Dr Jo Blogs
Expert Cat Care Advice
Helping your cat cope & feel safe this firework season
AS FEATURED IN Your Cat magazine
Dr Jo Lewis MRCVS | 17 Sep 2021 | 10 min read
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Many of us cat people dread the beginning of autumn as it marks the run up to the fireworks period once again. Despite recent laws being passed to restrict the use of fireworks, people still let off fireworks indiscriminately in the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night right through to New Year and beyond. In an ideal world all cats would be accustomed to loud, high pitched or sudden noises but some really do struggle to cope at this time of year. It's up to us as their carers to make them feel safe.
My top stress busting tips for cats firework season
Before the event
- Think ahead and start preparing early – at least at the beginning of October.
- Talk to your vet about your options. There are many helpful oral supplements available, some herbal remedies and even a special diet. Some may be more effective if started a few weeks in advance of any stressful events.
- Stock up on calming plug-in diffusers in advance. Plug in a Feliway Optimum Diffuser in your cat's favourite room.
- Is your cat's identification up to date so you can trace them if they do manage to escape? A quick-release or break-away collar and tag as well as checking that their microchip is still working and in the right location! If you're at the vet get it scanned every time!
On the day of the event
- Ensure your cat is inside the house before dusk, and that windows and the cat flap is shut to prevent your cat from escaping.
- Encourage your cat to use one area of the house, ideally somewhere where they normally feel comfortable (eg play, snooze) and a smaller space is easier for them to survey and feel in control of.
- Make a den by providing a quiet and comfy retreat for each cat, complete with an adjacent supply of food, water … and don’t forget a litter tray! A simple cardboard box on its side with a favourite blanket inside works purrfectly - check out my video below. Choose a spot your cat prefers - have a think about any spots your cat has chosen to hide in before when they've been avoiding the cat carrier, that spot-on flea treatment or a noisy visitor (eg under the bed, on top of a wardrobe etc).
- Offer additional hiding options at different heights – some cats prefer an elevated position, others ground level
- Leave them well alone until they feel safe to come out
- Disguise the noisy bangs and sudden flashes. Close the curtains at dusk and put the TV or some relaxing background classical music at a volume to reduce the contrast between the explosions of noise.
- Avoid restraining and handling your cat. Allow your cat the freedom to choose where they feel most safe and allow them to settle there without too much fussing.
- Stay calm and act normally.
- Do not punish your cat for being anxious or cuddle and fuss them too much during the event either - you don't want to reinforce that fireworks are to be feared or make them feel out of control by being off the ground and unable to escape.
Create a safe zone for your cat
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Distractions & disguises are your cat's best friend
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Teach your cat to relax & desensitise them to scary sounds gradually the rest of the year
- Always whilst your pet is in a relaxed state.
- Gradually introduce the scary sounds over many weeks or months. Don't forget that cats have supersensitive hearing so start at an almost inaudible human volume level. Turn up the volume gradually over multiple sessions , avoiding other sudden noises that might agitate your cat and only progressing if positive relaxed behaviour is seen.
- You can purchase a special scary sound CD that can help or find similar real world noises on YouTube
- When you see your cat laid down quietly, relaxed and looking disinterested in the noises, then go over and reward them.
- Try to associate this positive behaviour and calm mood with a word, such as RELAX or CALM.
- If your cat usually appreciates being stroked and you think you can do it without disturbing them too much, then stroke them gently. Long sweeping strokes from shoulders to tail are relaxing but work with the known preferences of each individual cat. Remember, short, firm, fast movements are energizing and not ideal for relaxation. Stick to gently stroking their chin and cheeks if in any doubt.
- Don’t lean over your cat or try or try and pick them up. Both are potentially threatening actions , particularly if a cat is feeling even the teensy bit anxious already. Some cats will even panic and scramble to get away, or explode with claws/teeth at whoever touches or attempts to restrain them when they are full of anxiety or fear. Just sit (or lie) quietly beside them. Less is more.
Your shopping list for feline anxiety-busting supplements
These products are helpful extras only and intended as a supplement not a substitute for all the other suggestions above. By following the steps above and trying some of the products, you simply stand a greater chance of enhancing your cats feelings of security and control. Sorry to disappoint you, but there is no silver bullet, quick-fix for anxiety. The closest you'll get to that is a prescription for a cat-safe benzodiazepine (think Valium for kitties) from your vet, and in severely anxious cats this may be worth pursuing.
These products seem to help some animals but always check with your vet first and do not over use. Remember that "natural" or "herbal" does not equal 100% safety!
These products seem to help some animals but always check with your vet first and do not over use. Remember that "natural" or "herbal" does not equal 100% safety!
Calming pheromone environmental products
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It's handy to have the Feliway Optimum plug in diffuser on in the room your cat prefers to spend most of their time. Feliway Classic spray is an additional option that is safe to be used alongside the plug in. The spray can be applied to your cat's bedding, door frames, den under the bed etc.
Always following the product instructions - don't spray on or near your cat as the alcohol base will put then off. This evaporates after about 15 minutes. Reapply every 4 to 5 hours. Top tip: It's also great for spraying in the carry cage 15-20 minutes before a vet trip! |
Herbal environmental products for chilling out cats
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I have created a range of cat-safe botanicals called The Black Cat Apothecary which is designed to enrich, enthral and entertain cats. After the storm of activity that playing with plants like valerian, catnip and silver vine can evoke, comes a calmness that can be great for scaredy cats including those affected by firework season. Head over to my online Apothecary and check out Potion No.9.
NB: The excited rolling, rubbing seen with many cats under the influence of these botanicals can progress to "love" biting if you try and stroke them! Use these ingredients sparingly until you know how your cat reacts. Warning: Some products like Pet Remedy spray & diffusers also contain herbs such as clary sage. This should be completely avoided if you are pregnant and I would not advise using it in pregnant animal either. |
NB: All environmental products (ie sprays and diffusers) should be used with caution in households with asthmatics (feline or human).
Calming "natural' oral remedies |
Some of these are safe to use at the same time but do check with your own vet before combining products. The best policy is to try one and move on to another next time if it doesn't seem to help your individual cat. Always monitor for side effects when using. Just because a product is available over the counter does not mean it is completely safe and may affect each cat differently and in some situations interact adversely with other medications or health conditions your cat may have.
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