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Fourth of July Cat Safety

Fourth of July Cat Safety
June 27, 2023

As the Fourth of July approaches, it's important to keep in mind that fireworks and backyard barbeques can be stressful and dangerous for cats. To ensure the safety and comfort of your feline friends, here are some helpful tips to follow:

Fireworks

Fireworks displays can be visually stunning, but the loud sounds can be incredibly frightening for cats. Here are some steps you can take to help your cat stay calm and secure:

  • Create a safe and familiar space for your cat to stay during the fireworks. This could be a quiet room in your home as long as it's away from the noise.
  • Make sure all doors and windows are locked and secured, and ensure your cat has proper identification in case they become lost.
  • Ensure all microchip information is up to date in the event your cat is lost.
  • Consider closing all blinds and windows and using white noise or leaving the TV on to help drown out the sound of the fireworks.
  • Provide your cat with a distraction, such as a new toy or treat, to help them stay calm.
  • If your cat is extremely anxious during fireworks, talk to your veterinarian ahead of time about medications that can help keep them calm.
  • If you don't enjoy fireworks yourself, your cat will be happy to have your company if you choose to forgo the fireworks.

Backyard Barbeques

Backyard barbeques are a popular way to celebrate Independence Day, but it's important to keep your cat safe during the festivities. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Keep human food out of reach of your cat and ask guests not to feed them. Alcohol, avocados, grapes, and onions can be toxic to cats, and cooked bones can cause intestinal blockages.
  • Use pet-friendly insect repellent, and keep cats away from citronella, which can cause severe respiratory problems if ingested.
  • Keep lighter fluid and matches out of reach as they can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and gastric issues if ingested.
  • Be careful with glow jewelry and glow sticks as ingesting them can cause excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cats have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July. If you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s safety during the holiday, don't hesitate to contact us at (616) 364-1211 for guidance.