It’s the holiday season, so you’re probably ready to watch fireworks. But wait, what about your furry friend? Cats and fireworks don’t mix usually well together. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to have a plan to keep your cat calm and safe during the fireworks. Even though your cat might not enjoy the event, you can help him feel less stressed.
Cats and Fireworks: 6 Practical Tips for Keeping Your Feline Friend Safe and Calm
Fireworks and cats don’t have to be a cat-astophe. Folowing these 6 practical you can help your feline friend feel more relaxed and secure during the big night.
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Cats have super sensitive hearing – they can hear sounds three times higher than humans. That’s why the loud booms and bright lights can send them into a frenzy, causing them to bolt in fear and potentially get lost.
Keeping your cat safe and calm during fireworks displays is possible with these six practical tips:
1. Create a save place for your furry friend, where he can hide
Cats feel more secure and less anxious when they have a place to hide, especially during fireworks. Enclosed cat beds, cat caves, and even old cardboard boxes are all effective options for creating a cozy and secure hiding place for your furry friend.
It’s important to place them in a quiet and familiar room, ideally where your cat feels comfortable and safe. Leave a towel or small blanket along with some of your cat’s favorite toys and treats near the place where he hides, such as under a chair or in a closet.
Remember not to force your cat to be with you during stressful situations – it’s best to leave him alone until he feels comfortable enough to come out on his own.
2. Keep your cat indoors
Keep your feline friend indoors during fireworks displays to ensure his safety. Make sure all doors, windows, and cat flaps are properly closed, and provide him with access to all his favorite safe spots in the house. Avoid confining your kitty to a small or enclosed space – this can lead to panic behavior and even injury.
3. Close the curtains
The sudden light flashes can be stressful for your cat. But there’s a simple solution: cover the windows and draw the curtains! This can help him feel calmer. Your kitty will thank you for it!
4. Turn on the radio or TV
One small but effective step you can take is turning on the radio or TV. Your cat will be more relaxed if you mask the loud and unfamiliar sounds of fireworks with something familiar. But be careful not to overdo it – too much additional noise can be just as unsettling for him. Choose soothing music and keep the volume at a comfortable level.
5. Play active games with your cat beforehand
A happy kitty is a tired kitty, and with the right activities, it may even sleep soundly through the fireworks. It is a good idea to engage your feline friend in stimulating activities like chasing a laser pointer and playing fetch to keep them active and on the move.
6. Use cat pheromones
Pheromones are important for cats’ communication and daily life. Released from glands around their body, they allow cats to interact with their environment and other animals. Our feline friends use pheromones to mark people, objects, and pets as safe. As a result, they feel safe and reassured. They also help them detect potential dangers.
Cats leave their pheromones message, while they are:
- rubbing their head and bodies on different objects around the house;
- scratching at the furniture, the carpet, or the cat tree;
- bumping heads with you or other cats;
- kneading with his paws;
- marking territory – inappropriate elimination and marking territory are two different things.
If a cat urinates or defecates on horizontal surfaces with only large amounts of urine, while he is squatting, it is inappropriate elimination or house soiling.
Cats who urinate vertically are usually marking or spraying and this is a sign of stress. When marking, they back up, lift their tails, tread with their back feet, and spray urine. The urine’s odor during spraying is strong and contains additional communication chemicals.
Artificial versions of pheromones mimic the feline facial pheromone, which is responsible for conveying friendly and bonding messages. For example, they can help calm stressed or anxious cats during a visit to the vet or a car ride or reduce conflict between cats in a multi-cat household.
Read more: How to Cat-Proof the Christmas Tree
Here are some steps you can take in advance:
- Make sure your cat is chipped with up-to-date details. If he is not microchipped, check that he is wearing a collar and tag with your contact details.
- Research the dates and times when you can expect to hear fireworks near your house and bring your cat indoors early in the afternoon if he likes to go outside.
- If your cat is extremely fearful, talk to your veterinarian sooner rather than later. He may be able to prescribe medication to calm and lightly sedate your cat.
- Counter-conditioning and desensitization are effective training techniques for helping cats to cope with scary events. Play a recording of fireworks at a low volume and reward your cat with treats. Increase the volume gradually while continuing to give treats. Never punish your cat, and lower the volume if they show signs of fear.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let cats and fireworks become your nightmare! With these 6 practical tips, you’ll be able to keep your kitty safe and calm during the big night. So get ready for a safe and stress-free celebration!
