Furry Friends, a 501 nonprofit no-kill cat shelter in Clark County, Washington, is sharing steps to protect cats from Fourth of July fireworks stress. National holidays can be stressful for cats due to the loud noises and flashes of light from fireworks.

Keeping Cats Safe

To keep your cat safe, keep them indoors on the day of the fireworks, especially if they are allowed outside for brief periods of time. Take extra care when opening and closing exterior doors, as they may attempt to slip outside or bolt in terror. Consider having your cat microchipped for their safety.

Stay home with your cat instead of leaving to watch the fireworks. Even if they hide or refuse to interact, they are better off with you there. Close all windows and draw curtains and blinds to help buffer the sounds and dim the flashes of light. Provide a safe room with cozy hiding places, a litter box, and a water bowl, and settle your cat in before the fireworks start.

If your cat is especially fearful, create an emergency shelter. Turn on the TV or play soothing music, such as classical, to create a noise distraction. Try to distract your cat with a fishing pole-type toy to engage them in playtime. Never give your cat any of your own anti-anxiety medications; instead, consult your vet, who may recommend an over-the-counter supplement or prescribe an anti-anxiety medication.

Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.