Find your feline a safe haven from loud noises
This new season of increasingly loud thunderstorms may send your feline hiding under the sofa or bed. Anticipating this reaction to thunderstorms and loud noises can go a long way in helping your cat cope.
Your cat needs to feel safe and cozy. You can do this by confining him to smaller quarters (spare room, den, sewing room, etc.). Next, provide a welcome environment in case the cat wants to hide. Multilevel cat trees or furniture help here.
Every time it storms, my cats automatically run into the spare room with all the cat furniture. I place warm, fuzzy beds at each level of furniture. They also feel safe if cubes or cubby hole-type beds are provided. Err on the side of more than you need so that your cat can pick its favorite spot during this stressful time.
Boxes and bags with towels inside are also inviting. They give your feline an increased sense of security to hide in.
Perhaps, try thinking of a loud storm and the behavior your cat displays as behavior that it may have exhibited when you brought it home for the first time. Too much space is overwhelming when times are stressful.
If you know about what time the storm may hit and you are home, try adding some Rescue Remedy to the water bowl in the room they will be confined to. This liquid calming agent can be purchased at most health food stores. A couple of drops in the water is safe for them, but you should discuss this agent with your veterinarian before you try it.
Lastly, do not forget to provide a litter box in your safe haven. During times of stress, accidents can happen.
I also consider any celebration with fireworks a reason for seclusion in the safe room. Fireworks can, in fact, be much louder than thunderstorms and they continue for a much longer duration.
Whenever I know there will be a fireworks display, I start the roundup to the spare room well before the event begins. The roundup is so much more relaxing for them and for you. Once all the commotion begins, they will be thrilled they are in the safety of their spare room.
If the fireworks are local they will be loud, and with any local event there will be activity in your neighborhood with illegal firecrackers. People that do not have animals seem to be unable to resist the temptation.
My next bit of advice for these explosive holidays is to go out during the day and stay home with your animals in the evening when all the racket hits.
I also have friends who believe boarding their animal is the solution to the problem. Boarding is a solution only if you are going out of town and there is no one to care for your animal. The animal hospital is not sound proof. What you have now done by boarding your pet is expose it to a group of nervous animals, hence more anxiety.
Featured FelinesScream is a brown and white neutered male that is about 2 years old. Scream is very vocal. He is constantly talking. We have not figured out if it is for attention or it is a nervous habit. Scream survived a car ride under the hood of a car from Route 53 to Mount Prospect. The owner of the car heard meows coming from under the hood and called the police to open the hood. There was Scream, nestled in the engine block, screaming for dear life. Scream is a little shy from his ordeal but he is quickly overcoming his shyness. He also loves other cats.Calvin is a brown and white Maine coon mix that is only a year old and is neutered. Calvin lost his way and became homeless when the floodwaters of the South displaced him. Calvin is outgoing and loves people and other cats. He is one social, handsome, happy cat.Ÿ Contact The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806 or visit us at 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, or online at thebuddyfoundation.org. 36492433Calvin