5. Keep an eye on the buffet. The holidays bring out the best in our kitchens, with potlucks, cookie exchanges and elaborate meals taking center stage at many gatherings. Such foods can prove tempting to your cat but rich foods can upset his stomach. Poultry bones, tinfoil and other food wraps, if ingested, could also cause intestinal blockages. Cats sometimes eat items that are unable to pass through their gastrointestinal tracts, says Elaine Wexler-Mitchell, DVM, in her book, Ask the Vet About Cats. A cat who eats any one of these objects may vomit or the object will either pass or cause an obstruction depending on its size and shape, she explains.

Tell your guests not to share food with your cat, and make sure you quickly clean up unattended plates. If you suspect your cat has eaten something harmful, consult your veterinarian or poison control, Wexler-Mitchell says.

6. Try to stick to a routine. Though a party is certainly a change in your cat's normal schedule, try to maintain a sense of normalcy. Feed your pet at the same time, scoop his litterbox as you normally would and give him a little extra attention.

By recognizing your cat's need for routine during the hectic holidays, you'll both take pleasure in the festivities that mark the season. A few simple preparations will make parties and entertaining more enjoyable for you both.

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