Greetings, my pawsome human minions.
Forrest here.
I won’t take up much of your time. But I need to bring up an issue I hear time and again from cats in the summer season.
As Independence Day is upon us, fireworks will be bursting across the nation. Those big, loud bursts in the sky are quite pretty and sparkly, but for a cat, they are stress bombs.
Here are some thoughts to keep in mind when helping your cat through firework anxiety:
- First and foremost, keep cats inside on Fourth of July. It’s the safest place for us to be with all the kerfuffle of the holiday.
- Close the windows to muffle sound. Play music or turn on the television.
- Pull shades or close blinds so the sudden bursts of light don’t spook your cat.
- Prepare a nest. Your cat has favorite hiding spots. Mom knows most of mine and she will make a comfy spot of blankies and snacks when she’s knows something is going to happen that freaks meowt. Try this for a cat with firework anxiety.
- Distract us with toys. Maybe playtime will redirect nervous energy. But, if your cat absolutely wants to be left alone to hide, let her. Don’t force her to snuggle or play if she wants nothing but her safe space beneath the bed.
- Stay calm yourself. Your vibes can influence our vibes, so chill out and talk softly.
- As much as you want to celebrate, if you know your cat suffers severe anxiety at the sound of fireworks, stay with your fur baby. He needs you more than you need that grilled hamburger. I’ll eat your burger if you’re not going to, so don’t worry about any wastes…
And, let’s mention this. I’m not one who enjoys being poked and prodded by the vet, no matter how much I’m told its for my own good, but I will say, microchips save families from heartache.
If your cat has a microchip and you are somehow separated, this simple little hardware can reunite the two of you once your kitty is found by rescue workers. So, if your cat escapes in the madness of the night, then hopefully a microchip can bring her back home.
I don’t get much call to chat with dogs, but I know the firework issue plagues many of them too. So I guess it would be a good idea to look after the dog too.
And no, I don’t want to see your pretty sparkler. Rather than force me to join the fun, leave me inside where I can grumble about the noise. I’ll be much happier there.
No matter how busy July 4th finds you, don’t forget to feed the cat.