Using an advent calendar to count the days until Christmas is a popular holiday pastime. Now, your cat can get in on it too! While there are plenty of treat-filled calendars you can buy, it’s also fun to make your own.
Research and gather supplies
Start by browsing advent calendar ideas on the web. Some sites offer printable templates you can cut and paste together with paper, scissors, and glue. While these templates aren’t meant for cats, per se, you can easily adapt them by replace human treats with cat treats. If you’re really crafty, try this one. It shows you how to make a cute display using poster board, a hole punch, and tin cans!
Assemble your calendar
Go ahead and follow the instructions for whatever template you’ve decided on. Set aside plenty of time. If you’re less on the crafty side or realize that you don’t have enough time for a more elaborate display, no worries! You can always buy store-bought envelopes, like in this tutorial, and personalize them with stickers and markers.
Pick out treats
Once you’ve laid out the basic template and put it together, select some goodies you want to put in your calendar. Feel free to shake things up and create a nice variety. How about some cat nip sealed in a little baggie? Or some smaller-sized cat toys like toy mice or tiny toy balls? Freeze dried single-protein treats also make for a tasty surprise.
Hang and enjoy
Once you’ve’ filled your calendar with treats, it’s time to hang. Place it some place your cat can’t easily reach, or else they will and spoil the surprise! When it’s displayed, commence the countdown!
Does your cat have special treats for when you’re out of town? Be sure to show your cat sitter! Our sitters make sure to keep your cat feeling loved and appreciated wile you’re gone. Book an appointment today!
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Candace Elise Hoes is a pet sitter and blogger at Katie’s Kitty. She is a graduate of the MFA Writing Program at California College of the Arts.