How to keep your cat calm during fireworks
Bonfire Night is a time for celebration, but for many pets, the loud, unpredictable bangs of fireworks and the general commotion can be a source of stress and anxiety. In this article our veterinary nurse, Vic, will help you recognise the potential signs of stress in your pet and share some top tips on how to get ready for Bonfire night to help support their well-being.
Understanding Stress in Cats
Bonfire Night, with its loud bangs and bright flashes, can be an incredibly stressful event for cats. These sensitive animals are experts at hiding stress, so it’s easy to miss the signs that they’re anxious. Overgrooming or urinating outside the litter box are just a couple of clues that your cat might be feeling anxious. Other possible signs of stress in cats include:
- Excessive scratching of furniture
- Constant meowing or howling
- Hiding or withdrawing from their family
- Sudden aggression toward people or other pets
- Reluctance to go outside or a refusal to come inside
- Increased jumpiness or vigilance
- Inappropriate urination
- Wanting significantly more or less affection than usual
- Losing interest in playing or hunting
Since every cat reacts differently to loud noises, the key is to know your cat’s normal behaviour. By paying close attention to what's ‘normal’ for your pet, you’ll be able to spot these subtle shifts and give them the comfort and security they need to get through the firework season.
How to Calm Cats During Fireworks
Cats can be very sensitive to loud noises, so occasions like Bonfire Night can be particularly stressful for our feline friends. Here are five top tips on things you can do to help keep your cat calm:
- Ensure that your cat is safely inside before the fireworks start. Ensure doors, windows and the cat flag are secure so they don’t escape if spooked.
- Give them easy access to food, water and a litter tray
- Make sure your cat has access to lots of hiding places, such as under furniture. Once your cat finds their hiding place then leave them to it. Don’t try to coax them out.
- Draw curtains and play music or put the TV on to muffle the noise from the fireworks.
- Consider using a pheromone-based calming product to help reduce those stress-related behaviours. Calming sprays, such as the Zenifel Calming Spray, are a great fast-acting solution to use in their safe space before the fireworks start. In addition to that, calming diffusers, such as the Zenifel Calming Gel, can be used in advance of Bonfire Night to create a sense of calm in their preferred room.
When to Seek Professional Help
If, despite your best efforts, your pet stress seems unmanageable, it's always recommended to consult your vet or a certified animal behaviourist. They can provide professional advice tailored to your cat or dog and may recommend further steps to help them manage their anxiety.