Happy 4th of July
from Allegra, Ruby and Ingrid
While Independence Day may be a favorite holiday for many of us, it is probably also the most traumatic day of the year for most cats. Even though many municipalities don’t allow private fireworks, people still seem to find a way to have their own. Unless you live far away from civilization, chances are, your cat will most likely have to deal with the noise from fireworks.
A cat’s sense of hearing is much more acute than ours, and so the noises are much more intent for them. Add to that the lack of understanding of what is going on and you can have a very scared cat on your hands. But celebrations like the 4th of July don’t have to cause such anxiety for your cat. Here are some tips for helping your cat cope with fireworks, thunderstorms, and other loud noises:
- Create a safe space for your cat. If you’re having a party, unless your cat is very social and doesn’t mind a lot of commotion, keep her confined to a quiet bedroom. Put her favorite blanket, bed or toys in with her, along with a litter box and fresh water. Shut the curtains and drapes and turn on lights to lessen the flash of the fireworks.
- Leave on a TV or music to drown out the noise from the fireworks. (This works during thunderstorm season as well.)
- Make sure that your cats are wearing their identification tags and that the information is current.
- Consider a natural calming aid like Rescue Remedy, Stress Stopper, or Composure calming treats.
Fireworks give us a chance to have a dance party!! My kids are all running around waiting for me to pick them up next as we dance to very loud feisty rock and roll!!
Your cats are definitely the exception! 🙂
Happy 4th of July to you and the girls!! We’ve been putting up with the noise already for two nights but Montana has been fine as we’ve made sure to be home in the evenings with him so he feels secure knowing “his parents” are nearby. On the actual 4th of July we will also be home early.
Joanne
Thanks, Joanne! I always try to be home during fireworks, too, so the girl don’t have to be alone with all the noise.
Theese are great tips for us kitties and fireworks! Hope you enjoyed your 4th of July and that the kitties did have some good hiding places! We wanted to thank you for your purrs and let you know that we appreciate them very much.
Ingrid, Happy 4th. Unfortunately our city let’s fireworks off-from the neighbors. Poor kitties, the music has been on loud to hopefully drown it out. Great advice.
Thanks for the holiday wishes. I hope everyone is having a wonderful day, and all the kitites are safely tucked away in their safe spots before the fireworks start!
Thanks for the great advice Ingrid! Hope u have a great Fourth of July today. Our Montana has been pretty calm lately listening to the fireworks the past two nights as long as we’ve been with him at home. Like Caren, we have to put up with them ahead of time too. Tonight will be much louder I’m sure but Montana has all of his safe spots available to him and the TV on at home and we come home early to be with him. He usually just tucks in on his dad’s lap and feels better.
Montana wants to wish the girls, Allegra & Ruby, a happy, calm and safe 4th!
Have a Wonderful Independence Day!
we had thunderstorms last night, mother nature revved us up for the boomers!
Excellent advice. Actually Cody was less bothered by the noise last night (we actually have to deal with the noise for about two nights) than our Sheltie, Dakota was. He barked incessantly. Have a Happy Fourth!
Good advice. The noise level and sudden boom even can make an adult jump.