You’d be forgiven for thinking that cat anxiety isn’t common; these independent, sometimes solitary animals can appear fearless - we all know someone with both a cat and dog and the cat wears the trousers! Cat anxiety symptoms often reveal themselves on fireworks night or during the summer firework season.

How can you tell if your cat is scared of fireworks?

• He or she will hide
  Don’t try to coax your cat from their hiding place; rather than providing cat calming this could stress them out further.

• They’ll try to run away
  There’s an increase in cats handed in to pounds after Bonfire Night as people mistake them for strays. When spooked cat’s will bolt, which increases the chances of them going into the road.

• Aggressive behaviour
  Your cat may start to hiss, growl, bite and act differently to their normal behaviour.

• They won’t use litter trays
  When frightened, cats tend to refuse using their litter tray, and may mess somewhere else in the home.

How to calm your anxious cat

Cats have very sharp hearing, picking up sounds that are too faint for human ears, which is why fireworks, being a series of loud, explosive bangs, can be very unsettling. Follow these cat calming steps to provide cat anxiety relief – and to have your feline friend purring again!

Cat Calming Products – Valerian for Cats

Scullcap and Valerian Tablets for Cats help to relax your pet, with the active herbs naturally supporting the calming pathways within the nervous system, reducing anxiety without making them drowsy or wobbly. Cats also particularly like the smell of Valerian Compound which can be given directly into the mouth, on the food and even on their bedding. This contains pure extracts of three herbs in liquid form, it acts within just 30 minutes with effects lasting up to 2 hours. These products can be used together for maximum results.

Desensitise your cat in advance

Play noises of fireworks in short bursts and at a low volume to familiarise your cat with the sounds. It’s something that needs to be tried over time, so if you have an imminent fireworks display happening near you, try the cat calming product mentioned above as this can be given 12 hours and 2 hours before the event.

Close all windows and doors

This cat calming method will help to dull the sound and will make your cat feel safer.

Put them in the room furthest from the noise

If the noise is quieter and they are in a room they feel happy in, this will help your cat to feel more comfortable. Be careful if you have to pick them up to move them into the room as they could be jumpy.

If you want to discuss using Dorwest Herb’s cat calming products with one of our experienced advisors, please get in touch on 01308 897272 or use our contact form. Plus, get free UK delivery on orders over £50.

Please remember, you should always consult a vet if you are concerned about your pet’s health.