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Remember, remember…your cat in November

Remember, remember…your cat in November

Cats Protection’s Luton, Dunstable & District Branch has issued advice to local owners to help keep pet cats safe during the fireworks season.

Whilst the celebrations can be great fun for people, cats can be left stressed-out, confused or injured by fireworks. 

Apart from the obvious physical damage suffered through accidental contact with fireworks, cats can be badly affected by fireworks noise and lights.

Possible behavioural problems as a result of fear and stress could include house soiling or excessive grooming, whilst there is also the danger of a pet cat running away and never returning home.  

A few simple precautions can help owners to keep their cat out of harm’s way: 

• Keep your cat in after dark and provide him with a litter tray if he is used to having garden access. 

• Try to reduce outside noise by keeping windows shut and curtains drawn. Playing easy listening music or having the TV on may also help

• In order to feel secure, cats need to be settled in cosy, familiar territory such as a comfy bed or favourite chair.  Also consider providing your cat with a safe place to hide, such as an igloo bed

• Make sure all doors and windows are securely closed to prevent your cat from escaping the home.

• Pheromone plug-in diffusers that are used to decrease anxiety and spraying also have a beneficial effect in calming a cat during fireworks, but you must start using them a couple of weeks before 5 November to maximise the benefit

If you are having your own bonfire night celebration this year, then consider:

• Buying hand-held cascading fireworks rather than the noisier varieties.

• Holding a ‘silent’ fireworks display – many companies now offer quiet or almost silent fireworks – giving you the same spectacle without the loud bangs

• Keeping fireworks and bonfire displays as far away from homes as possible, to minimise any adverse effects on animals indoors, though bear in mind the effect these displays will have on wild animals

• Check bonfires before lighting them to ensure that no small animals are sleeping inside

For further advice on keeping felines safe and happy during the fireworks season please call Cats Protection’s Luton, Dunstable & District Branch on 0845 371 2746