Your Guide to Fourth of July Cat Safety
The Fourth of July is typically a day of fun; fireworks, cookouts, swimming, hanging with friends and family, and all the things humans love. For cats, however, this particular day (and night) is wrought with risk. Loud noises, confusion, and separation from the family combine to make it one of the scariest days of the year.
Fear produces stress, and stress can have many negative impacts on a cat’s health, including an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections, refusal to eat, and obsessive grooming. Our Fourth of July cat safety tips are simple ways you can reduce your cat’s stress and protect him or her from the dangers associated with this particular time of year.
Know Thy Cat
Cats are notoriously secretive, but an observant owner can watch for signs of anxiety, including:
- Excessive vocalization
- Trembling
- Hiding
- Abnormal grooming behavior
- Changes in appetite
- Irritability/aggression
- Restlessness
Watch the Door
The comings and goings of guests make the perfect opportunity for a kitty escape artist to make a break for it.
Practice good Fourth of July cat safety by making sure your cat has been microchipped, and that the microchip is registered with your current contact information before Independence Day.
In addition, outfit kitty with a properly fitting collar and ID tags to increase the chances of being reunited should he or she become lost.
Speaking of Outside…
Bring your outdoor cat inside prior to the start of a fireworks display. Not only is it safer for your cat to be inside, it will allow you to keep tabs on his or her anxiety level and offer support as needed.
Fourth of July Cat Safety
Keep your cat safe and comfortable with our expert tips:
- Give kitty a safe place to hide and rest during a party or fireworks display. Set him or her up in a quiet room with food, water, litter box, and bedding. Turn out the lights, cover the windows, and play soothing music to block out the sights and sounds.
- Don’t leave anxious cats home alone; rather, stay nearby to provide petting and verbal reassurance. Keep in mind that anxious cats may become aggressive.
- Pressure-based garments like the Thundershirt can help your cat to stay calm during a fireworks display or other noisy event.
- Consider using Feliway, an all-natural feline pheromone, to sooth your cat’s anxiety.
Helping you take the best possible care of your cat is our top priority at Cat Care of Vinings. If your cat is experiencing severe anxiety, please give us a call. Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss the various medications and other options for helping your cat.
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I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.