Is it just us, or does the holiday season arrive earlier every year?

Between decorating, traveling, hosting guests, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to postpone your cat’s veterinary care. But for cats—who thrive on routine and quiet—the holidays can be especially disruptive, making proactive care and preparations essential for a safe and healthy season.

Here are five important ways to update your cat’s veterinary care now, so your festivities will be calm and bright rather than scary and stressful.

#1: Address existing health concerns before they get worse

What seems like a small concern now, such as a mild cough or a change in litter box habits, can become a big problem by the new year.

Outcomes of postponing your cat’s care include:

• Greater discomfort for your cat
• Urgent care visits for after-hours attention
• Medical emergencies requiring life-saving care

Health can’t be rescheduled. Addressing concerns early helps ensure better outcomes, less stress, and a happier holiday for you and your cat.

#2: Prepare for holiday grooming, boarding, and travel

Whether your cat is enjoying a stay-cation at a pet resort, traveling with you, or receiving a pre-holiday pampering, many feline-friendly services require up-to-date vaccinations and veterinary care.

Depending on your plans and needs, this may include:

• Proof of current vaccinations, including rabies
• Microchip identification
• Recent veterinary exam or health certificate
• Negative intestinal parasite screening (fecal test)
• Flea and tick preventives

Reach out to boarding or grooming facilities, airlines, hotels, and other accommodations early to confirm their requirements. If you’re unsure what your cat needs, The Cat Doctors team is happy to help you prepare.

#3: Have your cat microchipped or check the chip’s function 

The holidays are one of the most common times cats go missing. In the rush of festivities, doors open more often, guests come and go, and indoor cats may slip out unnoticed.

Microchipping provides permanent identification for your cat. If your cat escapes through an open door, they are more likely to be safely returned if they are microchipped. This simple, affordable procedure can be quickly performed during any appointment. 

If your cat is already microchipped, it’s a good idea to have the chip scanned for proper function and location. Finally, ensure the chip is registered, and your contact information is up to date in the manufacturer’s database. Not sure how to do this? Contact us!

#4: Create a holiday stress plan for your cat

Cats are sensitive to change, and the holidays bring plenty of it, such as visitors, noise, decorations, schedule changes, and unfamiliar smells. This can trigger stress, which leads to concerning changes such as:

• Hiding or aggression
• Litter box issues
• Decreased appetite
• Overgrooming or urinary problems

If your cat struggles with stress, talk to The Cat Doctors about creating a personalized holiday stress plan. This may include:

• Prescribing anti-anxiety medications or calming supplements
• Setting up a quiet, safe retreat space where your cat can get away
• Instructing guests on cat etiquette (e.g., no chasing, no forced cuddles)
• Keeping your cat’s routine consistent

A little preparation now ensures a calmer, safer holiday for you and your cat. 

#5: Refill medications and stock up on supplies

At The Cat Doctors, we love being here for our patients and clients, but our veterinary teams also need time to celebrate with their families. Planning ahead ensures you have what you need and gives our veterinarians and team members time to recharge.

Add these tasks to your to-do list:

• Refill ongoing prescriptions or enroll in AutoShip via the online pharmacy
• Stock up on prescription diets, supplements, and preventives
• Call us to determine whether your cat needs an exam or testing to renew medications

Want to make things even easier? Our online pharmacy and home delivery options make it easy to get what your cat needs without last-minute stress or missed doses.

Celebrate the season with the gift of feline wellness

Don’t leave your cat’s health to the last minute, or until you have space on your calendar.  Updating your cat’s veterinary needs now helps ensure comfort, safety, and peace of mind—and helps you both enjoy a holiday season filled with wonderful memories, not stress or fear.

Visiting Tampa Bay for the holidays? You and your cat are always welcome here—let us know how we can help you feel at home.

Easily request an appointment online or contact The Cat Doctors team for more information.