Although heading out to a Bonfire Night event to watch the sky sparkle with a rainbow of colours can be fun for some, the loud noises can be stressful for others, including our fluffy household members.
Cats have “super sensitive” hearing they hear the things humans do but it is a lot louder for them.
Cats Protection explains: “For cats, bonfire night is not only a noisy and unwelcome celebration – it is a highly unpredictable time.
“As creatures of habit, loud bangs and flashes of light take them by surprise, which makes them fearful.”
@cats_protection Five tips to keep your #cat calm during #firework season 🐱🎆 #BonfireNight #CatAdvice #fireworks #catsoftiktok ♬ Aesthetic - Gaspar
Let’s take a look at what the charity suggests cat owners can do to help their pets remain calm on Bonfire Night
8 ways to help keep your cats calm on Bonfire Night
Stay home with your cat on Bonfire Night
Cats Protection says: “If your cat is particularly anxious around fireworks season, you might want to avoid leaving them alone in the house.
“Knowing you’re around can help them to feel settled, and there’s no better time of year to cosy up inside!
“If you do leave the house, make sure you set up a safe and comforting space for them to relax in while you’re gone.”
Create a safe space for your cat
“Does your cat like to hide when they are stressed? This is a usual behaviour for anxious cats. A space to retreat to is likely to make them feel happier.
“Try a cardboard box lined with blankets, for example, or a favourite bed or sleeping spot.
“Some cats like to head up high as it gives them a better vantage point, too. Cat towers are ideal for this, but you can recreate the same feeling with a cosy bed on top of a wardrobe or a box on top of a sturdy shelf.”
Avoid keeping your cat in one room
“You might be tempted to keep your cat in one room, away from the noise and chaos of fireworks.
@amys_ark How to keep cats & dogs calm on firework night (repost from last year) 🎆 #cats #dogs #fireworks #bonfirenight #novemberthe5th #toptips #fyp ♬ original sound - Amy’s Ark ♡
“While well-intended, some cats can feel more stressed if confined to one room. Let them have full reign of the house – they’ll be content in exploring their surroundings.”
Consider closing the curtains to keep things cosy
“You might notice that the flashes of light that come with fireworks can make your cat feel anxious, especially if there is a display close by.
“Try closing the curtains or covering windows with a blind to see if it makes a difference.”
Keep the radio or TV on to distract from loud noises
“Background noise, like the radio or television, can help to reduce the impact of sudden sounds that come with firework displays.
“Some types of music, like classical music, can be particularly calming for cats. Time to get the radio on the go.”
Give your cat some space if they need it
“Cat feeling stressed? Trying to pick them up or cuddle them might make them more fearful.
“Cats can also take a while to calm down, so giving them some space is a good idea. They’ll soon come to you when they’re ready.
“If your cat does seek your affection, it is fine to give them some attention – let them guide you on how they feel.”
Buy them a well-deserved treat
“A new toy, like a fishing rod toy or catnip mouse, can be a great distraction from the noise of fireworks. Buy them something special and they might focus on that instead.”
Use a pheromone plug-in diffuser
“You simply plug them in where your cat spends the majority of its time (your living room, for example) and the pheromones help to soothe your cat during stressful times.
“Try using it a couple of weeks before firework season begins to see if it makes a difference.”
Should you keep your cat in on Bonfire Night?
Cats Protection adds: "If you know that your cat becomes distressed at the loud noises and lights of Bonfire Night and other festivities, the best thing to do is to keep your cat inside after dark.
"Giving them their own ‘cat curfew’ means they’re less likely to stumble across a noisy." fireworks display – they’ll soon get used to curling up on the sofa in the evening.
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