Keeping Your Cat Safe – Bonfire Night and Fireworks

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Keeping Your Cat Safe - Bonfire Night and Fireworks

 

Remember, remember!
The fifth of November,
The Gunpowder treason and plot;
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!

English traditional verse

 

November 5 is Bonfire night. A night in the United Kingdom that commemorates the gunpowder plot of Guy Fawkes who tried to blow up the British parliament in 1605. A huge part of  British culture it is celebrated with bonfires, children who make ‘guys’ and burn them, and fireworks.

Lots and lots of fireworks.

In gardens, parks, playing fields.

The fireworks go on for hours.

And days leading up to and after November 5.

With fireworks readily available to the public mischievous youngsters often sent them off deep into the night, or during the day.

 

Keeping Your Cat Safe - Bonfire Night and Fireworks

 

This is a very scary time for pets as the noise can be deafening, and close and unexpected.

How to keep your cat safe?

Most important – Keep them inside!!

  • Especially after dark. This way you can watch them, help them and know they aren’t in any danger. Very independent kitties might be brought in a day before to ensure they will be in. You don’t want to be running searching for Fluffy once the fireworks have started – it is definitely too late then.

 

  • Close and secure windows and doors.  Secure cat flaps. With loud bangs and explosions cat’s are very apt to bolt in an effort to escape. Check top windows – cats are jumpers and can escape easily through open top windows. Be cautious in entering and exiting the house, or chatting to visitors. Cats are great escape artists.

 

  • Provide them somewhere dark and cozy to hide – hiding will be their instinct with the noise.

 

  • Give them food, water and a litter box.

 

Generally, it is better to let the cat find a place they feel comfortable hiding, and to avoid fussing over them. Cats usually do not respond well to heightened attention, stroking, picking up. Leaving them to find a safe and secure spot of their liking is the best.

For more on how to have a safe Bonfire night with your cat Cat’s Protection has a great video with more helpful suggestions.

 

 

Wishing feline friends in the UK a safe and happy Bonfire Night!