-- Cats and the Holiday --
Just type cats and Christmas in a browser , and you might find the story of the Icelandic Yule , or Christmas Cat . A ferocious beast , this monster attacks people without “ new wool clothes for the season .” According to various accounts , the cat either eats the old clothes , the extra food given to poor people with no new clothes , or even the people themselves . First appearance of this creature is in writings from the 1830s , without any documentation , and then is mentioned for 150 + years , until the online edition of The Reykjavík Grapevine made the stories about the fabled cat ( translated from Icelandic ) available worldwide . In 2023 , there was even a movie about this Christmas spirit - the English title is “ Krampuss ,” blending Germanic and Icelandic terrors into one word .
Hector might be just a little Icelandic . No , he ’ s not the size of a lion , nor is he a threat to your life . But he does love to chew fabric , particularly zippers . For the chewing instinct to kick in , the zippers need to be on a person holding him . It ’ s air biscuits and zipper chewing , and it ’ s not allowed . Bad for clothes and Hector ’ s teeth , though he has tried to do it , even as a tiny kitten .
The most common terror that cats provide at this time of the year is , of course , their reaction to Christmas trees . People erect a climbing pole of either wood or metal , complete with branches to explore and lie in . Then they hang fragile ornaments all over it , and expect a glittering cat gym to be ignored . Almost everyone who has had multiple cats in their lives has a Christmas tree story . Years ago , a large cat of mine toppled a tree that I thought was secured against a corner wall . Please , secure those trees and be aware of how attractive they are to our feline friends .
Speaking of those tree decorations , cats love tinsel . Many eat it . The result can be an expensive vet visit , and some cats die from the obstruction in their digestive system . For that reason , tinsel and garlands made from it are banned in my house .
There is so much about this time of year that cats love … warmth , cozy blankets , people curled up , soft , twinkling lights . What most cats don ’ t like is crowds , noise , and disruption in their routines . Part of our celebrations can frighten them a bit - or a lot ! Hector and Jasper work at a shop and meet strangers every week . But too many , or too much commotion and they need a safe place to retreat if overwhelmed . Luckily for them , that is always available , and they know where to go . When entertaining at your house , either secure your cats in a safe place with the comforts they need or make certain that they have an “ escape ” from the party and all its stimulations .
Merry Christmas ! Happy Hannukah ! Blessed Yule ! No matter how you mark the shortest days of the year , Hector , Jasper , and I wish that your celebration is filled with light , laughter , love , and all the season offers .
- by Linda Roller , Bookseller , Writer , & Owner of Liberty Book Shop in beautiful downtown Avis , PA .
LIBERTY BOOK SHOP Linda Roller
Hours : Thursday & Friday 10-6 , Saturday 10-3 , or by appt .
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Pawsitively Pets -- December 5