Felines are Fearful of Fireworks
Tin Tin was lost for three months before coming into VOKRA’s care. When we heard about someone feeding a stray cat, our new VOKRA trappers Felisha and Reid took a trap over to see how they could help. They showed the person feeding the cat how to use the trap and after a few days we were successful in getting the stray tabby. She was then brought to VOKRA’s Operations Center where she was checked for identification. Luckily we found a readable ear tattoo! She was Tin Tin, a cat who jumped out of a window in her home 3 months prior after a long car ride in unfamiliar territory, and during Canada Day celebrations which scared her even more. Without the kind person feeding her, and our VOKRA trappers and Operations, this poor kitty may have never been reunited with her owner!
This Halloween, we want to remind you that accidents happen and to be careful with the increased activity of trick-or-treaters coming to your home, as well as with the possibility of fireworks. Both are known to scare kitties which can lead them to act erratically and try to escape.
Keeping cats safe during fireworks
Loud, random noises can be scary for your cat, especially when they don’t happen every day. Cats have sensitive hearing, hearing things louder than humans do so loud bangs and flashes of light take them by surprise and cause stress. When cats are scared, their survival instincts kick in which can include hiding, urinating in places they’re not supposed to, scratching, hissing, or vocalizing their frustration. It is common for kitties to flee their homes after being startled by fireworks. Cats have been known to jump from high windows, race in front of cars, or run blocks away from their homes. Some cats are injured at home from toppling furniture or chewing their skin raw. Fireworks and cats don’t mix. Fortunately, you can help your cat during these events.
Tips to Keep your Feline Friends Safe
Create a safe space - Give your kitties a safe and secure spot where they can hide. Using a covered cat bed or an old cardboard box in a pinch can help your cat feel calmer.
Keep calm - Cats pick up on your emotions. Act normally and your cat will know they’re safe.
Don’t leave them home alone - Your kitty will benefit from knowing someone is home with them when they are stressed and scared. If you are not able to be home, consider getting a pet sitter your kitty knows and is comfortable with so they aren’t alone.
Don’t restrict access - Keeping your cat confined to one room will only stress out your cat even more when they are used to having access to your entire home. Letting them access your home will give them a chance to find the space they feel safest.
Don’t treat them differently - Trying to pick up or cuddle your cat might make them more fearful. Give them space and let them come to you when they are ready. They will let you know when they want attention and if they need to be comforted.
Background noise - Play music or leave the TV on for background noise to cover the sounds from outside the home. This can help to reduce the impact of sudden sounds that come with firework displays. Classical music can be very calming for kitties.
Close the drapes - The flashes of light can be just as disturbing to cats as the loud noises. Keeping your drapes closed will minimize the amount of stimulation your kitty receives and will help them feel safer.
Check escape routes - Double check your windows and doors as a stressed-out kitty may go into flight mode and squeeze through a gap that you wouldn’t think that they could fit through. Make sure everywhere is secure so if your cat does go into hiding, you know they’re still in the house.
This Halloween, let’s keep our kitties safe and prevent other kitties from going missing. We were happy to reunite Tin Tin with his loving owner, but this is not always the case when kitties run away. If you see a cat in need of help, please be sure to reach out to a local rescue group or animal shelter.
VOKRA is in need of volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about what that involves, you can read more and apply at vokra.ca/volunteer.