How to Keep Your CH Cat Happy & Safe During the 4th of July
Fireworks are gorgeous, fun, exciting — and if you’re a cat owner, they can mean a night of sheer terror.
A cat watches fireworks. | Photo courtesy Maarten Utreg.
Some say the 4th of July is the most dangerous holiday for cats, and if you live in an area where fireworks are common, it’s not a surprise why. Their loud bangs and pops can terrify cats, since they are more sensitive to noises. Plus, cats who go outdoors may become victim to awful pranks.
Consequently, it’s a good idea to keep your cat indoors, if possible, around the 4th — especially this year since folks will likely be celebrating on the 3rd, too. This will keep him safe and provide quiet places where he can hide.
You can help make the evening less stressful for your cat by doing a few simple things around your home. If possible, close your windows — it’ll cut out some of the noise. You may want to consider closing your curtains too.
Your cat may not be disturbed by the first few pops, but be sensitive and sympathetic in case the noise becomes to much for him to handle. When he runs to hide, he’ll search for a place where the noise is muffled and where he feels protected. If you don’t know your cat’s hiding spot, or if he doesn’t have one, try to come up with one (for example, a quiet bedroom) for the 4th.
If you plan on having guests over, consider keeping your cats confined in a bedroom anyway. Your cat may be stressed as it is and having people over may only add to that. Keeping him confined will also ensure that your cat doesn’t dart out the front door or act hysterically when friends are over.
Photo courtesy hiroshi_nishino
Once you have a hiding spot, consider keeping the cat’s food, water and litter pan near that area. Depending on how nervous your cat is, he may not feel safe enough to travel far for any of those necessities.
No matter what, remember to stay calm for your cat. Pet him and reassure him in a calming voice that it’s going to be OK. If you’re anxious, he’ll sense that and become more anxious. Try turning on the TV or radio to drown out some of the noise.
Good luck and have a great holiday!
Life with Cerebellar Hypoplasia Cats 
Same thing on the 5th November in UK… and then you have those cats who twitch an ear, look out of the window, and sigh Oh It’s That Time Of Year Again, Wake Me When It’s Over and ignore it. I’ve only ever had one cat who actively enjoyed watching fireworks through the window, and patting vaguely at the glass as the pretty stars went past. Mostly, so long as they are indoors, they seem entirely indifferent after the first bang startles them. One of them used to hide under the bed for the first couple of years [did it for thunderstorms too] but he’s laid back now. Actually he’s the only cat I’ve had who HAS hidden. Talking to them constantly and bribing with treats the first time they encounter it seems to work. At least on the 4th July it’s later before it’s dark enough for the first ones to start, 5th November is a bit of a scramble to get them in before the first idiot kids [illegally] get going on their way home from school.