In the U.S., this is a big weekend for fireworks. It’s also a terrible weekend if you have a pet. Both cats and dogs can be terrified by fireworks. The shelters fill up with pets that have bolted and run off because of the blasts of lights and explosions. So of course you’re seeing a lot of articles with helpful tips to keep your cat safe during fireworks.
Some of the most useful tips you’ll see are:
- Keeping your cat inside. If your cat is indoors-only, this is a no brainer. If you have a cat that goes outside, if there is any way you can keep them inside for the whole long weekend, it’s a wise idea. People don’t just set off firecrackers at night. If your cat only goes outside on a leash, don’t do it over the long weekend. A panicked cat can struggle out of even the most secure harness. And even if they don’t manage to break free, they could be traumatized by the loud noises.
- As much as possible, fireworks-proof your home. This includes shutting out any fireworks flashes by keeping the curtains and shutters closed; turning on your noisiest air conditioner; and turning up the sound on the TV. Make a safe space for your cat in the quietest, most soundproof room of your house or apartment. Anything that can lessen the sights and sounds of fireworks is helpful.
- Stay home with your cat. If you really think your cat will be scared, even if you’ve taken all the precautions you can, they would feel safest with you there. You don’t have to be a total party pooper however. You could have some friends over for a small, pre-fireworks party. And anyone not enamored of fireworks displays can stick around and binge watch your favorite shows.
- This is my favorite tip: offer treats and play with your cat to distract them from what is going on outside. Some cats may be too scared during the noisy evening to do this, but others (like me) will welcome the fun times.
But… almost nobody mentions the most important part of keeping your cat safe and sane during fireworks, and that is your own attitude. A lot of people are so worried about their cats during fireworks that they get stressed out about it — and that gets their cats stressed too. If you act like it’s no big deal instead, and just make all the preparations routine and maybe even fun, it helps a lot. Just think of this as a great opportunity for you to spend quality time with your kitty. Because, really it is. And hey, you should do it more often, even when it’s quiet outside.
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Good tips Summer! Our kitties stay inside and did fine, but I’m concerned about our ferals.
I’m lucky. My cats don’t get scared by fireworks. One cat will run under the ned when the Village does fireworks. They are done at a park that us only 2 blocks from my home too. Where I live, we don’t have many people who shoot off fireworks, TG. One advantage of condo living with apartments on the other side of the street. Most people go away to visit someone who lives in a home and hosts the parties. Lol.
Great advice, and very important reminder. The D-day is on August, 1st here. Purrs
One time in Missouri before I had cats. It was time to let the dogs out for last call. It was stormy, but they had an overhang and could go potty and slip back inside with no issue. I had one boy who hated the rain so knew I would have to work with him to go out. The others were always fine. I opened the sliding glass door and a huge bolt of lightning and thunder lit up and crashed all at once. It scared me and I jumped back and all of the dogs did too. They followed my lead…
We’re lucky. It’s usually not bad here. We mostly hear the big shows like the Meadowlands and NYC. I’m pretty deaf and we’re on the 4th floor so no flashes or close bangs.
Good tips, Summer. We have lots of people setting off illegal fireworks around here. We fear for the people who have PTSD, and the animals (both domestic and wild).
Same as with your children….if you are stressed and nervous, they too
will pick up on that and feel it.
Good tips sweet Summer. I wish I knew how to help our ferals better, the fireworks surround us all through boomer season.
This is such an important post, Summer! It breaks my heart how terrified so many pets are by all the noise.
Great advice Summer. Rosie is chill but Princess freaks out. She prefers the closet during thunder storms so I offer her the closest during fireworks. There’s no comforting her sadly.
Excellent tips. Mine don’t seem to get upset by the sound, but I plan to be home with them.
Good advice Summer
Animals often take cues from humans so it’s good to be calm 🙂
Purrs, Julie
Thanks Summer.
I agree a lot of keeping cats calm is owner attitude. Not just cats either. We have a horse here that can be slightly excitable but definitely not a problem. As soon as the owner arrives we get, “She can’t do this or that because it will frighten her!” The horse turns into a neurotic wreck until the minute her owner leaves again then she is completely calm.