Fear of fireworks
Every year around New Year's Eve, all hell breaks loose because of the fireworks. A party for humans, but not for our four-legged friends. Every year lots of animals run away from home because of this colourful spectacle. The loud bangs and light pulses scare cats enormously. Nevertheless there are some things you can do to protect your cat.
Fear of the unknownThe biggest problem concerning fireworks: it is unknown to cats. It is not something they can get used to. Cats get scared many times during their lives, but most of the time they will overcome their fear because they are exposed to these frightening situations every day, like traffic or the sound of a vacuum cleaner. They are exposed to fireworks only a few days a year so the cat does not have the time to overcome its fear of the loud bangs, lights and nasty smells fireworks produce.
Your behaviour influences your cat
Don't cuddle or console the cat when it's showing signs of fear. It is never advised to reward any animal when it is showing signs of fear; the animal will think its fear is justified. Don't punish the cat either, ignore every form of fear and try to behave as if it were any other day.
Safe environment
It is important to give your cat a secure feeling on this night. Make sure your cat can withdraw in a familiar environment. If this would mean the cat sits underneath the sofa all evening, allow this. The best thing to do is keep your cat indoors throughout the day and night of this yearly celebration to be sure. If your cat goes out anyway, make sure it is chipped or it wears a cat-bell with your address in it. Should your cat run off and be found, the finders may track you as the owner and return your cat home safely.
Reduce noise
The loud bangs are extra loud in the sensitive ears of the cat. Try to reduce the noise by shutting windows and doors firmly. Another option is turning on the radio or TV to mask the sound of the fireworks. You could also close the curtains to make sure no light pulses enter the room.
CD with fireworks sounds
You could prepare your cat in advance by playing a CD with the sound of fireworks. That way the cat might get used to the sound. Begin by playing the CD silently and slowly turn on the volume. The disadvantage of working with a CD is there are no light pulses and no smell of fireworks. The cat, if anything, only gets used to the sound.
Tranquillisers
Another option is giving your cat some tranquillisers on the night of the party. Some known names are Vetranquil, Valium, Sedalin or Calmivet. Always ask your vet’s advice when giving your cat medication. There are evaporators for sale which release pheromones. When plugging it in, it has a soothing effect on you little in-house tiger.
Season's Greetings!