Independence Day is fast approaching, a holiday that many Americans love and most cats detest. The sound of fireworks can be very frightening for animals, particularly cats with their highly sensitive ears. Here are some tips to make the 4th less stressful for everyone:
- Keep your cat inside the evening of the fireworks. Check windows and flap doors to ensure they are securely closed.
- If your cat isn’t microchipped, make sure he is wearing a collar with ID tags, just in case your cat escapes, gets scared and runs away.
- Most cats will hide in a safe place, such as under a bed or in a cabinet, bathroom or closet. Whatever your cat chooses, let him be and do not try to pull him out. Just leave him be.
- Draw the curtains and close the blinds to reduce some of the bright flashes and noise from the outside.
- Turn on some soothing music to mask some of the scary sounds.
- Do not try to hold your cat. Frightened cats don’t like being restrained in any way, and can easily become aggressive and turn on its guardian.
- If you are not going to be home during the fireworks, leave behind a piece of clothing with your scent on it. The scent will be comforting to your cat, even though you are not there with him.
- You can try giving your cat some natural calming flower essence drops starting 30 minutes before the fireworks.
- Speak calmly and gently to your cat, even though he is hiding. Act calmly and your cat will feel much more reassured.
Mirian Hasani is a Certified Feline Trainer and Behavior Specialist based in Santa Monica. A longtime friend and supporter of FixNation, she spends a generous amount of time at the clinic working with frightened homeless kitties in need of some extra TLC.
