Dominique
December has begun and a new year is approaching. This also means the first fireworks are being set off. The loud noise and bright flashes of light come suddenly and can give cats quite a scare. To help your cat(s) experience as little stress and anxiety as possible from fireworks, you will find a number of practical tips below.
Keep your cat indoors before and during New Year’s Eve
Since fireworks are already being set off in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, it is wise to keep your cat indoors by then. This prevents your cat from getting spooked, bolting, and losing their way home. Of course, make sure your cat has enough litter boxes available indoors.
Make sure your cat cannot escape the house
Ensure that outside doors, windows, and the cat flap (if you have one) are securely closed. This reduces the chance of your cat escaping outside in a panic.
Stress and anxiety in cats
Cats are very stress-sensitive animals. Small changes, which people hardly notice, can have a big impact on a cat.
A stressed cat may lick its mouth without having just eaten, yawn, or stretch when it hasn’t just woken up. Cats that are afraid of fireworks often want to flee and hide. They make themselves as small as possible, with their tail around or under their body, and lie down behind or under something. Cats with a lot of stress or anxiety may even stop eating.
Create a safe hiding spot
If your cat normally has a regular hiding spot, make sure this place remains accessible. Make the spot extra comfortable with a soft blanket, some toys, and a treat. If your cat doesn’t have a regular hiding spot, a cardboard box with a blanket inside can be a nice and safe shelter. You can partially cover the opening if necessary to make it feel even safer. Many cats like to sit up high. If this can be done safely, you can place a blanket, toys, and a treat in a high spot (for example, on top of a wardrobe).
Do not lock your cat in a space that is too small
It is important not to lock your cat in a space that is too small. In a panic, a cat can injure itself while trying to escape. Let your cat have access to the rooms they are normally allowed in, so they can choose for themselves where they feel most comfortable.
Cover the windows
Cats can be startled not only by the sound of fireworks but also by the flashes of light. By covering windows, you block out some of the light and the sound is slightly muffled.
Turn on the radio or television
To further soften the sound of fireworks, you can turn on the radio or television. This can help make sudden bangs seem less loud.
Behave as you normally do
Cats are very observant. If you behave differently than usual, for example by constantly following your cat or giving them extra cuddles, your cat will notice that something is up. When you stay calm yourself and behave normally, this can help reduce your cat’s anxiety.
Buy some extras for your cat
A new toy or a treat can distract your cat from the noise of the fireworks and the flashes of light.
Make sure the microchip details are correct
It is important that your cat is microchipped. Cats that are afraid may try to flee and escape. Even cats that don’t normally go outside (or only on a balcony) are best off being microchipped. Check if the chip registration is still correct and ensure that at least an email address and/or phone number is visible. This way, you can be contacted if your cat is found.
If you want to put a collar on your cat, make sure it is a safety collar that breaks away if it gets caught on something.
Medication
If your cat is extremely anxious, consult your vet about possible medication. But never give your cat medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian.
Questions
Do you have any questions? Then contact the cat department via:
📧 kat@haagsdierencentrum.nl
We wish you and your cat(s) a happy and peaceful New Year!
