Holiday Cats

Thanksgiving Day is the time set aside in the United States for reflecting on the things in our lives for which we are thankful, and my cats are always pushing at the top of the list. Although I had cats in my teens, it wasn't until I met my husband-to-be in high school, that I acquired a passion for cats, which remains to this day.

Here is my tribute to some special cats I'm thankful to have known, on the occasion of Thanksgiving in the U.S. You may also write your own Thanksgiving tribute to cats you have known and loved, with a form linked from this article.

Colder weather and the fall and winter holidays, such as Thanksgiving, pose unique problems for cats. You're obviously thankful for the companionship of your cats. Now you can learn how to keep your holiday cats safe at the time of Thanksgiving with these tips.

Ahhhh...the holidays. The tempting flavors of Christmas cookies and pumpkin pie, the fresh scent of pine perfuming the air, the twinkle of lights and delicate glass balls, the thundering crash of the tree as kitty tries to climb it.

Yes, the holidays can be a challenge when you have a cat in the family, particularly a rambunctious kitten. But with a little judicious planning and a healthy application of common sense, you and kitty can not only survive the holidays, but enhance the enjoyment for the whole family.

When watching a cat play with toys the parents have as much fun with the toys as the cats do and with interactive toys, the humans can join in the fun. The winter holidays are no exception. Our furry 4-legged kids can enjoy in the holiday fun as much as their cat parents do with these great winter holiday gifts.

These gifts don't have to be limited to toys, either, nor should you wait until Christmas to gift your cats with some of them. A tempting bird video can keep cats happily occupied while you're out doing your holiday shopping, or you can cozy up with your cat some evening with a bowl of popcorn and a cat treat, and watch it together. A battery-operated cat massager is a great way to spend some quality time with your kitty.

While we enjoy buying gifts for our loved ones, many of us embrace the true spirit of the winter holidays by reaching out to others less fortunate. Not every worthwhile holiday activity involves spending money, and one includes gift purchases that benefit various cat causes as well as needy cats.

Pick one or more of these holiday activities to recapture the joy of the season by turning needy cats into holiday cats.

It's not too early to consider cat gifts for the holidays. However, these gifts would be appropriate for any occasion. Cats love "just because" surprise gifts as much as we do. From Amy Shojai:

"I'd like to provide a bumper crop of cat gift ideas for your pet family. And if you don't know what to get Great Aunt Ethel, I guarantee she'd be delighted if you gifted her dear companion Fuzzbucket. Your cat will welcome these gifts, too. Just think of them as a way to show your cat you love her."

Would you like to give a gift to your favorite cat person, and at the same time, make a difference in the universe of cats and other animals? These non-profit organizations make that all possible, with a win-win situation for everyone involved, especially the cats who are helped. I've visited several of this organizations for my shopping needs year-round, and they make the holidays especially meaningful, for both me and the recipients.

Cats generally enjoy holidays, and Christmas and the other Winter holidays are no exception. Enjoy these pictures of holiday cats lounging by (or in) the Christmas tree, sometimes dressed in holiday finery.

Your own winter holiday photos are welcome here, including Hanukkah and Kwanzaa pictures. The only rule is "No Photoshopped cat photos." We want to see cats in their own natural holiday beauty. The source of this gallery is the Winter Holiday Cats Show and Tell.