This post is all about making a cat hideout for your feline.
Events and guests are fun for humans but can also be stressful for our furry friends. If you have a cat, you know how overwhelming it can be for them when visitors come to your home. This blog post will show you how to create a cozy and safe cat hideout for your kitty to reduce anxiety, especially during high-traffic events like holidays.
Why Do Cats Hide Under Blankets?
You may have noticed your cat burrow under your blankets or clothes at some point in her life. Creating a blanket cat hideout is one way your cat makes a nest to snuggle in.
Cats burrow in blankets or clothes to feel sheltered. By making a small area to take cover in, your cat is giving herself a haven where she feels out of harm’s way. It is an instinctive feline trait and perfectly normal incredibly if she feels threatened. But cats don’t have to feel intimidated to take comfort by nestling in blankets.
Creating a Cat Hideout
The first step in creating a cat hideout is finding a quiet and comfortable space in your home. This can be a guest bedroom or a quiet corner in the living room.
Once you have found the perfect spot, you can start to make it cozy for your cat. Add soft blankets, pillows, and even a few toys to create a comfortable and familiar environment. You can also use a cardboard box or a covered cat bed to create a safe and secure space for your kitty.
Creating a cat hideout for her by adding blankets, your t-shirt and a few plush toys, can be a way to let her know you love her and understand her need for security.
RELEVANT: Why Do Cats Purr? What Is It A Sign Of?
Pet Enclosure
One of the best ways to ensure your cat can find some relief when company comes during the holiday is to make a designated area she can call her own, free from people and children traffic. A portable catio is an ideal getaway for your cat to relax and reduce her stress.
RELATED: Cat Approved Portable Catios
A pet enclosure can be an excellent cat hideout for your cat, providing a safe space away from foot traffic, noise, and new guests. Introduce your cat to the room beforehand and make it feel like home by sprucing it up and including something with your scent, like a blanket or shirt. A portable playpen will help your cat feel less anxious and comfortable in her special place.
Inside your cat’s Kritter Kondo be sure to put toys, a bed and even some water or snacks.
The more you spruce it up, the more it will feel like home to your cat and make him less anxious. Ideally, you want to inform your cat that this is her special place in advance, so introduce her to it all set up and assembled at least a few days before your guests arrive. To make it super comfy, include one of your shirts or blankets that has your smell on it so she knows she is still in her big home too.
If your cat is in her Kondo cat hideout for an extended time, you can even include a litter box so she doesn’t have to go anywhere! Having her litter box close by will help reduce her cat’s anxiety.
Make sure the Kritter Kondo is in a separate room from the main gatherings and out of the line of traffic. This will help your cat cope with any anxiety she has and should reduce her stress.
Another great pet lounging area is the Pet Lodge by Kritter Kommunity.
Not only is the Pet Lodge a perfect haven, but it is also so easy to set up and take down. You can also bring it when you are traveling with your pet to other homes for the holidays. The Pet Lodge has a roll-up door, so your cat can come and go as he chooses. The spacious enclosure has plenty of room for toys, food, water, and even a tiny litter box.
One of our favorite litter boxes for travel, cat enclosures, and fostering is a collapsible and portable one that is easy to assemble. They sell them on Amazon, and you can click the images below to get one!
Cat Hideout with DIY Cat Shelves
Give your cat a place to climb up and beyond the foot traffic. Having a row of cat shelves to rise and rest on provides your feline an opportunity for him to work out his natural desire for high elevations.
Cat shelves along the wall are also a good escape path allowing him to get solo time. A series of cat shelves built and installed correctly will give your pet a feeling of safety and security, reducing his stress.
Catatize™ Your Closet
If you have limited space and a portable catio is not an option, convert your closet into a cat sanctuary.
Anytime you take any ordinary item or object and endow it in a feline-friendly environment, you have catatized™ it!
Closets are a cat’s best friend! When they want alone time, making it especially kitty cat-friendly will let your fur baby know how much you care. Remove all items from a closet shelf and line them with your kitty cat’s favorite blanket.
Make it nice and cozy, and warm by including a pet bed. The stress of all your company might make her want a nap. A cat nest can be a great way to feel safe and secure while dozing off into la la land.
Set up your feline’s cat hideout by putting your cat’s favorite snacks into a small cup she can scoop from easily.
Add a bowl of water and a few toys. She will know she has found an exclusive area just for her. This will help reduce the cat anxiety she might be feeling.
Pre-Visitor Attention Cat Time
Another way to reduce stress and anxiety in your cat is to give her lots of love and attention. Spend ample time with your feline before your guests arrive.
Even 5-10 minutes of playtime the day of your holiday event will take the edge off your cat and release some energy to help her sleep right through all the festivities.
Most kitties love to be groomed, so after playtime, an excellent long brushing will make her purr.
If playtime is not an option or she is a senior and not interested in playing as much as a younger cat, grooming is essential. It is a great way to show her how much you care and adore her.
Summary of Purrs
Preparation and thoughtfulness about your pet’s well-being around the holidays or parties can pay off substantially.
Not only will your cat be happier, your home will have a less stressed vibe. You will know you have done your part to make your guests and all your family members comfortable and loved.
This post is all about how to make a cat hideout for your feline.
