Cat and Fireworks

viktory

This is my pup's first experience of fireworks and we have been very careful to completely ignore them - she has followed our example, has rarely barked and is totally unconcerned. Mind you, I have made a point of introducing her to 'scary' stuff like loud lorries on an A road as a pup so she is as well balanced as possible.

thatsfabulous

Ive had the TV up full high. My dog keeps hidding under my bed or down the side of things ( like the fridge) which she never does- Ive been going up to check on her but left her where she is.
At the moment shes OK and sat with me.

Bunnie1982

I've had music on all night and it seems to have calmed him a bit. I don't like fireworks myself so I guess he has probably picked up on some of my anxiety.

Lilith1980

We didn't have too many here last night, maybe tonight or tomorrow will be worse but our cat seemed fine. I noticed his head went up when he heard a few of the bangs but then he settled back down to snooze. I had the TV on which helped I think.

I read somewhere that if your cat hides due to the noise, to just leave him/her where they are as apparently they cope better if left alone

~Chameleon~

I find in the majority of cases where a cat/dog becomes scared of fireworks it is down to owners, often without realising it, creating the anxiety.

Changes in routine such as feeding/walking earlier than usual (in anticipation of the fireworks starting) and shutting all windows/doors closed etc are all signs to the animal that something is amiss which automatically makes them anxious and fearful, or triggers a guard instinct (why many dogs will bark).

Some owners will even offer cuddles and reassurance as soon as the 'bangs' start, regardless of whether the animal is showing any anxiety, thus reinforcing that they are something to be fearful of!

If you pay no attention to the fireworks and follow your usual routine you will often find your cat/dog also ignores them.

finallydebtfree!!

This thread reminds me of my dear cat who passed away 5 years ago

she hated the fieworks but Im sure secretly loved the fact that it meant she could cuddle up with me in bed at this time of year (my parents would never allow her upstairs as she had a tendancy to destroy furniture :rolleyes: )

if we were all up we did as others said and left her in her hiding place but let her know we were around. Lets hope they are over quicker this year for all the scared animals sake x

robpw2

yes you should leave him or her to hide untill its over not good disturbing them
my cats seem to be less scared of fire works than i am which is good means i have someoene to protect me lol

BitterAndTwisted

I rehomed my darling little Stanley because his previous "owners" said he was nervous and stressed. He was. But the fireworks haven't even made him blink so far, luckily. I think it's because I've got the volume on the hifi/TV turned up and am not reacting to the racket myself

Bunnie1982

I thought that generally it might be a noise issue with him, but we've been having cavity wall insulation done today and he went upstairs, curled up on my bed and went to sleep, the drilling didn't bother him.

Chameleon, I do fully agree with what you're saying as ever since a young age I've been frightened of fireworks and although I kept his routine the same and not let me anxiety show, I guess he picked up on it still.

robert_harper_2000

lol Spud is asleep! every now and again he looks out the window... the wrong window that is lol