How to Prepare My Cat or Dog for House Guests

The Christmas season can be difficult for everyone, not just our pets! Mainly if they aren’t party pets. If you host guests, it’s essential to set your guests’ expectations and prepare your pets so that everyone is having a great time.

Preparation of the house

A few weeks before the time when your guests are due to arrive, create a space in your home where your pet will feel at ease. This will be your pet’s “safe space” when guests arrive. Before you begin your party, take your dog or cat and look around for modifications to the home (like decorations for the party or sleeper sofas pulled out to accommodate guests). Your pet will probably like to sniff around to discover what to be excited about.

Create a safe place that is pet-friendly

Clingy pets who suffer from anxiety when you leave home can also be overwhelmed by the influx of guests. The best way to deal with this is to figure out ways to keep your pet at ease and to be able to soothe your pet when guests arrive at your home.

The cats and dogs both require the security of a place where guests don’t notice them. Making your bedroom a no-go zone for party guests is possible to ensure your pet has a safe area for a comfortable hideaway. If your dog is anxious and doesn’t want to be around other people, put them in a secure, quiet place with a door shut. A laundry area or bathroom that guests do not use are great places to keep your pet safe.

Crates and baby gates can also be helpful to keep your pet from all the excitement. Because music can be calming and soothing, drowning out Aunt Gertrude’s roar with the sound of a relaxing soundtrack is a great idea. Playing with puzzle toys or KONGs are fantastic ways to entertain your pet! Even if there aren’t many guests, give your pet time to get used to the new guests in the house, mainly if they’ll stay for a night.

Every safe place should have your furry friend’s essentials:

Pee pads or litter boxes

Water and food

Treats

toys

a comfy bed

A few words for guests

Ask your guests to be attentive to your pet’s or pet’s body communication. This will let your guests discern if your pet wants attention or prefers to be left to their devices. This is particularly important in cases where cats and dogs show signs or signs of stress.

Don’t leave your children unsupervised with pets.

Tell your guests not to feed your cat, dog treats, or table scraps unless you have permission.

For smaller parties, offer every guest the chance to receive a pet treat when they arrive and demonstrate to the guests that your pet can do the trick to earn treats. This will allow your dog to connect guests to a good vibe and allow them to display their skills.