Start preparing your cat for thunderstorms and fireworks now

    

Crash! Boom! It’s common for people to celebrate the winter holidays, especially New Year’s Day, with a literal bang in the form of fireworks. This can make the holidays a challenging time for cats scared of fireworks. The good news is there are steps you can take in advance of the rumbly season to help calm a cat scared of loud noises.

 

• Lack of exposure as a kitten: Controlled exposure to the sounds and experiences of storms or fireworks during the kittenhood socialization window may reduce fear later in life, especially if the experiences are paired with positive rewards like delicious treats and attention.
  
• Association with traumatic experience: If your cat experienced something scary in association with a loud noise, they may associate fireworks with fear. For example, if your cat got out on the Fourth of July and was repeatedly frightened by fireworks, the fireworks of New Year’s Day could trigger that fear response.

In some cases, you will not know exactly why your cat developed a fear of fireworks or other loud noises. This noise aversion could develop slowly over time or appear suddenly. It’s best to be prepared for the anxiety that may come with loud holiday celebrations.

Preparation is key!

Luckily, you have the advantage of knowing the fireworks are coming at midnight on New Year’s Day. This means you have time to prepare!

• Work on desensitization and counterconditioning. When it comes to how to prepare a cat for fireworks, desensitization and counterconditioning are key. For example, in the months leading up to the new year, you can start playing fireworks sounds quietly in your home and reward your cat with treats when they’re calm. Slowly increase the volume over time and reward your cat for remaining calm. This may help to desensitize your cat to the sounds of fireworks while conditioning them to expect something positive associated with the noise.
  
• Create a sanctuary. Create a cozy haven where your cat can retreat and feel safe and secure from the commotion outdoors. Pick an area where your cat likes to hang out and that will also block out the sights and sounds of fireworks. Try out different areas, like a walk-in closet or a room with blackout curtains. Include a comfy bed and favorite toys, and make it extra awesome with playtime or treats.
  
• Explore calming supplements and aids. Natural supplements or pheromone-based solutions like Feliway^® designed to lessen anxiety can work wonders for cats. While supplements may be helpful for cats with very mild symptoms, they are not likely to help cats with moderate to severe firework distress. 
  
• Visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. If your cat is severely distressed by the noise of fireworks, seek guidance from your veterinarian. They can offer tailored strategies and, if needed, prescribe anti-anxiety medications like gabapentin.

Prevention of fear the day-of

Preparation in the time leading up to the holiday will set you up for success on the day of the loud event. However, you’re still going to need to support your cat on the holiday itself. Follow these tips:

• Give supplements or medications early in the day. Start any calming supplements or anti-anxiety medications before the crashes and bangs begin. Starting early may help relax your cat and reduce their reactivity. 
  
• Lead your cat to their sanctuary with tempting treats. With repetition, your cat will learn to seek out their happy place on their own.
  
• Mask the sounds from outside. Fill their space with calming music, turn on a fan and close all the windows and doors in the house to help block the booms. By creating a quiet and well-insulated (soundproof) space, this white noise can be very helpful for cats. 
  
• Provide plenty of distraction. Tempt your cat with an interactive toy or puzzle toy to divert their attention.
  
• Let your guests know your cat is fearful of loud noises. Ask them to keep doors and windows closed, and to leave your cat undisturbed in their sanctuary space.
  
• Keep calm and carry on. While it’s only natural to want to soothe your cat when they’re distressed, excessive comfort may reward your cat’s behavior or (even worse!) validate their fears. Instead, offer gentle reassurance and continue with your routine as usual.
  

Now that you know how to calm a cat scared of loud noises, you can start planning how you and your cat will ring in the new year together.

Browse our veterinarian-approved selection of calming supplements for cats here. >>