Keeping your cat safe is always important, but it becomes harder to do during the holidays. Because of visiting guests, trips out of town, home decorations, and unusual food, there are many dangers to cats that aren't present at other times of the year. Here are some tips on keeping your cat safe and happy during the festive season.

The first thing to think about is guests who are visiting and perhaps staying in your home. For most cats, this is a stressful time. While cats aren't as aloof and independent as they are often portrayed, they are creatures of habit and can become stressed by changes. Few cats are used to all the noise and comings and goings that go along with holiday celebrations. Be sure that they have a quiet place to go where they will not be bothered.

Another thing that an cause your cat distress is if you take out-of-town trips and need to find someone to care for your cat. Cats can more easily be left home alone than dogs, but they will still need to be checked on daily to be given fresh water and food, companionship, and litter-box cleaning. In many cases a friend or a neighbor can help out, but make sure that you have a backup lined up in case something happens to your original plan. A pet-sitter can also be hired, but make an appointment early since they tend to be fully booked during the holiday season. If you cannot find someone to care for your cat at home, they will need to be boarded. Most cats won't respond well to boarding, so try to make it for the shortest time possible.

A common safety problems that cats encounter during the holidays is home decorations. Cats love to play with and eat things that they oughtn't, and there are few places in the house that are out of their reach. Keep things like tinsel out of your home entirely. For other things that your cat is attracted to but aren't completely poisonous, use a bitter apple spray to dissuade them from chewing on the item. Also provide them with an alternative, such as catnip or cat grass that you can grow inside your home.

Holidays are also a time when a cat is more likely to get food that will make her ill. Never give your cat table scraps. Keep food that is on the counter covered at all times so that your feline will not steal food that is not meant for them. If you are having family members over, especially children, you might want to remind everyone that they should not give your pets any food. This will keep your cat healthy and save you from having to clean up messes when they become sick.

The holidays are meant to be a joyous time but that can change with a tragedy. Take the necessary precautions to keep your cat safe and happy through the festivities so they can join you in the celebrations for many years.