Happy Friday:

• ❄️ A Christmas Eve cat rescue

• ☃️ Tips for keeping your cat comfortable with visitors

• 🎄 How to freshen up your home for holiday guests

• 🇮🇸 The legend of Iceland’s Yule Cat

Did You Know?

Cats can be drawn to shiny wrapping paper because their eyes are sensitive to ______.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

On Christmas Eve 2023 in Iowa, a vet tech in Minnesota spotted a frail senior cat sitting in the middle of the road: cold, thin, and covered in ringworm. Shelter after shelter was closed for the holiday, until she reached Kristy Henning at Emmet County Animal Shelter. Kristy didn’t hesitate. She said yes.

When the cat arrived, now named Lazarus, he was terribly emaciated and battling both ringworm and a severe upper respiratory infection. The team gave him fluids, antibiotics, a B12 boost, and the shelter’s standard sulfur bath. Even in rough shape, he remained gentle, soaking up every bit of comfort offered.

Over the following weeks, Lazarus slowly transformed. His fur improved, his breathing steadied, and he discovered a deep love for quiet snuggles with the other cats. Now an older gentleman, he spends his days curled into “puddle cuddles,” happy to be warm, safe, and surrounded.

He may have arrived on a freezing roadside, but Lazarus walked straight into the life he deserved. A true Christmas Eve miracle.

Holiday gatherings can feel warm and festive to humans, but for cats, an unpredictable stream of voices, footsteps, and unfamiliar scents can be overwhelming. Even the friendliest cat can get stressed when the home suddenly feels busier than usual.

One of the best ways to keep your cat calm is to create a dedicated hideaway before guests arrive. This doesn’t need to be fancy. Just a quiet room or corner stocked with their bed, litter box, favorite toys, and something that smells like you. Think of it as their private winter cabin where no one knocks.

Once the celebrations begin, let your guests know that your cat’s space is off-limits. This keeps well-meaning hands from crowding a cat who simply needs a breather. Soft background noise, like gentle music or a white noise machine, can also help mask sudden bursts of laughter or doorbells.

By giving your cat a cozy escape and protecting their boundaries, you’ll help them stay relaxed and confident throughout the holiday rush. Even in the busiest season, every cat deserves a calm corner of their own.

Shopping for a cat lover who has everything? Surprise them with a gift that transforms their daily routine. Litter-Robot is the self-cleaning litter box that brings joy, convenience, and a little holiday magic to every cat household.

Designed to take the hassle out of litter duty, Litter-Robot automates the entire process, so cat parents can spend less time scooping and more time sipping cocoa by the tree.

Holiday-ready features include:

• Hands-free cleaning after every use, keeping the home fresh for guests and holiday gatherings

• Smart app alerts and activity tracking, perfect for monitoring kitty while traveling or hosting

• Quiet, steady performance, even in busy homes filled with festivities

• A sleek, modern look that fits right in with seasonal décor and everyday style

Over a million pet parents already rely on Litter-Robot to elevate their cat-care routine. This holiday season, give someone the gift of a cleaner home and more quality time with the pets they adore.

Give the gift of not scooping this year with up to $150 off select bundles!

Thank you to Whisker for sponsoring Daily Purr.

Iceland’s holiday season comes with a feline twist: the Yule Cat, a legendary giant cat said to prowl the countryside on Christmas night. Described as huge, fluffy, and glowing-eyed, it resembles an oversized Norwegian Forest cat. Basically, a winter-ready house panther with a flair for drama.

The tale goes that the Yule Cat peers into homes looking for one thing: new clothes, especially socks. Children who worked hard during the year traditionally received a fresh pair, which signaled the Cat to move along. Those who didn’t? Well, let’s just say the story was a very effective chore motivator.

Most historians believe the legend started as a way to encourage families to finish wool production before winter. Over time, parents used it to nudge kids toward helping out and appreciating the gift of something warm to wear.

Today, the Yule Cat is a beloved symbol of Icelandic Christmas. There are songs, decorations, and even a 16-foot statue in Reykjavík honoring this famously intimidating, yet oddly charming, holiday kitty.

From pure joy to first-snow magic, here’s what’s trending this week:

• 👶 Ragdoll cat sends a baby into the sweetest fit of giggles

• 🎄 This litter-box will keep your home smelling fresh all season long

• ❄️ Siberian cat sees snow for the first time — and his reaction is priceless

Litter duty adds up fast in cat homes, especially around the holidays. Litter-Robot’s self-cleaning design keeps things fresh without constant scooping, so cat parents can enjoy the season with a little less mess.

Save up to $150 on select bundles.

Daily Purr is brought to you with love from our cats. We hope they can brighten your day, just like they do ours. ❤️

Love,

Olive, Milo, and Yasmine.

🐱 Bite-Sized Treats

🧐 Did You Know: Cats can be drawn to shiny wrapping paper because their eyes are sensitive to reflective light.

😸 COTD: Give your kitty the spotlight by submitting them for Cat of the Day. Reply to this email with your best photos of your cat, their name, and a short description for the chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with your cat’s favorite holiday tradition for a surprise in your inbox!