Furry Friday: Cats at Christmas

You can tell how much Ozzie loves the hat and the posing. But his momentary inconvenience was worth it for the photo.
You can tell how much Ozzie loves the hat and the posing. But his momentary inconvenience was worth it for the photo.

Is Christmas just another day (or 12 days, or eight solid weeks) for cats? Do they know it's Christmas time at all? I like to think they do.

In many homes, the runup to Christmas means a buzz of urgency, the installation (often) of new decorative and devotional items, and the importation of vast stores of food. All three changes will pique a cat's interest and send it a message that this time of the year is somehow different. Cat must notice the recreational opportunities created by having an indoor tree arrayed with baubles, and by tinsel and gift wrap that crackles so irresistibly. 

Whether or not cats notice anything really different about Christmas, they're certainly always part of our holiday celebrations. Today, I've chosen some great photos from readers of their cats marking the season in their own way. Scroll and enjoy!

Thanks to all for sharing pictures. Please email me your own pet photos, or go to the Four Legs Good Facebook page and use the Upload Photo button. Help keep Furry Friday free of embarrassing mistakes by remembering to include your pet's name, and its sex if it's not obvious! Follow the sometimes daily photos of #connorandphoebe on Instagram, and Nick's tiny house blog.

When I was a boy, we always left a drink and a piece of cake out for Santa on Christmas Eve. If Kiwi (left), Gandalf or Sophie were the chimney-visitor, we'd have to leave sliced turkey and a tinselled litter tray.
When I was a boy, we always left a drink and a piece of cake out for Santa on Christmas Eve. If Kiwi (left), Gandalf or Sophie were the chimney-visitor, we'd have to leave sliced turkey and a tinselled litter tray.
Going by the small number of photos I see of cats in Christmas clip-ons, it seems cats seldom sit still for that indignity, leaving it for the dogs. But HC (left) and Harry cooperated long enough for these photos, for which I trust they got a treat.
Going by the small number of photos I see of cats in Christmas clip-ons, it seems cats seldom sit still for that indignity, leaving it for the dogs. But HC (left) and Harry cooperated long enough for these photos, for which I trust they got a treat.
If there's a cat in the house, you'd better anchor your tree securely. Franklin is using his as an observation deck.
If there's a cat in the house, you'd better anchor your tree securely. Franklin is using his as an observation deck.
So shiny ... so wobbly ... must swipe. Moonstone can't resist a bauble.
So shiny ... so wobbly ... must swipe. Moonstone can't resist a bauble.
Here's Neville (left) as a kitten on his first Christmas and then as a supposedly sensible grown-up, still mesmerised by those hanging things.
Here's Neville (left) as a kitten on his first Christmas and then as a supposedly sensible grown-up, still mesmerised by those hanging things.
Issie wasn't meant to be in the tree, but you must admit she's at least as pretty as any ornament. Formerly a hoarder's pet, Issie now lives in a safe home
Issie wasn't meant to be in the tree, but you must admit she's at least as pretty as any ornament. Formerly a hoarder's pet, Issie now lives in a safe home
Bennie's about to go for gold. And hello there, Bennie's reflected photographer!
Bennie's about to go for gold. And hello there, Bennie's reflected photographer!
Dwarfed by a bauble: Nikau's first Christmas, 10 years ago.
Dwarfed by a bauble: Nikau's first Christmas, 10 years ago.
If they're not in the tree, they're tucked under it. This is the illuminated Coco.
If they're not in the tree, they're tucked under it. This is the illuminated Coco.
Purple is the colour of curiosity for Bosley.
Purple is the colour of curiosity for Bosley.
Chester seems angry at the tinsel - or the person who put it on him.
Chester seems angry at the tinsel - or the person who put it on him.
Merry Cuteness: Millie (left) and Poppy are ridiculously beautiful.
Merry Cuteness: Millie (left) and Poppy are ridiculously beautiful.
Every new thing in Murphy's house must be Murphy-tested.
Every new thing in Murphy's house must be Murphy-tested.
Another one experiencing Christmas for the first time is Gypsy.
Another one experiencing Christmas for the first time is Gypsy.
Leo is the life of the Christmas party.
Leo is the life of the Christmas party.
Cleo found the tinsel, gave it a good playing with, then conked out.
Cleo found the tinsel, gave it a good playing with, then conked out.
Those lights - so hypnotic. Murphy may be gathering energy for an attack.
Those lights - so hypnotic. Murphy may be gathering energy for an attack.
Betty would like to remind you that if you mean to send cards, you'd better get on to it.
Betty would like to remind you that if you mean to send cards, you'd better get on to it.
Toko (left) and Cookie seem worn out it all. Know how they feel?
Toko (left) and Cookie seem worn out it all. Know how they feel?
Guarding the tree, or possibly waiting for the presents, are Carter (left) and Aurora.
Guarding the tree, or possibly waiting for the presents, are Carter (left) and Aurora.
The tree's not up - it's not even out of the box. But George (left) takes charge. Meanwhile, Mishka would like to plead innocence till proven guilty.
The tree's not up - it's not even out of the box. But George (left) takes charge. Meanwhile, Mishka would like to plead innocence till proven guilty.
As gorgeous as the tree: Kitkat (left) and Sebastian.
As gorgeous as the tree: Kitkat (left) and Sebastian.
Here's cover-cat Ozzie again, hatless, giving the tree its due scrutiny.
Here's cover-cat Ozzie again, hatless, giving the tree its due scrutiny.
Finally, the magnificent Rocky gazes into this shiny addition to the living room. He seems to approve.
Finally, the magnificent Rocky gazes into this shiny addition to the living room. He seems to approve.

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