Why Cats Make the Best Thanksgiving Companions

Cat at Thanksgiving celebration

When we think of Thanksgiving, we picture good food, warm homes, and moments of gratitude shared with the ones we love. But here at the sanctuary, we believe there’s one special companion who makes the holiday even more meaningful: cats. Whether you’re hosting a house full of guests or spending the day curled up with quiet company, cats have a magical way of making Thanksgiving feel complete.

Here’s why cats truly are the best Thanksgiving companions.

🐾 1. They Bring a Sense of Calm to a Busy Holiday

Thanksgiving can be noisy—clattering dishes, laughter, kids running around. Cats remind us to slow down. Their gentle purrs and relaxed presence offer a peaceful counterbalance to the holiday bustle. There’s nothing like sneaking away from the noise to spend five minutes petting a cat who’s stretched out in a warm sunbeam.

🍁 2. They’re the Ultimate Cozy Ambassadors

Between the cooler weather and the cozy atmosphere of the season, cats fit right in. A curled-up cat on your lap, the couch, or even the dinner table chair you just got up from (classic) makes your home feel warmer and more inviting. They bring a quiet comfort that no scented candle can match.

🧡 3. They Teach Us the True Meaning of Gratitude

If you’ve ever rescued or fostered a cat, you know: they remember kindness. The trust they offer—whether instantly or slowly—is a beautiful reminder of what Thanksgiving is all about. Many of the cats at our sanctuary came from uncertain beginnings, yet they show us daily how resilient, loving, and appreciative they are of a safe place to call home.

Their gratitude is subtle, but unmistakable: the soft head bump, the gentle paw tap, the choice to curl up right beside you.

🥧 4. They Help Keep the Food in Check

Cats have an uncanny ability to monitor what you're doing in the kitchen… closely. While you’re prepping vegetables or mixing pie filling, there’s likely a pair of curious eyes watching every move. Their presence reminds us to stay mindful—and to double-check that we didn’t leave the turkey unattended.

(And yes, we always remind guests: no turkey bones, onions, garlic, or seasoned foods for kitty!)

🛋️ 5. They’re Great with Guests—on Their Own Terms

Some cats love visitors and become the life of the party, weaving between legs and claiming laps. Others prefer to hang out in a quiet room, waiting for the festivities to wind down before reappearing like furry little introverts. Either way, they help set the tone for the day: be yourself, go at your own pace, and find joy in the moments that feel right.

🐱 6. They Turn Ordinary Moments Into Memories

A cat batting at a loose napkin corner…A foster kitten climbing into a guest’s purse…A long-time sanctuary resident finding a warm blanket to settle into…

These tiny moments become the stories we remember long after the leftovers are gone. Cats have a talent for making simple things feel special.

🧶 7. They Bring Us Together

Cats are conversation starters, mood-lifters, and instant ice-breakers. Family members who don’t always agree on everything can still bond over a playful kitten or the regal stroll of an older cat. Here at the sanctuary, some of our most meaningful connections—with visitors, volunteers, and new adopters—begin with one shared experience: the love of a cat.

🧡 This Thanksgiving, Consider Making a Difference

As we gather with loved ones, we encourage you to keep the cats in our sanctuary—and all rescues—in your hearts. Whether through fostering, adopting, volunteering, or donating, you can help a cat find the warmth and safety they deserve this holiday season.

Because truly, Thanksgiving is better with cats. Warm purrs, full hearts, and a reminder of what matters most.