Cats can be scared too!

Cats are not thought to show sound sensitivities as dogs do, however they will be frightened by the loud bangs and flashes of fireworks.

Therefore, during the firework season owners are advised to keep their cats indoors. This change in routine and confinement to the home can sometimes cause cats to become upset and show unwanted behaviours such as urine marking, inter-cat tension and vertical scratching.   

Owners can help their cats cope with these changes by providing enough litter trays throughout the house and ensuring all of the cats in the household have safe places to hide in.  These often are up high, for example on the top of cupboards, but could also be under a bed or in a box.

Once a cat has found a safe spot for the night, leave it alone and do not try to coax it out, as this refuge is where it feels most secure.

Plugging a Pheromone diffuser into the room where a cat spends most of its time or where its safe place is, at least 48 hours before the festivities begin, will help to ensure it feels as safe and secure as possible.

There is also a  pheromone spray which can be applied to a cat’s bedding on the night of the event to provide additional support.

There are also several products now available containing other natural products that help calm your pet during stressful periods. These are fast acting and consists of a specially blended feed supplement to help promote relaxed behaviour in cats experiencing behavioural problems as a result of their environment.

Please give us a call at the practice on 01254 53622 if you need any more advice.

We wish you and your cats a peaceful Bonfire season. 

Useful youtube links:

Feline Pheromone Therapy:

How to use Feliway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8yDUgTVpsU

What is Feliway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjS0gPh8SSI

Fireworks and cats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDsV2ta4vxA