My cat hates loud noises, how can I help him cope with next weekends fireworks?

Question

I've recently adopted Monty, a 12 year old moggy from the RSPCA. He's sadly now a house cat as he's become almost blind but he's a very happy chap and loves lots of attention.

As he can't see Monty's very sensitive to noise and loud bangs make him very scared.

Answer 1

a pair of ear muffs !!

Answer 2

Make sure all your windows, doors, curtains are shut. Simply put on the radio or tv to hide the noise of the fireworks. Or invite your friends round and the noise of people talking will drown out the noise and be a distraction for your cat who will probably love all the extra attention.
If all else fails invest in soundproofing asap.....

Answer 3

Hi Clair - when I was at the vets last week, I picked up a leaflet and there were a few suggestions in it (racking my brains now!) They included making a secluded comfy corner for the cat with its bed, something of yours in too (for security) and dont try and tempt it out when the noises have gone. This is the only one I remember, but Im sure if you called your local vet, or checked out the Blue Cross / Cats Protection League / RSPCA websites, theyd help xx

Answer 4

Hi Clare
My cat used to have a similar problem.My vet advised possibly using a prescribed sedative as a last resort: but I found that if I put him in a darkened room (preferably upstairs) with a scarf which had my scent on it, and a radio playing, he found it less stressful: he prefers to be left alone when he is scared, because being fussed over when he is scared makes him more anxious and can make him aggressive

Answer 5

i used to have a cat that was really bothered about fireworks and would quiver behind sofas etc, but now im lucky enough to have a cat that doesnt flinch at all by this. I would say comfort him by talking to him softly and cuddling/stroking him if the fireworks get louder, talk to him louder but dont shout or he'll get scared. As cats love attention he would like this and you would get a stronger priority over the fireworks. Hopefully this will work, it worked for mine :)

Answer 6

I always leave the radio on for my cats. Ok it doesn't drown the really loud bangs out completly but it does help. Also it makes a distraction for them and gives them other noises to listen too which doesn't bother them.

Answer 7

try makin a box for him to go into and cover the inner walls and ceiling of it in the bottom of egg boxes which makes an almost soundproof haven for monty!!!
good luck clair

Answer 8

Our dog is not keen on the loud bangs so we put the radio on for him we turn it up quite loud not to loud to annoy our neighbours but loud enough so he might not notice the bangs so much, try this with you cat it will probably drive you nuts but worth it, poor little mite I hope he will be ok. :o)

Answer 9

You should see the vet he would let you have a few tablets to calm your cat it wouldnt cost you a lot for them,I used to get them for our dog and she would go to sleep she hated loud bangs on bonfire night,

Answer 10

to the vets for sedation - it is only 1 night and might be the kindest way of dealing with it - and usually get some for the weekend after too, as many parties take place then

Answer 11

I would suggest mild sedation, but also make sure you're in all night and reassure him whenever possible. Make sure there's no major obstructions about either in case he bolts and hurts himself. Poor Monty, I hope you both get through it ok...