Hi everyone,
Since it’s almost the 4th of July we thought it would be good to re-post some of our fireworks advice for those of you in the US!
General tips can be found here.
Infographic on comforting your pet during fireworks and other loud noises here.
There are also further useful tips on the same topic on the iCatCare website!
Independence Day Tips and Advice
With sensitive ears and trademark trembling, dogs are notoriously nervous on Firework nights, and most seasonal pet advice is centered on keeping canines safe and happy. But cats, with their characteristic stoicism and independence, can be a little less willing to show when things are bothering them.
But loud bangs and bright flashes can be stressful for felines too, as well as being painful on the ears. Uncharacteristic behaviour, such as anxious mewing, scratching or spraying, a refusal to eat, or hiding are good indicators that your cat’s not having the best time!
First of all, no matter how much your cat loves the great outdoors, it’s best to keep them in the house on fire work nights. If your cat goes outdoors you should try and get them to stay in on nights with fireworks. You can do this by creating a safe space to curl up in at home, or adding some extra treats or comforts to their already-favoured spot.
If they’ve not come home, don’t assume they’ll be fine – particularly if your cat is a fan of hiding in cosy spots outside, such as wood piles. Head out and have a look around – be sure to check sheds and garages, as well as any of their common hiding spots, or neighbours’ houses where they may sneak off to enjoy some extra treats!
On the day, make sure you feed your cat before the sun goes down – once booms and bangs start sounding outside, they may go off eating, so don’t let them go hungry! Make sure to give your cat plenty of space on celebration nights with fireworks, and provide them with a safe hiding space that you stay out of, as they may become aggressive if they’re worried and feel backed into a corner.
If you’ve got a scaredy-cat in the house, it’s an understandable instinct to want to rush over and comfort them – but this isn’t always the best idea. If they can sense that you’re worried, it will only add to their fear. Act normally, and praise your pet when it’s calmed down to help reinforce that there’s nothing to be scared of. Instead of fussing, distract your cat’s attention with their favourite toys to keep their minds off things, or let them hide away.
Keep cat flaps, windows and doors closed, curtains drawn, and the TV on – this will go a long way towards muffling and masking the sound of any fireworks outside. Louder noises rising above the normal sounds of the house are less frightening than sudden punctures of silence.
By just taking a little care, and paying attention to your feline friend’s moods, you can make sure that the 4th of July is a none-too-stressful a date in your cat’s calendar.
We hope you are all looking forward to tomorrow and let us know how your cats are getting on with the fireworks!
And don’t forget you can subscribe to our Newsletter by clicking here.
Thanks,
Marc
Reblogged this on Rattiesforeverworldpresscom.
very useful
Thank you ^^
Reblogged this on GrannyMoon's Morning Feast.
Awww thanks ^^
And always remember…if they do run off and they don’t come home; check the pound, or shelter, or whatever it is called in your neck of the woods. Also, I’m sorry to bring this up…but if the pound has a “road kill” book as mine does, look it over for descriptions of your pet.
BETTER YET AS MARC ADVISED….KEEP ‘EM IN! ~~dru~~
What is a pound? o.o (I know stupid question!)
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Thank you!
I liked the bug eyed pictures on this post. Some explosions are so big you can feel the concussion on the floor with your feet! Outside is definitely not the place to be!
Indeed! Hence why I thought it good to put these tips up now.
Thanks for the tips
You are welcome 🙂
Reblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine and commented:
Great info I have been listening to fire works popping until 2 am for the last 2 days now I think it bothers me more than my cats and dogs now.
Thank you! And wow yours started early
Yes it did and it is still going on.
:s that’s the problem with celebrations people seem to stretch out the fireworks a lot nowadays
Yes I was unpleasantly surprised to hear it last night until 11 pm
I appreciate the reminder to not WORRY at the cats. I didn’t think of that, and you are so RIGHT. I have two indoor cats and we live in a mobile home. Therefore, they are used to loud noises (You should hear thunder when your roof is TIN.). Doesn’t mean they like it. I’ve seen Kapoa look UP towards the roof and the sound. They also go to the window, rather carefully looking out. I can just tell when they are not happy in those circumstances (AND IT BOOMS around here – the fireworks get too close for my taste, but that’s another story.) Their [the cats] “vibe” is off. They are disquieted. I can tell. I try to talk to them gently, to tell them it’s all right, it won’t last. I also encourage them to go to the big bed and hang out. That bed is home base. Seems to calm them down. BUT — thanks for reminding me that if I get agitated, THEY get agitated! Animals and humans reflect each other, like a mirror!! Good good point!
You are welcome! And our two use the bed as home base as well 🙂
At one time my mother had three cats. A violent thunderstorm and torrential downpour began. Cat 1 rushed up to the bedroom and hid under the bed. Cat 2 completely ignored the weather, being inside at the time. Cat 3 jumped up to the window to watch.
I always find it interesting how different they react to noise like that.