{"id":436046,"date":"2023-11-15T09:22:02","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T14:22:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=436046"},"modified":"2024-07-01T09:10:20","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T13:10:20","slug":"how-to-calm-your-cat-during-fireworks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/lifestyle\/how-to-calm-your-cat-during-fireworks\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Calm Your Cat During Fireworks: 6 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fireworks are notoriously upsetting for our dogs. However, they can also stress out cats. The loud booms are often enough to send any feline hiding underneath a bed.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s often impossible to avoid fireworks altogether. But you can take steps to keep your cat calm during the celebrations. Different cats may take better to certain techniques than others, so we\u2019ve included many calming practices below.<\/p>\n

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The 6 Tips for How to Calm Your Cat During Fireworks<\/h2>\n

1.\u00a0Let Them Hide<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Piotr Musiol, Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but if your cat has a safe spot, you should let your cat hide during the fireworks if that\u2019s what they feel like doing. Humans associate hiding with anxiety and fear. However, hiding is a natural feline behavior that comes from their days in the wild. They\u2019re known to hide when they feel threatened or uncomfortable with their surroundings.<\/p>\n

Therefore, you should aim to provide your cat with a safe space to hide. Block up any spaces that may be unsafe, as you never know where your cat may try to run. If your cat hides underneath the bed, don\u2019t try to pull them out, as this may only scare them more.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that for many cats, a \u201csafe spot\u201d might actually be your lap, shoulder, or just you in general. Your cat may cling onto you during a fright episode and inadvertently dig their claws into you during the process. This is normal behavior for a frightened cat, and if you do have a cat that loves to hold onto you for dear life, you might want to make sure their claws always remain well-trimmed.<\/p>\n

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2.\u00a0Keep Your Cat Indoors<\/h3>\n

You should not allow your cat outside if you expect fireworks to occur. Inside, your cat is safe and can hide. Outside, fireworks may send them running somewhere unsafe or far away from home. A scared cat isn\u2019t the most rational cat.<\/p>\n

Plus, the walls of your home will help limit the sound a little bit. Many cats also know that they are safe inside, which may limit their anxiety a little bit.<\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0Try an Anxiety Vest<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: annfossa, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cats either love anxiety vests, or they create more anxiety than fireworks. Either way, the only way to know is to try\u2014preferably before the fireworks begin. Cats need time to get used to the vest, so this isn\u2019t something you can prepare the day before. You really need to start \u201cvest training\u201d a month or more before the event.<\/p>\n

This is a special garment that wraps around your cat\u2019s body and applies gentle pressure, similar to swaddling a baby. However, current research on the effectiveness of these products is still somewhat unclear, so it may or may not help your pet.<\/p>\n

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4. Drown Out the Fireworks<\/h3>\n

If the fireworks aren\u2019t right outside your window, you may be able to help your cat by closing doors, windows, and having your windows double glazed to block out excess sounds. Anecdotally, some people claim that their cats seem to respond well to music<\/a>. However, whether or not this will work during times of anxiety is uncertain.<\/p>\n

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Image Credi: minka2507, pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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5. Stay Calm<\/h3>\n

Just because your cat is running around in a frenzy doesn\u2019t mean you should too. Stressing out will only stress your cat out more, so it\u2019s important to stay calm.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t want your cat to be wondering, \u201cWhy is she so stressed?\u201d And then hear a loud boom, which will automatically make them think that\u2019s why you\u2019re so stressed. It turns a situation that they may not have thought scary into one that is very scary.<\/p>\n

Therefore, even if all these other tips fail, try to stay calm for your feline.<\/p>\n

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6. Medication<\/h3>\n

If your feline simply cannot keep calm when the fireworks go off, you may want to consider medication. Your vet can prescribe medication that works by keeping your cat calm<\/a>. However, this medication isn\u2019t necessary in most cases\u2014for cats that are only moderately stressed, you probably don\u2019t need medication. It\u2019s mostly used in situations where felines are a danger to themselves or others due to extreme anxiety.<\/p>\n

You can also consider alternative medications, like pheromone diffusers.<\/a> They can be a solid option if you just can\u2019t get your cat to calm down.<\/p>\n

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Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Fireworks are big, bright, and loud\u2014it only makes sense that cats would be scared of them. However, there are many ways you can calm your cat<\/a> during these stressful times.<\/p>\n

For many felines, keeping them inside and letting them hide will be enough. Hiding is how cats dissipate their anxiety and keeping them inside keeps them safe.<\/p>\n

However, other cats may need extra help. Calming vests and medication may be necessary in some cases (whether you choose alternative medication or something more mainstream). For cats that are extremely stressed out, you should speak to your vet about the possibility of a prescription.<\/p>\n

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