Christmas is almost here, and while this year the holidays are bound to feel different, here’s what hasn’t changed: you still get to spend plenty of quality time with your cat. Why not make it a holiday season to remember? If you’re wondering what to get your cat for Christmas, we’ve got you covered.

This gift is a classic. Scratching posts are great for feline health and well-being. Cats have a need to scratch, but what’s interesting is they’re only attracted to specific types of surfaces (if they don’t have a designated item to scratch, they’re likely to turn to your favourite couch). That’s why a scratching post makes such a great gift. Your cat will love it and all your home furnishings will be safe!

There are plenty of cat toys on the market and they definitely make for a fun, creative gift. Consider an interactive cat toy! These toys provide mental and physical stimulation, and your cat will love them.

It’s a well-known fact that cats love to sleep. This Christmas, you could get your cat the present of their dreams: a bed for their comfiest sleep yet.

When it comes to picking the right bed, there are many great options to choose from. We suggest getting one that’s made from quality, natural materials. You may also want to go for a bed that would be easy to take care of and simple to wash.

Your cat will love this gift. With new, comfortable sleeping quarters, they’ll definitely be looking forward to a special holiday snooze.

Cat trees and cat condos make wonderful presents. They give your feline the personal space they crave while providing plenty of entertainment and exercise. Cat trees and condos also double as an extra-large scratching post and may even keep behavioural issues and anxiety at bay. Your cat will love spending time in their new tree; just don’t be surprised if they spend hours watching you from the top perch.

Sometimes the best gift you can give is food! Cats go crazy for treats, so they’re bound to be grateful for this special festive present. Just remember to pamper your cat in moderation: offer treats no more than two or three times a week. Bon appetit!

Looking for a good, functional gift? How about an automatic cat feeder? An automatic cat feeder can dispense portions of food that are just right at pre-set times. It can be super helpful if you need to leave your cat home alone for a few days.

> Can I leave my cat alone?  

Looking for another great functional present? A cat water fountain will automatically dispense fresh water (also great for those times when you’re away from home).

If you really want to spoil your cat (not just once, but indefinitely, on a monthly basis), sign them up for a monthly cat subscription box! Your cat will get fun toys and yummy treats shipped to your (their) doorstep each month. What a delight.

Have you heard about cat-proof fence kits? These kits include a spinning paddle system for DIY installation, keeping your cat safe and contained. In a nutshell, you can cat-proof your yard. This may sound like a gift for you, but if it means more outdoor playtime, your cat will be thrilled!

If a present is not in your budget this year, not to worry. At the end of the day, your cat is grateful for your ongoing love, care and support. If you’re together for the holidays, that’s all that really matters. We suggest whipping up a fancy Christmas dinner for two and enjoying that feeling of holiday coziness.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our team here at Oscillot® !

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As you get ready to leave, you may be wondering how your cat will actually feel when you go. Will they notice that you’re gone? Is it possible they will feel sad, or lonely?

As a society, we tend to see cats as independent, self-sufficient and aloof. The truth is, cats seem to actually enjoy our company, can get lonely or bored when left alone and can even experience separation anxiety. If, when you’re home, you notice that your cat often meows to get more of your attention, this could mean they are on the anxious side.

Scientifically speaking, it seems there are no conclusive studies on how exactly our feline friends experience loneliness and no one approved answer to our question. Vets and cat behaviour experts tend to recommend a safe period of no longer than 24 hours (after 24 hours, someone should check in on them, they suggest).

The answer many bloggers tend to agree on is 24-48 hours.

One reason for this short time period? There’s always the possibility your cat could experience a sudden illness while you’re away. Of course, if you need to leave for longer, there are other options to consider for your companion’s care, like friends and family who could visit, or professional cat sitters.

At the end of the day, all cats are different, and it’s important to remember that. Like us humans, they have different temperaments and needs. So, the answer to “how long can I leave my cat alone” does depend on individual factors. If you feel that being home alone is too stressful for your cat, you are probably right (a cat sitter could be a great solution).

If you have a kitten, the guidelines are different: we suggest checking in with your vet or another expert to be safe. Senior cats may also need extra care, especially if they have a medical condition, in which case you may really want to consider leaving them with a friend, family member or sitter.

Once you decide on leaving your cat home alone, there are a few things you can do to make their time without you comfortable.

- Leave lots of water

This one is important. A cat water fountain is a great idea as it will provide plenty of water (and prevent it from getting stale).

- And food, of course!

An automatic cat feeder can help dispense portions of food that are just right, while also keeping up a routine (very important for cats).

- Safety first

When you go away, be sure you are leaving your cat in a safe environment, with sufficient space. Check to ensure there are no wires or cables they could get tangled in, or sharp items left around the house. If you do decide to leave a kitten alone for a set number of hours, pay special attention to potential hazards.

An important step in cat-proofing your home is making sure your cat can’t escape when you’re away (particularly if they are a house cat). We would also like to note that while our Oscillot® cat-containment system is highly effective, it is not designed for scenarios where the owner is not home.

- Litter box tips

Cats tend to be very particular about having a clean litter box (and unfortunately if their box is not clean, they may go outside of it). One idea is to leave a few litter boxes, or invest in a self-cleaning litter box (yes, this is real invention).

- Will my cat get bored?

To be sure your cat doesn’t get bored without you, you can invest in a cat perch, safe cat toys, or a scratching post. Think about leaving the radio or TV on at a low volume when you go away. Who knows, your cat might even end up loving their alone time.

If you want to go the extra mile, cats are much less lonely with a friend around, so consider adopting a second cat!

- The right temperature

Leave your thermostat set to a comfortable temperature. If it’s summer, and hot out, be sure the AC is turned on.

- A few other options

Leaving your cat home alone is only one of many options. Other options include leaving your cat with a pet sitter or friend/family member, or at a cat hotel. Personally, we don’t recommend cat hotels or boarding facilities. Cats are very territorial and a stay at a hotel could end up being a highly stressful experience for them.

- A vacation with your cat?

Generally speaking, cats are happier and more comfortable in their own homes. If it’s the only solution, you can take your cat with you when you vacation (preferably when your destination is not far away). Check to make sure the hotel or cottage where you’re staying accepts pets and keep in mind that cats can get car sick when travelling. Airplanes are another story altogether.

- What if I miss my cat too much while I’m away?

Don’t worry, we promise you will see your cat soon. Knowing you have left them in a comfortable environment, or in great hands, should give you peace of mind. Enjoy your vacation or time away and don’t forget to buy your cat a savory souvenir to show you care.

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Yes! We’re so glad you asked. It seems there is a magic number: 12 months.

Experts agree that you should transition your kitten to adult food right around their first birthday. There is one exception: larger breed cats. Larger breed cats should be on a growth diet for longer: typically about 18 months – 2 years.

For all breeds, we recommend consulting a veterinarian for advice on the perfect time to transition to a new diet. We also recommend monitoring your cat’s weight and health as you make the change.

Yes, kittens and cats have very different nutritional needs.

In a nutshell, kittens need food to grow. They need extra protein and additional calories, which is why it’s important to feed them specially-formulated kitten food (yum!) Kittens also require extra amino acids, minerals and vitamins in their diet.

So, what happens if you continue to feed your adult cat kitten food? You likely end up with a larger, and more importantly, less healthy cat. This is especially true if your cat spends their time indoors and does not have the benefit of increased physical activity.

Read Indoor vs Outdoor - what is best for your cat? to learn about the risks and benefits of an outdoor environment.

Nutritionally speaking, there are actually three different life stages for cats. The kitten life stage, the adult stage and the senior stage. Some experts break these down further. For optimal health and happiness, it’s important to feed your feline friend the right food, at the right time.

When you’re out shopping for kitten (or cat) food, be sure you’re reading the labels properly. They will tell you whether the food is designed for kittens or mature cats.

Your cat is about to celebrate their first birthday (happy birthday to your cat!) You’re ready to make the switch and start them on an adult diet. We’re here to help.

Here’s the thing with cats: they need to learn how to digest their new food, gradually. This means change should never be instant (or you could end up dealing with a bad case of kitty vomiting/diarrhea). You’ve been warned.

Experts recommend transitioning from kitten to adult food over a 7-day period.

Here’s how:
- Days 1 and 2 – feed your cat 75% kitten food and 25% adult cat food (mix both together in one bowl)
- Days 3 and 4 – 50% kitten food. 50% adult food
- Days 5 and 6 – 25% kitten food; 75% adult food
- Day 7 – 100% adult food (transition complete) 

We hope that these tips helped and that you’ll feel comfortable making a safe and simple transition to cat food.

Most importantly, don’t forget to celebrate your cat’s first birthday once you’ve completed the switch! While we definitely don’t recommend birthday cake, cat treats are a safe and tasty alternative.

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