Cats New Year Care
Holiday season is on the horizon although this year’s celebrations may be very different due to COVID and lockdowns. New Year’s Eve firework displays might be cancelled but people may still choose to have their own firecrackers, rockets, sparklers at home in their gardens. The loud noises and flashing lights of fireworks can be very frightening for animals especially dogs. Affected animals react very differently, from feeling anxious to panicking and trying to escape from the noise.
cats are very sensitive beautiful furry friends and will need more attention this years new year's events.
TIPS FOR CAT OWNER
Preventative measures: All owners are strongly advised to have their cats microchipped. That way, if your cat manages to escape and run away despite all your precautions, there’s a better chance that you will be reunited thanks to the microchip. Even after the fireworks have passed their peak, your cat should stay indoors: experience shows that occasional fire crackers, rockets and flares can be set off well into the early hours of the morning. If there is a cat flap, it must be kept closed. To be on the safe side, all windows should be closed and you should close the curtains.
In the home: Cats must have access to as many hiding places as possible. This means you should open doors to rooms that your cat wouldn’t normally have access to. This may include the bedroom, for instance, which could provide a hiding place in an open wardrobe.
Calming music: Gentle, relaxing music has a soothing effect on cats. The best thing to do is to try out which music your cat reacts to in a relaxed way, (independently of any fireworks festivities) and to play it more often throughout the year.
Give variety: Cat owners should keep their animals in a good mood. You usually know which game your house tiger loves. The game may not be forced on the cat, however.
Pheromones: Some good quality pheromones also have a calming effect on cats.
In case of stress: A cat showing signs of stress mustn’t be left alone. A human presence can be very comforting at this nerve-racking time. However, exaggerated emotional attention may not be helpful, even if it’s well-intentioned. If your feline friend doesn’t want to be petted to keep it calm, you should accept this. Talking to your cat too much can also be counterproductive. And as a caring owner, you shouldn’t yell at your stressed cat if it pees on the floor instead of the litter box.