The aurora of lights springing up the sky, leaving a trail of shine and sparkle, fills our hearts with delight. The bustle and sparkle of crackles, annual traditions reserved for autumns, is something we all dearly adore and look forward to. Sadly, the zeal and excitement for the same isn’t something witnessed in your furry friend. Even the fondest of fireworks lovers will agree that the thundering sound of fireworks is cacophonous and heart-shaking. It’s precisely this sound which is the troublemaker for pets during such a festive season. The noise and sparkling flashes can overwhelm your kitty and may upset them.
Identifying fear
It’s not unusual to see your cat run off to a silent space at the sight of fireworks. Cats possess extraordinarily sensitive hearing, so the noise and pomp of fireworks can take them by surprise and fear. Even the most joyous of cats fall into a situation of distress around the season of bonfires or fireworks. With your feline creatures haphazardly strolling here and there to surreptitiously running into a corner, there are specific symptoms that indicate fear. These include hiding, consuming less than usual, pacing, restlessness, scared body language, etc.
How Can You Help Them?
Keep them inside
The best way to avoid the noise and bright lights are to avoid your proximity. Keeping cats inside will prevent them from being startled or rummaged in the panic of fireworks in your neighbourhood. Staying inside with your cat during flashes of lightning can also lower the stress and build confidence in them which can ward off fear.
Safe space
Cats tend to storm off to hide in times of distress and anxiety. So it’s only natural that your feline pal might look for a hiding place around these times. Make sure you provide your cat safe space to retreat. For instance, a cardboard box with linens, a cosy bed or any soothing area, the higher the room, the safer your cat feels.
Don’t shut them in
Restricting your cat to specified premises to protect them from the noise might sound like a wise idea, but it is not. Being shut in could be suffocating and may trigger more anxiety. Allow your cat to navigate through large surroundings and find a comfortable place that they see fit.
Music time
You can’t stop the noise, but it’s well within your power to cancel them. Turn on the radio or put on some music to lower the intensity and the sound of fireworks coming from outside. Create a playlist of classical music that can evoke a soothing and relaxing effect to help calm your bub.
Chip them up
When alarmed, cats often run off to unknown places, which can be dangerous. To ensure you don’t lose your kitty in the wake of fireworks, insert a microchip on them and keep the credentials and details up to date.
Treat or treat
Treats and toys can be a panacea at times. Food puzzles or other fun activities can provide a great distraction from the sound of fireworks. There are impressive numbers of products available in the market to equip you with this trouble by keeping your pet engaged.
Keep calm
It’s only intuitive to watch your pet go ballistic at the sight of you pacing around. You mustn’t lose your calm if you want your babe to do the same. Please give them the space they need instead of showering them with too many cuddles or hugs. Your cat may take longer than expected to calm down, but that’s alright; let them handle things at their own pace.
All cats react differently to fear. If you observe signs of severe fear, too much quivering and heightened symptoms, it’s better to seek professional help. Consult an online vet for cats to help you deal with such situations and get them on proper medication if necessary. Fireworks can be beautiful and horrendous at the same time. Those mentioned above are some steps to help your cat cope with this fear. Stay in touch with Jaldee Vets blogs to get more such grooming tips.