For us cat lovers and owners, New Years Eve fireworks can be a really scary experience. I always feel bad for cats as the perception is they can look after themselves and don’t need or want us humans. In my experience, nothing could be further from the truth. I know my cats watch my every move, know the sound of my car, know when I am going to walk the dogs and know EXACTLY when it’s time for food. They are creatures of habit and territory and have such little programs set in their heads. Can you imagine being a cat and being out and about and all of a sudden there are loud explosions and bright lights booming through the sky out of nowhere? Then they run home and there are all these strange people up past midnight singing and banging pot and pans?
I thought I would put together a little list of do’s and dont’s for you and your kitties to keep them safe and you worry free. This list is inspired by Cats Best 100% Cat Litter and you can click here to read it.
- Do not leave the cat alone on New Year’s Eve – instead invite some cat friendly friends over, keep the lighting cozy and steer clear of noisy champagne corks popping.
- Do not let the cat outside on New Year’s Eve – This starts way before it gets dark on New Years Eve, more and more now people are letting off fireworks in the day time. Buy a litter tray and some cat litter and place it in a quiet place in your home a few days before New Years Eve. You can also add a litter attractant to encourage your cat to use the tray. Restrict your kitty from going out so she is used to using the litter tray before all the noise starts on New Years Eve. Make sure that all cat flaps, doors and windows are properly locked in time so your cat cant get out cannot get out unnoticed.
- Don’t Take the Cat to the New Years Eve Party! – Cats are creatures of habit and territory, moving your cat to a new place is very stressful. Let alone doing that on a night where tehre will be lots of people and new noises. Arrange for a cat sitter to ome and look after your cat if you cant;t say no to the party. You can find great cat sitters in your area by using Cat in A Flat!
- Make Sure the Cat Has a Safe Space – This does not mean locking kitty in a room on New Years Eve, simply create some places for your cat to hide near it’s already favourite sleeping place. Maybe keep a nice cardboard box from the Christmas presents or buy a nice little tee-pee style bed for the kitty to take cover in.
- Use Plug In Calming Scents – these are great. Please use ones that are designed specifically with calming pheromones for cats, as some cats can have allergic reactions to oils and scents us humans find calming. I use these with great effect for my cats.
Most of all, please don’t leave your cat to fend for itself on New Years Eve, he loves you and need you to keep him or her safe.
I know some of you out there will have more great tips to help cats through New Years Eve. Please feel free to share them below:
The Green Cat Cafe 
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