Funny Feline Festive Fun Facts

Festive Felines: Christmas Fun Facts About Cats

‘Tis the season to be… curious! While dogs might eagerly tear into Christmas presents and wear holiday sweaters with enthusiasm, cats have their own special relationship with the holiday season.

Here’s a delightful collection of Christmas-related cat facts that will make you see your feline friend in a whole new festive light.

The Christmas Tree Challenge

Every cat owner knows the eternal struggle: keeping curious cats away from the Christmas tree. But did you know this behavior has deep roots in your cat’s natural instincts? The vertical structure reminds them of natural climbing opportunities in the wild, while the dangling ornaments trigger their hunting instincts. Some cats are even attracted to the tree’s pine scent, which contains chemicals similar to those found in catnip!

Tinsel: A Historical Hazard

Speaking of Christmas decorations, tinsel was originally made from real silver in the 1600s. While beautiful, it tarnished easily. Today’s plastic tinsel poses its own risks to cats, which is why many veterinarians recommend pet owners skip this decoration altogether. Cats are drawn to its shiny, string-like nature – a throwback to their instinct to chase prey.

The Legend of the Tabby’s ‘M’

According to a charming Christmas legend, a tabby cat purred Jesus to sleep in the manger on the first Christmas night. As a reward, Mary marked the cat’s forehead with an ‘M.’ While this is folklore, the distinctive ‘M’ marking on tabby cats’ foreheads is actually caused by their unique genetic pattern – but it makes for a wonderful holiday tale!

Gift-Wrapping Assistants

Ever notice how cats seem magnetically drawn to gift-wrapping sessions? There’s a scientific explanation: the crinkling sound of paper triggers their prey drive, as it mimics the sound of small animals moving through leaves or grass. Plus, empty boxes and loose ribbon provide an irresistible playground – though keep a close eye on ribbon around pets!

Nordic Countries’ Cat-mas Traditions

In Norse mythology, the goddess Freya’s chariot was pulled by two giant cats. This led to a tradition in some Nordic countries where farmers would leave out a bowl of milk for cats on Christmas Eve to ensure good luck and a bountiful harvest. Today, some still continue this tradition, though veterinarians remind us that most adult cats are actually lactose intolerant!

The Christmas Cat of Iceland

Iceland has a particularly interesting Christmas cat tradition: the Jólakötturinn, or Yule Cat. According to folklore, this enormous black cat prowls the snowy countryside on Christmas Eve. However, unlike our cozy house cats, this mythical feline isn’t seeking treats or toys – tradition says it would eat anyone who didn’t receive new clothes for Christmas! This tale was used to encourage workers to finish processing wool before the holiday season.

Modern Cat Christmas Celebrations

Today’s cats are often included in holiday celebrations, with pet parents buying them special advent calendars filled with treats, catnip-filled toys shaped like Christmas symbols, and even tiny Santa hats (though most cats prefer to go without). Some shelters even run special “Home for the Holidays” adoption events, helping cats find their forever homes during the festive season.

Remember, while these holiday traditions and facts are fun, always prioritize your cat’s safety during the festive season. Keep toxic holiday plants like poinsettias out of reach, secure the Christmas tree, and ensure your cat has a quiet retreat away from holiday chaos when needed.

After all, what’s Christmas without our furry friends making it just a little more interesting – and a lot more cozy?

And how about a new version of the classic song?

Santa Baby (Odin & Otto Edition)

[Verse 1]
Santa baby, slip a deluxe cat tower under the tree
For me
Been your mystical muse all year
Santa baby, so hurry through the window tonight
(Psst… Otto’s tested all entries, chimney’s a hard pass)

[Verse 2]
Santa baby, a meditation cushion would be nice
With spice
Odin needs his zen device
Santa baby, so hurry through the window tonight
(Otto’s done extensive research on optimal entry points)

[Chorus]
Think of all the mice I spared
Think of all the wisdom shared
Next year I’ll be twice as wise
If you check off my surprise

[Verse 3]
Santa baby, a crystal ball for Odin’s sight
Glows bright
He’ll read your fortune with delight
Santa baby, so hurry through the window tonight
(Odin’s third eye says chimneys bring bad karma)

[Verse 4]
Santa honey, some toys for Otto’s testing spree
You’ll see
He rates them all from one to three
Santa baby, so hurry through the window tonight
(Window access: five paws up!)

[Bridge]
Come and join our mystic night
Otto’s got the specs just right
Odin’s channel inner peace
While I plot treat release

[Outro]
Santa baby, one last thing before you go
Don’t you know
Otto needs his cosmic bow
Santa baby, so hurry through the window tonight
Hurry through the window tonight
(P.S. Odin foresaw your arrival – definitely use the window)

[Post-Script]
Approved by Odin’s mystic council
Tested thoroughly by Otto’s quality control
No whiskers were harmed in the making of this song
(Though Otto’s still calculating the risk assessment)

And there is nothing funny about holiday season mishaps and cats. Please check out our definitive cats and safety guides.

For Happy Cats And A Happy Holiday Season: Think Like A Cat

Whatever holiday you may be celebrating, may it be a little more joyous simply by having your feline friends around.

This was our snail mail card this year that didn’t get mailed out in time. I can’t blame Odin and Otto. I got a fabulous hooded Santa coat which neither cat refused to go near. Oh, well c’est la vie with cats and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

xo,

Layla, Odin, Otto and the Angel cats