Mary Allen
Frightened cats easily panic on New Year’s Eve and can injure themselves and others. With these countermeasures, you can ease the fear and prevent danger.
On New Year’s Eve, the corks and countless firecrackers pop. But what means joy and fun for us humans is pure stress for the animal world. The noise and changing smell confuse our pets and can make them panic or even scare them to death. Here are the most important tips for a cat-friendly turn of the year.
9 Tips for New Year’s With a Cat
So that your cat also has the opportunity to spend the new year relaxed and without fear, you should follow this advice:
Shield Your Cat From the Hustle and Bustle
Create opportunities to retreat, e.g. in an extra room. Close windows and blinds. Soft lighting and soft music or TV sound can help block out the noise of the fireworks. It is best not to let those who are outside on New Year’s Eve, many overzealous shoot the first firecrackers hours before the turn of the year.
Keep Calm Yourself
It’s important not to encourage your cat’s fear. Give her comfort and protection. Radiate serenity, this also conveys security to your velvet paw.
Provide a Distraction
If your cat starts to show fear, you shouldn’t look after it “happily” but rather distract it in a targeted manner, e.g. with games or tasks. Hidden treats in Snuffle Mats, a new catnip toy, a box of rustling paper: you know best what your cat will respond to.
Don’t Encourage Panic
If the velvet paw shows panic and all attempts to distract it are unsuccessful, then you must ignore the behavior with a heavy heart. Affection would then act as a “reward” and reinforce the anxious behavior.
No Lead Pouring With Cat
Is lead pouring part of your New Year’s Eve rituals? Your cat must not have access to the water used – this can lead to poisoning!
No Open Fires
Do not use sparklers near your cat, the sparks can jump onto the cat’s fur.
Sedative Drugs
For very anxious animals, the vet may prescribe calming medication to use during critical hours. However, try a dose beforehand, because in rare cases it can lead to the opposite effects.
Preventive Measures
Targeted behavioral therapy has proven its worth in the long term: the noise in question is played very softly from a CD while the animal is distracted by games or food rewards. If they are not afraid, the volume can be gradually increased after a few sessions.
Use the Embossing Phase
Even with kittens, make sure that they can get used to any hustle and bustle during the imprinting phase, i.e. up to around the twelfth week.