Use Cat - I - Tude for Surviving This Holiday Season

Uh oh , the holidays are now upon us and with them comes all those stress inducers that give us angst and nightmares. What to do? How to handle them? The answer lies in the cat. No, this is not some Zen philosophy given by a sage who will call you "grasshopper" but by studying how cats got to be so cool. Look to them for inspiration and you'll feel happy as a kitten with a ball of yarn.

To be honest cats know how to handle life in general. The only time they become freaked out is that little visit to the v - e - t . Well anyone would after being dumped into a cage, then being taken to a place where a thermometer is stuck intoa place where the sun doesn't shine. Most of the time felines are like Jack Nicholson - coolly aware of their surroundings with just the right amount of "don't mess with me" attitude. They also know how to enjoy the simple things in life - nothing elaborate for them here.This season follow these tomcat tips for a less stressful holiday.

Give yourself some play time - My male cats Puff and Panther love a good hour where they just live in the moment and play. I do the same too when I want to escape chores or deadlines. Remember play time could mean anything that creates an escape. Find your favorite getaway and go there. An hour walking in the park, mountains or on the beach helps clear your mind and any problems lurking there. The fresh air is good for you too as are the nature sounds. If you don't have any of these nearby, an evening walk in your neighborhood to look at holiday lights does the trick as well. Also any kind of knitting or crocheting is relaxing as is embroidering . Reading is another good use of "play time" as well as crossword or sudoku solving. Online games help you too. You can relax in your favorite game, associating with other gamesters and just having fun.

Stick to your diet - No, not your post holiday one but the one where you eat your regular every day foods. Again my Panther sticks with his diet of dry cat food and water day after day without incident. On the other hand my two females, Sparkey and Shelby veer off (especially Sparkey) and get sick. All those extra goodies, like cheese and fresh cut meat are not good for them and it results in gassy, unhappy cats. Follow Panther's tao of eating these next few weeks and you'll be fine. Don't gorge on all that caviar or almond studded brie at parties. Your system isn't used to it. The same goes for all those fruitcake and raspberry kringle slices at your cousin's tree trimming party. Yes everything looks yummy and tasty but if it's not part of your diet , steer clear of it. It makes for less heartburn or stomach cramps at 3AM the following morning. If you want all that rich stuff , just take small nibbles of it. The same applies to alcohol. Have a sip, then instantly switch to the more refreshing club soda with a twist of lemon.

Close contact with those you enjoy- My Puff seems to love sitting with us, away from the other cats who sometimes bully him. He looks happier away from those who give him stress. Keep this philosophy in mind during the holiday season. If your boss is having his grump on stay away and only answer to him if need be. If your family is too needy and too demanding have a night away from them to go out with friends. A get together with your posse is a great way of dealing with holiday stress. Go to a movie together or book a day at the spa or salon. You can make each other laugh, dish the dirt and just enjoy time with everyone. The same applies to your coworkers. Stick with those you truly enjoy. Don't let the office Scrooge dampen your spirit.

Cop a cat-i-tude . Shelby my British short hair, and the aristocrat of the group, is every inch the lady of the manor. Why? Because she has cat-i- tude. She knows how to keep the other cats from annoying her. A spit or a glare tells them to back off and keep out of her space. This is the attitude to have when dealing with relatives who ask those classic holiday questions, "How much are you making?" or "When are you finally going to get married, dear?" A commanding "It's none of your business." or even just a good stare down will make these losers slink away. This also works at any holiday office party when asked "How many drinks will it take to make you flash your headlights?" or "How did you get a promotion when I didn't?' A firm reply and/or good dirty look will get you through any encounter with boobs who ask stupid and mean questions.

Cop a "cat -I-tude " this holiday season and you'll get through it with purrs. Just do what any feline would do. You'll avoid any cat-astrophes that will stress you out during this fun and joyous time.