How to Help Your Cat Cope With Fireworks This July 4th

2 comments

 

july 4th cat fireworks

Fourth of July is just around the corner! And while some of us may be stocking up on the fireworks, many pet owners are prepping their cats and dogs. 'Cause for some pets, the Fourth of July can be scary.

It's not uncommon for a cat to be afraid of loud noises. Usually, it's noises we can control, like the terrifying Hoover beast (aka, vacuum). But, try as we might, us mere humans can't stop thunder from rolling in -- or other people from lighting fireworks. 

An anxious cat is not often a happy cat when it comes to our raucous Fourth of July celebrations, so it's important not to forget about your little fluff ball when you go out to enjoy fireworks. While you may not be able to stop your cat from getting scared outright, there are some things you can do to help them cope with the stress.

Close all windows and doors. 

Did you know that more pets go missing around the 4th of July than any other time of year? Usually, noisy fireworks are to blame. To try and keep your cat as safe as possible, keep them in a room where they can't dart out any doors or windows if they get scared by a sudden firework, especially if you're going in and out during any BBQs! 

 

Cool your jets - and your pet's jets.

If you are staying home with your pets this Fourth of July, try and keep things relatively quiet and calm. Cats can pick up and respond to our emotional states, so if you're anxious about your cat being upset, your cat will be even more anxious. Talk with a soothing voice, and don't chase or try and pick up your cat if they don't want to be held. Trying to pick up a frightened cat might end up in accidental scratches! 

 

Make sure your cat has a safe place to hide.

july 4th cat fireworks

If you're hosting a party (remember: practice social distancing and make sure to wear cloth face coverings!) you know it's about to get real up in here, make sure your cat has a room in the house in which it feels safe. Typically, as soon as the fireworks start, your cat will run under a bed or hide behind the toilet to escape loud noises anyway.

If it is still extremely loud or disruptive near their favorite place, provide a cozy hideaway in the middle of the house away from windows. Try leaving a few kibbles of their favorite food or treat in a safe quiet room to help them relax.

 

Play soothing music. 



Don't blast the music to try and drown out the fireworks, but play some soothing classical or rhythmic music for your cat. It sounds silly, but some cats might find music comforting. There is even music - and videos - designed specifically to soothe or entertain cats.

     

    Natural calming remedies

    Some cats may respond to pheromone plug-ins or sprays, which are specially formulated to naturally soothe cats' anxieties by flooding their systems with pheromones that trigger a positive response, rather than the negative anxiety the loud booms may cause. Beware of using essential oils as a calming scent - while they may be safe for humans, many can be toxic to cats

    All in all, your cat will be fine as sure as the firework storm will pass, but helping them feel more comfortable will go a long way. And, hey, not every cat is afraid of fireworks - but it's always nice to know that they have somewhere to go they can feel safe. 

    fourth of july cat and dog

     

    From everyone at Meowingtons, have a safe and happy Fourth of July! 


    2 comments


    • Luci Bustamante

      I have a baby kitten and this is her 1st 4th of July she’s real ramped up so I read this article and played music and got some oils and dimmed the lights and made a hideout for her after she was calm and she fell asleep thank you so much !!!!


    • BONDO BILL MERCIER

      WE BRING ALL OUR CATS INDOORS—AND I DEAL WITH ANY UNFORSEEN MESSES THAT MAY OCCURR—MORE ADDED LITTER BOXES PLACED IN STRATEIGIC LOCATIONS SO THEY DON’T HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE— PLENTY OF DRY SNACKS AVAILABLE -EXTRA FOOD AND WATER- EXTRA BEDDING AND PLENTY OF HIDING SPACES AND LEAVE SOME LIGHTS ON ALL NIGHT FOR THEM. A LITTLE SCATTERED CAT NIP CAN HELP AS WELL AS SOME PLAY TOYS.—I HAVE 11 CATS, SO THEY HAVE PLENTY OF COMPANY—-CAUSE MISERY LOVES COMPANY—-EVEN IN THE CAT WORLD.


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