree in case your kitty’s Holiday goal is to become a tree-climbing expert.

2. Bauble Basics:

When I first adopted Aurora, my sweet tabby, I learned the hard way that glass ornaments and cats don’t mix. As a cat parent or cat sitter during the holidays, it’s essential to check for any fragile decorations that might be tempting for curious paws. Keep tinsel, ribbons, and small ornaments out of reach—they may look festive, but they’re no gift to a cat’s digestive system.

3. The Lowdown on Lights:

Every year, I catch Cheeto inspecting the tree lights with the intensity of a tiny electrician. During the holidays, ensure electrical cords are tucked away to prevent chewing. Opt for battery-powered lights when possible, and unplug strings of lights when you’re not around to supervise.

4. Nix the Needles:

For those with real trees, falling needles can pose a hazard. Sweep them up regularly—especially if your cat thinks everything on the floor is a snack. One Christmas, Aurora decided the tree water was an exciting new beverage. If you’re having a cat sitter during the holidays, cover the water basin to avoid potential ingestion of harmful chemicals.

5. Divide and Conquer:

If your cat is anything like Cheeto, the sight of shiny decorations is a surefire invitation to chaos. When things get overwhelming, consider keeping your cat out of the room with the tree. If you’re a Christmas cat sitter, talking to cat parents about setting up a quiet "safe zone" without any temptations for curious paws can provide for a safe retreat for the kitty to enjoy the holidays.

6. Feline-Friendly Decor:

Snow globes may seem harmless, but they often contain antifreeze, which is toxic to cats. Likewise, festive plants like poinsettias and mistletoe are a no-go for curious kitties. As a cat parent, make sure to discuss with your holiday cat sitter if any plants or decorations need extra precautions to keep your furry babies safe.

7. Keep Your Cat “Feline” Fine:

Cats thrive on routine, and the holiday hustle can be stressful. When my parents visited last year, I ensured Aurora’s litter box and food station stayed in their usual spots. For holiday cat sitters and cat parents, maintaining the cat’s routine should be a top priority. Consider using a pheromone diffuser to help your feline client feel more at ease during your stay.

8. Cat-Friendly Christmas Cleaning:

While prepping for holiday guests, keep in mind that heavy cleaning can erase the scent marks that make your home feel safe to your cat. If you’re cat sitting over the holidays, focus on tidying areas used most by the humans while keeping the cat’s spaces familiar and comforting. Avoid air fresheners, as they can irritate sensitive feline noses.

Preparing Your Home for a Cat Sitting Reservation.

We know the holidays can bring added concerns when you're away, from keeping your home festive to ensuring your kitty stays safe and comfortable. Here are expert tips from Meowtel cat sitters on how to prepare your home for a successful holiday cat sitting experience:

• Hillary, a top-tier cat sitter with insulin and SubQ fluid experience in Havertown, PA, says that clear instructions are key to setting your cat sitter up for success, especially if your cat has special needs or requires medication. Using a day-of-the-week pill sorter is a great way to stay organized, and for liquid or injectable medications, filling a syringe with colored water to the correct dose serves as a helpful visual guide—this can be particularly useful for insulin.

• Sydel, one of our highly-rated cat sitters in Raleigh, NC, recommends fully completing your cat(s)' profile pages with detailed instructions and reminders to ensure your sitter has all the necessary information. Written instructions can also be left, and the Meowtel app makes it easy for sitters to double-check the details during their visit!

• Callahan, an in-demand sitter with 180 5-star reviews in Austin, TX, recommends double-checking that you have enough supplies (food, litter, and any necessary medications) to last the duration of your trip. Don't forget to provide a completed vet release form. As long as your sitter has this and access to your home, you can rest assured knowing your cat(s) are in good hands with your Meowtel sitter!

With these tips—and maybe a few adjustments for your particular kitty’s quirks—you’re all set for a safe and joyful holiday season. Whether you’re a holiday cat sitter or a devoted cat parent, here’s to making this holiday season magical for both humans and their whiskered companions.

Happy paw-lidays from all of us at Meowtel! 🐾