and we wish we could sing!

Dear Fisher,

I’m writing as anonymous so as not to embarrass my humans. What’s the big deal with all this holiday stuff? It’s good that everyone’s all loving and happy, but I’m just not in the mood. I’ve spent lots of years with the human relatives over the holidays, and this year I just don’t want to participate at all. I just want to take my old bones upstairs and stay out of site ’til it’s over. I’m tired and I just want to be alone.

Am I a Hum Bug? What’s the matter with me anyway?

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

Not only do I not know if you are cat or dog, I also do not know your age. I get the idea you are mature enough to know what you want, though. Cats and dogs – and other animals for that matter – are much like humans in their aging process. The eyes may get a little cloudy, lots of chattering sounds like one big muffled noise – in slow motion, no less. Grey hairs show up, you now have a little paunch, your limbs are creaky and so is your attitude. It is all very natural and you are wise to accept it.

The human relatives list has likely expanded with new small humans getting lots of attention, the giddy young couples trying not to get attention, and the elders demanding attention. I support any effort you can make to plan a day of lounging away from the maddening crowd. I feel it is in your best interest if your humans will provide:

1. use of of the Master bedroom
2. food, water, and a special treat
3. closed door with Do Not Disturb sign

As for you humbuginess, enjoy it and enjoy a quiet day of solitude while the throngs of folks downstairs – even the ones that brought the baby human – are enjoying their holiday merriment. Honor yourself and you will be honored. Enjoy!

Your friend,

Fisher

Dear Fisher,

I’m trying so hard to be calm, but the excitement of the Holiday has really gotten me going, and going, and going. I am pretty sure it is starting to annoy my people, because now they do the Christmas wrapping behind closed doors. Boy, I wanna help!

Then last night, they were having a quiet moment and all snuggled on the couch looking so cute, and silly me jumped up on the coffee table and was going to jump into their laps, but on the way, my furry tail crossed over the top of the candle. Boy, nothing like smelly singed cat hair to interfere with a little romance. I really feel bad about it. What can I do to make it up to them?

Maggie

Dear Maggie,

I remember well how much fun it is for a kitten to get into the wrapping paper and then bounce around on 3 feet because the Scotch tape is stuck to the 4th foot. But, be very careful about some of the dangers of the Holiday hoopla at your house. You already know about the candle! I am just glad you were not hurt. Your people were not as mad as you might surmise, but rather they were worried for your safety and maybe felt a little embarrassed about having a lit candle around a “lit” kitten.

But wait – you need to know more:

1. 1.do not sample any floral arrangements, boughs of holly or live mistletoe
2. 2. do not drink the Christmas tree water
3. 3. no chocolate and no people food hand-outs

Find out why these things are harmful at the ASPCA site. This, for your own good and to remind your humans of the troubles you could get into if left on your own.

If you are starting to feel like the world is against your having fun this Holiday, just remember that everyone cares about you. Everyone knows you would not cause trouble on purpose. It is just your youthful curiosity.

Be safe, my friend, and have a happy holiday!

Your friend,

Fisher

Dear Fisher,

I have had many wonderful times rummaging through wrapping paper, ribbons, and the Christmas tree in past years. I’m quite a mature cat, and careful not to chew on things I shouldn’t and wouldn’t swallow things that could make me choke. This year I’m a little worried because we are expecting a new kitten on Christmas Eve and I’m hearing rumblings about changes and new rules. I’m beginning to think my Christmas isn’t going to be very much fun. What do you think?

Tiger

Dear Tiger,

Remain positive about a new kitten coming to live with you. Your maturity can make you a star. You have years of stories to tell of past holidays. You will be idolized. New Kitty will hang on your every meow.

Think about your own young life back in the day. I am sure you can remember your people taking precautions to keep you out of harms way. Cat plus curiosity plus Christmas tree can turn disastrous if a few rules are not put into place. The most cat-proof thing to do is set the tree up in the yard – for the duration of the holiday. While that would be a nice way to share your holiday spirit with the neighbors, it might not be very safe for the neighbor cats.

Several ideas your humans can use to dissuade improper behavior are:

1. 1. Secure the tree with a strong stable base, or attach clear fishing line to the top of the tree and then to a ceiling hook. No need to re-invent the theory of what goes up must come down.
2. 2. Most cats do not like the smell of citrus, so place lemon or orange rinds around the bottom of the tree to stop the climbing urge. For best results, replace the rinds often.
3. 3. Sprays, such as Bitter Yuck, can keep critters from chewing on the branches. Humans will know immediately what little kitty was up to when they hear the exclamations, “bitter!” and “yuck!”
4. 4. Choose ornaments that are not easily confused with kitty toys. Kittens are not likely to bite into a ceramic candy cane. Or, you might find out that new little kitty is not the brightest bulb on the tree and re-think keeping the tree in the yard.

Visit Cat Lovers Only for more information. Most safety rules apply the the Dog as well – just do not tell the dog you found the information on a cat site.

Be safe, be good, and have a happy holiday.

Your friend,

Fisher