Fireworks and cats... they just don't mix. At best,
you end up with a baffled cat sitting in the windowsill and wondering
what is going on. More likely, you'll have a cat hidden under the bed,
unwilling to surface for a good time to come, or a cat manically
running around the house looking for shelter far, far away from all
this noise.
New Year's Eve, Bonfire Night, and other occasions
where fireworks are used are stressful times for cats. It doesn't help
that there are always people who start lighting fireworks well before
the special date set for their use. Not to mention those who just
cannot seem to stop and carry on lighting them for a long time
afterward.
If your cats have access to outdoors, make sure to
keep them inside on special nights when fireworks are expected. It is a
worrying thought to have your felines outside on a hill, hiding in the
bushes because they are too scared to dash back home. Luring them
inside with a treat a good amount of time before the worst is expected
to start, and then locking the cat flap, will give you and your cats
some peace of mind as to their safety.
If you happen to have a
good relation with your neighbours, it doesn't hurt to have a word with
them. If you kindly ask them not to light fireworks when they can see
the cats are out and about, I am sure they will be considerate.
Especially if you mention that you will have them safely indoors on the
actual night. It's a fair deal, after all, and most people love pets
and would not deliberately hurt or frighten them.
On the night
itself, you could play some soothing music. Alternatively, you could
turn on the television. Background noise can help distract your feline
from the big bangs outside.
Close the windows and, if possible,
close the curtains. This will help your feline to feel shielded away
from what is going on. Talk to them, pet them, try to reassure them
that everything is alright.
This doesn't mean you can't go out
and enjoy yourself. You can light fireworks yourself if you like doing
so (and if it is allowed where you live, of course). If you do want to
light fireworks, try to keep it brief as you can. And it is preferable
to go for the prettier fireworks such as rockets and fountains, rather
than those that sound like big explosions.
If you are going away
during those times, ask a family member or friend to turn on the lights
when it gets dark. Or leave them on yourself, if you are only out for
the night. Have the radio on, softly enough to not disturb the
neighbours, but loud enough to provide background noise. Make sure the
litter tray is clean, and that there's plenty of food and water
available.
If your cat has a certain hiding place, it can be
helpful to place the food, water and tray nearby. That enables your
feline friend to make a quick dash for them when needed. It can
eliminate the risk of any scared soiling of hard to get to places.
The
best thing to do, of course, is to keep your cat company during those
hours and to provide them with some comfort. Your presence will
automatically reassure your feline that everything will be alright.
After all, if you're okay and calm, they will be, too.
