When the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or Labor Day rolls around, pet owners instantly begin to worry about their dogs and how the noise affects them. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of dogs out there that aren’t terrified when the booms begin. That’s why so many dog owners work tirelessly to prepare when noisy holidays approach. While this is extremely important for your pups, what about the cats? Are cats scared of fireworks? Does it vary by breed?
Yes, cats are known for being fierce and independent but that doesn’t mean they don’t get scared. The real question is if your cat is scared by fireworks, would you even notice? Let’s take a deeper look at the relationship between cats and fireworks. Perhaps the information we share will help you ensure your feline friends aren’t scared when holidays roll around.
How Do I Know If My Cat Is Scared of Fireworks?
Unless you’re the proud parent of a cat that stays by your side constantly, you may not realize your kitty suffers from anxiety or fear when fireworks shows are taking place around you. In most cases, once a cat hears a loud noise they aren’t comfortable with, they’ll bolt to a hiding place. You’ve heard the expression “out of sight, out of mind.” This is why so few cat parents realize their kitties are actually suffering from the noises they’re hearing.
When holidays or instances of fireworks being shot in your neighborhood take place, pay close attention to your cat. If they run away at the first sign of noise, groom themselves too much, dart around the house, or show any other types of unusual behavior during this time, they aren’t thrilled with what’s happening around them. As their caretaker, it’s your place to step in and try to make the situation less stressful for your fur baby.
How Can I Help My Cat?
If your cat exhibits fear of fireworks, there are a couple of things you can do to help alleviate the situation. Let’s take a look at a few of these below so your cat feels more comfortable.
Early Exposure
One way of helping is with early prevention. If you live in a neighborhood you know is full of noise and fireworks during festive times, try to expose your cat to similar stimuli when they are kittens. This can help them feel more used to the noises when they take place. While it may not completely end their trauma, it can be beneficial to a point.
Calming Sprays
Pheromones, or calming sprays, have been used by cat parents for quite some time. When your cat needs to take a trip to the vet, is meeting a new family member, or is experiencing any major change in its environment, these sprays can help. Before you grab a calming spray, run it by your veterinarian to ensure it’s safe for your kitty.
Make Your Home Fireworks Friendly
You may not realize it, but you can make your home fireworks friendly for a cat that is scared of the sounds and smells. Placing cozy spots around your house where your cat can escape is a great idea. If your cat is a climber, they may even prefer high perches where they can look down on the activities going on around them. It’s also important to keep your doors and windows closed during these types of activities. The last thing you want is for your cat to escape and possibly become lost due to its fear.
Speak with Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian can help with issues other than illnesses. If you notice your cat is showing extreme fear of fireworks, give them a call. They may want to use medications to help calm your cat, especially in more extreme cases.
Why Are Cats Fearful of Fireworks?
Just like dogs, cats have a keen sense of smell and excellent hearing. When fireworks are exploding, they may think something around them is on fire, which they know is dangerous. They also aren’t fans of noises that hurt their advanced little ears. You must also remember that cats aren’t fans of changes in their environment or surprise. An explosion outside is quite startling. The breed doesn’t play a huge role in this fear either. Any cat can become stressed or frightened.
Final Thoughts
Are cats scared of fireworks? Yes, some of them are? Does it vary by breed? No, it doesn’t. Any cat can become startled and show fear of loud noise. When this happens, it’s up to you, as their best friend, to help them through the scary situation. Pay attention to your cat when celebrations take place. Then you can determine the best course of action for your favorite feline.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
