Tips & Advice: Keeping Your Cat Safe During New Years Eve Fireworks

Hi everyone,

Since it’s almost time for what hails the biggest amount of fireworks in many countries we thought it would be good to once again point out our series of fireworks tips and advice!

General tips can be found here.
Infographic on comforting your pet during fireworks and other loud noises here.
Our fifth of November post here, of course these tips still apply today as well! 😉
There are also further useful tips on the same topic on the iCatCare website!

And just in case here is a summary of the most important general tips below:

General Tips

Fireworks can be a source of fear to many animals. It’s important to understand their needs and cater to them as much as you’re able to.
The Blue Cross charity advises that pet owners should seek veterinary advice up to 12 weeks prior to notable dates of celebration involving fireworks.
They also suggest that behavioural advice to help your pet deal with fireworks should be sought out up to 6 months prior to the event in question.
Your vet can also discuss treatment methods such as pheromone diffusers with you. These emit calming chemicals and can be combined with behavioural therapy.
New Year’s Eve and 5^th November are of course the key dates for fireworks in the UK, so plan around these accordingly with regards to the welfare of your pets.
If you’ve released any fireworks in your garden, make sure to do a sweep of it afterwards to make sure it’s safe for your pets.

Cats and Dogs

It’s essential to keep your pets in a secure environment, so that they can’t escape if they’re startled by a sudden noise.
According to the RSPCA, if your pet is scared you shouldn’t punish or fuss over it. Either could worsen the problem.
Although it may seem like the best thing to do, don’t cuddle or comfort distressed cats and dogs, as this may compound any worries that they are feeling.
Don’t stop your dog or cat whining or meowing respectively if they start.
It’s important to give your cat or dog somewhere to hide. If that place is under some furniture for example, make sure that they are able to get to the space at all times.
It’s always worth having your pet microchipped in case they escape during occasions involving fireworks.
Putting the TV or some music on can be a great way to mask the noise of fireworks. You should also close any curtains and windows.
Don’t display anger towards your dog or cat if you’ve chosen to leave the house and they’ve made a mess – they will have been frightened and getting cross with them can make things worse.

Just Cats

Don’t try and coax your cat out of any safe space as this is likely to make them more distressed.
Close cat-flaps so that they cannot exit the house if they become distressed.