Cats Protection receives hundreds of calls each year from cat owners whose pets are suffering the ill effects of the fireworks season.
The new Fireworks Act –
which will restrict the sale and use of fireworks to certain times of
the day and year, as well as license public fireworks displays – will
help to protect our pets from distress. But, until strong and specific
regulations pertaining to noise levels and other fireworks-related
issues are introduced under the Act, pets can still be traumatised.
For this reason, Cats Protection urges everyone to spare a thought for
their feline friends during the impending firework season.
“Cats are frightened of loud noises, and, if they are out and about
during the revelry, they can also be at risk from ill treatment,” said
Judy Bernstein, Cats Protection’s Head of Promotions.
Cats Protection advises cat owners to take the following precautions
during fireworks season:
 | Keep your cat in after
dark and provide him or her with a litter tray if s/he is used to
having garden access.
| Try to reduce outside
noise by keeping windows shut and curtains drawn. Playing soothing
music or having the TV on may also help.
| In order to feel
secure, cats need to be settled in cosy, familiar territory such as
a comfy bed or favourite chair.
| Cats that are known to
be skittish, sensitive or new to a home, will be particularly
vulnerable to firework noise and could panic and run away. Make sure
doors and windows are securely fastened. | |
Other general precautions to ensure animal safety on bonfire night include:
| Buy hand-held
cascading fireworks rather than the noise-making varieties.
| Keep fireworks and
bonfires as far away from homes as possible, to minimise any adverse
effects on animals indoors. This does not mean, however, that other
wild animals will not be affected.
| Check bonfires before
lighting them to ensure that no small animals are sleeping inside. | |
Cats Protection
Shelters and Branches still see too many incidences of needlessly
traumatised and injured cats as a result of bonfire night and is keen to
end this unnecessary suffering.
“Just like humans, cats can react in a number of different ways when
frightened. Now that fireworks celebrations go on for so long, owners
need to be very aware that, due to the stress of such events, their pet’s
behaviour can change,” said Judy. Typical reactions that a stressed
cat might display include excessive grooming, house soiling, or,
becoming less willing to interact with their owners.
Cats Protection’s national telephone Helpline (tel: 08702 099 099) can
provide general advice concerning keeping felines safe and happy during
the fireworks season.