The Holidays with Cats
When the holidays are coming, and for many of us, that means hosting family and friends. But if you’re reading this, chances are… you have cats. Maybe even stinky cats. I have nine of them—yes, nine—and I know the struggle is real. Between litter boxes, fur tumbleweeds, and the occasional “accident,” keeping a cat-friendly home guest-ready takes work.
I’m a foster, a foster failure, and a full-time cat mom to a house full of lovable misfits. Between seven litter boxes, one “pisser,” and enough fur to knit a spare cat every week, keeping my house guest-ready is a full-time job. But fear not, my fellow cat wranglers — I’ve developed a system that mostly works. Here’s how I survive the holidays without fumigating my guests.
Managing Odors🕯️
- Candles are your friend. Nothing says “welcome to my home” like covering Eau de Litterbox with “Pumpkin Spice Latte.”
- Air purifiers – I keep one on every floor. These bad boys eat odor like my cats eat treats. These purifiers with replacement filters make a huge difference. I change filters every 4 months and shake out dust as needed.
- Dehumidifiers – If you live in the Midwest, this is not optional. Humidity makes everything smell worse. I run one in the crawlspace and one in the laundry room— because apparently, cat pee thrives in a rainforest climate. I use this one. Often, it’s not your litter failing—it’s the humidity!
- Stainless steel litter boxes – Forget plastic. These don’t trap odor, and they clean up easy. I scrub mine every two weeks with dish soap and a toilet brush.
- Scented litter – I know everyone says not to, but for me, it works. Don’t fear the fragrance.
- Strategic litter box placement – Place boxes in strategic spots like bathrooms with fans. I had a fan and cat door installed in my laundry room to help contain smells. I even keep a litter box in the crawlspace for my “cat trolls.”
Managing Cat Hair 🐈
Cat hair is part of the package, but it’s manageable with the right tools and tricks.
- Find the right brush. Each cat has a preference—experiment until you find the one they love. Even my drooly, half-tongued cat Maxi enjoys brushing time now as it became our bonding ritual!
- Choose the right furniture fabrics. Leather, velvet, and microfiber are easiest to clean. Anything that can’t survive the washing machine? Dead to me.
- Invest in good tools. These are my favorites:
- Lint remover tool
- Pet hair vacuum attachment
- A little Static Guard helps with stubborn fur.
- Use small, washable blankets. Big blankets are for people who don’t live with chaos. Get small, waterproof throws that you can toss in the wash — bonus points if they match your couch – like these – and they protect your furniture in style.
5. Vacuum smart. Shark > Dyson. Trust me
The Dreaded Cat Pee🚫
Ah yes, the most humbling part of cat parenthood. Getting to the root cause takes time, therapy, and possibly a priest, but here’s how to survive while you figure it out:
- Cleaning supplies:
- Odoban
- Zeiff
- Bissell Green Machine – great for quick cleanups!
- Stick with quilts, not bulky comforters. They fit in the washer easily.
- Waterproof everything. Mattress covers, couch cushions, pillows—protect them all. Pro tip: cut up twin waterproof covers for odd sizes!
- Zip with strategy. If you have two zippers (1 waterproof cover and the actual cover) facing the same way, congratulations — you’ve built a pee chute. Flip one. You’re welcome.
- Keep things picked up. Hooks and closed closets are your best friends. Keep tempting items (like rugs and laundry) out of reach.
Final Thoughts💡
Outsmarting your cats isn’t cheap—or easy—but it’s doable. Over time, I’ve replaced surfaces, furniture, and décor with pet-friendly options. If you’re struggling, don’t be ashamed. We’ve all been there. With a little strategy, some patience, and a few air purifiers, you can host a holiday gathering without your house smelling….well, like cats! If it still does after all that, light a candle.
No affiliations here, we just share products we like and use, nothing is sponsored.
But if the spirit moves you, our wish list is always open and the kittens promise to spend every donation on snacks, comfort and chaos in equal measure. Two Furs Amazon Wish List