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Dogs aren’t the only animals that hate fireworks
Since we lived in a high-rise in downtown Chicago, constantly surrounded by car horns, sirens, people screaming, and other street noises, I figured my cats weren’t bothered by loud sounds. But after we moved to a quieter Northside neighborhood, a new fear was revealed to them during the Fourth of July weekend when our neighbor chose the alley between our buildings (directly below my bedroom window) to light up a series of fireworks. They were so close (and so loud) that the windows rattled and the floor shook – and my cats spent the next few weeks afraid of them. any noise. They are now afraid of anything that sounds like a firework.
So, with this year’s Fourth of July approaching (the first since that incident), we’re taking a lot of precautions to make it as stress-free as possible for them. There’s a common misconception that only dogs are afraid of loud noises, but fireworks can scare cats too. When they’re scared, they may hide, urinate in inappropriate places, vocalize, or otherwise misbehave. In extreme cases, they may even run away, which is why your first line of defense is to keep your cat indoors and have them microchipped.
In this article: Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Bed, Dohm Yogasleep Classic Sound Machine, and VetriScience Composure Chicken Liver Flavored Soft Chews Calming Cat Supplement
But there are other things you can do to make this time of year easier for your feline friends, from providing them with cozy hiding spots to using white noise to cover up the sounds of fireworks. Check out the list below for expert-recommended ways to help keep your cat calm over the holiday weekend.
1. Create safe hiding places
Cats that are scared often look for dark, safe places to hide. Create hiding spots—preferably in the quietest parts of your home, like a basement or bathroom—or where your cat tends to like to hide during other scary events (like when a guest arrives).
Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed
Ethical Pet Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave Dog and Cat Bed, 22 in.
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Pet Indoor Heated Cat Cave and Tunnel
2. Provide some white noise in the house
A white noise machine can help mask the sound of fireworks. You can also turn on the TV or play classical music – studies show this helps animals feel calm.
Yogasleep Dohm Classic Sound Machine
3. Give your cat calming supplements
These supplements use ingredients that help calm the central nervous system, making pets feel more relaxed.
VetriScience Composure Calming Supplement for Cats with Chicken Liver Flavor
Nutramax Solliquin Soft Chew Soothing Behavioral Health Supplement
4. Use a pheromone diffuser
Cats respond to smells, so releasing calming pheromones into your home through a diffuser can make them feel more relaxed and at ease.
Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Two-Room Calming Diffuser Kit for Cats, 30 Days
Bundle: Feliway Optimum Enhanced Calming 30-Day Diffuser for Cats + 30-Day Pheromone Diffuser Refill
5. Try aromatherapy
This solution uses a blend of herbs that are completely safe for pets and can help cats feel calmer. Add it to their food or a toy, or simply rub it into their fur or paws.
Jackson Galaxy Solutions Stress Stopper Aromatherapy for Dogs and Cats, 2 oz
Prices listed reflect the time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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