Fireworks on New Year’s eve is a very delightful moment for you, but not for your pets. The loud sound and the vibration of the fireworks might trigger your pets, especially cats.
Loud noise is interpreted as danger by your cat and it might lead to stress and trauma. There are some signs of stress and trauma in cats, such as explained in signs your cat has trauma.
Most cats usually hide during fireworks. They will show their anxiety by hiding in the safe place, such as the box. Sadly to say, a feline veterinarian in Atlanta, Dr. Dew Weigner ever stated that unpredictable loud noise leads to feline interstitial cystitis.
Interstitial cystitis is a condition in which the cats feel hurt to urinate because of the bladder inflammation. It is such a really bad impact! As an owner, you need to be knowledgeable to handle this situation.
You might need to practice these simple and easy ways of calming your cats during fireworks.
Your neighbors might celebrate the event by lighting fireworks. So, to make it safe, make sure your cat stays indoor. By staying indoor, you can prevent your cat being caught out when the fireworks start. Litter trays should be available for them.
Make sure that they are not trying to escape as well. Do not let any door or space open that will possibly become the access for your cat for going out. Keeping them indoor is a good idea.
Some people have even tried fitting a collar that is microchipped so they can detect where their cats are while they are escaping. You can try these ways on how to prevent your cat to escape from your home.
- Hiding place that is safe
As being told before, cats will surely hide to safe place during fireworks as they are anxious. Make sure you provide a safe hiding place inside your house and your cat gets easy access to it.
Provide some toys and treats if possible to distract their attention. Higher place is suggested as they tend to feel safer there.
Turn on the music or radio in normal volume. Don’t try to drown out the sound of the fireworks. A great example of calming music is piano playing music.
If you don’t have any calming music, you can simply turn on the radio or TV and increase the volume a bit. The sound of it will help to make your cat that everything is normal.
- Stay calm to make your cat calm
Making yourself calm will surely encourage your cat to stay calm as well. Never punish your cat for being anxious and fearful as it will only boost its stress level.
Some cats might want to be held or cuddled. But try to avoid yourself picking up or holding a frightened cat unless your cat wants to. Just let them approaching you.
There are some herbal remedies that are appropriate for treating stress for cats. Besides, they are tasty and appealing, too!
You can try catnip which has been a classic treat for your cat. Giving catnip will bring the calmness to your cat. You can try this around 15 minutes before the fireworks start. Treats can also be used as one of the ways how to gain trust from your newly adopted cat.
Another herbal remedy is dried flowers. Chamomile and hops are the common dried flowers you can give to your cat to calm it down. These dried flowers are available in both online and offline stores.
Do you know that chamomile tea becomes one of the ingredients used on how to treat cats eye infection? It is not only famous for its delicate taste, but thousands of benefits!
Do not leave your cat alone. Cats that see their owners around will feel safe and comfortable, even if you don’t do anything with your cat. At least they know that you are there.
Playing games with your cat might distract your cat from being attentive to the fireworks. You can simply play treasure hunt by hiding some of the treats and asking your cat to find them. You can try catnip as the treasure. It is fun! Try these 6 fun games to play with your beloved cats. They are fun!
Fireworks, aside from its pretty, hilarious and bright colors to bring during the extraordinary events, might create a disaster for your cat. If you plan to have fireworks during New Year’s eve or other events, you can consider doing that in other place or make sure your cat can handle it first.
The ways above are easy and simple, aren’t they? However, if those ways are not really working on your cats, then the anxiety level might be severer, so you’d better contact your vet for further medications. Regarding to anxiety in cats, you can read symptoms of cats anxiety. Look at the signs and understand the treatments as well.