Tailgating with Fluffy

Summer trips have come to an end and kids are gearing up for the beginning of school, which means one thing: football season! Much excitement brews as football training camp begins and news about your favorite team getting back into the game. During football season, people love spending Sunday hosting tailgating parties and watching the game with some of their most passionate friends and family. Parties mean your quiet home is filled with family, friends, small children, food, drink, and much more. As the game gears up, guests are yelling “Who Meow-Dat!” and “Touchdown!” Just like a good football team, you need to have a Game Plan when preparing your kitty for guests.

Come on Ref! Let ’em play. A good hour before your guests arrive, take time to prepare your kitty. A good start is playtime. Grab some toys like a laser pointer, feather toy, or wand toy, and spend about 10–15 minutes playing with your kitty. Toys that encourage the kitty’s natural hunting instinct are a great way to engage by getting the kitty to jump and stalk. Playtime helps kitty burn energy and work up an appetite.

Half time. After playtime, it’s time for a meal. About 45 minutes before guest arrival is a great time to serve kitty because it is natural for kitty to nap after playtime and a meal. Take note, you may need to adjust the kitty’s schedule based on kick-off. Once the kitty is finished eating, it will clean up and curl up for a nap. If the kitty will be disturbed by noisy guests, you will need to plan some quiet space.

Sideline. If your kitty tends to feel nervous when you have noisy guests, planning a home base where the kitty can feel safe is a good plan. Decide on a room or area of your home where your kitty can curl up, use the litter box, and have fresh water without the excitement. Some kitties enjoy the quiet and prefer to stay there until your guests leave. Other kitties like to be part of the excitement. After a nap, they want to come out and visit with your guests. Be sure you prepare your guests.

Huddle. Letting your guests know you have a kitty is a great way to help protect your kitty and prepare guests. Describe your kitty and let them know to be aware of the kitty when entering and exiting the house. Let guests know what doors should remain closed and how to handle the kitty (i.e. don’t pick up, or pet only the kitty’s head). Also, let guests know what kitty can eat and where kitty-safe treats are kept.

Monday-morning Quarterback. Guests are having a great time but kitty second-guesses the decision to be social. First, remain calm, relax, and enjoy yourself. Kitty will sense your mood and react. Also, use calming items like pheromone spray or calming treats. If the kitty can’t get comfortable simply bring the kitty to their quiet space until your guests leave. These steps will help you enjoy your guests and the game without stressing kitty.

Purr-fect Play. Having guests over for game time fun is always possible with cats. If you plan ahead and work with your kitty’s personality, you and the kitty will have a wonderful time. Geaux team!