Fireworks Distressing My Cats - Advice

The Wizard · 06-11-2009, 10:47

I've got 3 cats and for the last 2 weeks we've had fireworks going off all around us and every night they're cowering round the back of the sofa and they've not been eating their food. This morning one of my cats tried to eat some cat food but was sick, probably through worry. It really upsets me to see them in so much distress but I could cope better if I knew it was for only one night but it's not.

I really dissagree with fireworks being sold to the public for this reason cos some people just don't have any consideration and the fact that we have to put with the annoyance, not just for one night but for weeks before, during and after bonfire night. I just can't see why anyone would waste money on these things when is costs a couple of quid to go and see a propper organised display. In my opinion it should be limited to one night only and get it all over and done with on one night.

Last night people were letting them off way past 10pm and our local pub had a display going on til late. But this has been going on all week and last Saturday was the official town display. Last night was the "real" bonfire night and this Saturday there's gonna be another local display and I worry for people with pets and babies that are trying to get to sleep while all this banging is going on outside.

Bigger and louder fireworks are now the trend and commercial style big box 1000 shot drums are now being bought by people who let them off in their back garden with no consideration for anyone else. It's no longer a few roman candles and a catherine wheel in the back garden, it has to be a recreation of World War II.

coopermanyorks · 06-11-2009, 10:50

We were lucky it pissed it down here so bonfire night was a wash out,no doubt it will now take place Friday , Saturday and Sunday.

Rich243 · 06-11-2009, 10:53

i must admit, my cat doesn't seem to be bothered by the fireworks, he even went out a couple of times last night

i do agree that fireworks are a PITA , I think the only people who should be able to buy them are organisers of proper displays, and that displays should only happen on the 5th or the closest Saturday to the 5th of November

Ber · 06-11-2009, 10:59

Have you tried feliway?

The Wizard · 06-11-2009, 11:05

It's like alcohol. No matter how much ID you slap on people who buy them they will always fall into the hands of irresponsible kids who think it's funny to let them off in phone boxes or throw them in the street. The difference being, if a teenager decides to get hold of alcohol and drink it then that's their problem but every year hospitals and the RSPCA are full of people and animals who are seriously injured by these things because of other people.

A few nights ago I was on my way to the pub and 2 rockets come down out of nowhere and missed me by inches. Who knows whether they were still burning hot but I wouldn't want one landing on my head. I feel sorry for cats who are outdoors while these things are being let off. At least ours were in the house where I could keep an eye on them.

They should ban the sale in shops to the general public and make official organisers have a special licence to buy them for official displays only. Anyone else found letting them off at any other time should be proscecuted. Especially the people who were letting them off at quarter past 10 last night round are way. I mean, who in their right mind lets fireworks off at that time of night?

The Wizard · 06-11-2009, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ber

Have you tried feliway?

We tried it a few years ago but didn't have any effect on our cats. Isn't that just catnip in liquid form? We got a plugin one that went in the wall but it didn't make them any calmer.

El Guapo · 06-11-2009, 11:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Wizard

I've got 3 cats and for the last 2 weeks we've had fireworks going off all around us and every night they're cowering round the back of the sofa and they've not been eating their food. This morning one of my cats tried to eat some cat food but was sick, probably through worry. It really upsets me to see them in so much distress but I could cope better if I knew it was for only one night but it's not.

I really dissagree with fireworks being sold to the public for this reason cos some people just don't have any consideration and the fact that we have to put with the annoyance, not just for one night but for weeks before, during and after bonfire night. I just can't see why anyone would waste money on these things when is costs a couple of quid to go and see a propper organised display. In my opinion it should be limited to one night only and get it all over and done with on one night.

Last night people were letting them off way past 10pm and our local pub had a display going on til late. But this has been going on all week and last Saturday was the official town display. Last night was the "real" bonfire night and this Saturday there's gonna be another local display and I worry for people with pets and babies that are trying to get to sleep while all this banging is going on outside.

Bigger and louder fireworks are now the trend and commercial style big box 1000 shot drums are now being bought by people who let them off in their back garden with no consideration for anyone else. It's no longer a few roman candles and a catherine wheel in the back garden, it has to be a recreation of World War II.

Whilst I sympathise with you and your cats you have to be realistic! You don't like fireworks and some people don't like cats. Some people cannot make firework night if it is the week so want to do it another day. Lot's of adults and children love fireworks. Also cats shit in my garden and I hate that so should I wish no one should have cats as pets? Life can sometimes be a bitch but just deal with it ok. It is also part of our fast declining heritage and culture.

stud u like · 06-11-2009, 11:18

Mine doesn't seem bothered but her behaviour last night was very strange. She was trying to get under my hearth rug. Then she was playing a game of cat pawball with a rolled up piece of paper,something she has not done since she was a kitten.

MARTYM8 · 06-11-2009, 11:19

All I can say is roll on Monday - and this appalling excuse for anti social behaviour will be over for another year.

Its going to rain this evening in London - so that will at least give us some respite tonight.

Roll on peace and quiet - last Saturday some idiots were still letting off rockets at 2.30am!

poppypinkie · 06-11-2009, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Guapo

Whilst I sympathise with you and your cats you have to be realistic! You don't like fireworks and some people don't like cats. Some people cannot make firework night if it is the week so want to do it another day. Lot's of adults and children love fireworks. Also cats shit in my garden and I hate that so should I wish no one should have cats as pets? Life can sometimes be a bitch but just deal with it ok. It is also part of our fast declining heritage and culture.

I agree.

I don't have cats nor do I light fireworks.

I do however get far more joy from other folks' fireworks displays than I do from other folks' cats.

Suck it up.

CoffeeLover · 06-11-2009, 11:54

My little puppy is still terrified. She had to be coaxed out step by step late last night and sorted herself out in record time. I too just wish that it wasn't every night, until late, every day for weeks before and after Bonfire night.

jimmy7bellies · 06-11-2009, 12:07

It wouldn't be so bad if they were any good but they're always these poxy pathetic little things people let off in their gardens, makes you wonder why they bother it's far more entertaining at an organised display with proper fireworks.

dome · 06-11-2009, 12:30

Do you ever have a happy/stress free day OP?

jamcake · 06-11-2009, 12:42

Are you having a mid life crisis?

The Wizard · 06-11-2009, 13:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamcake

Are you having a mid life crisis?

Yes I think I'm turning in Reggie Perrin!

The older I get the more things seem to irritate me. Strangely enough though I seem to be most irritated just lately by grumpy old people and here's me turning into one.

Maybe I should take off my clothes and run naked down the highstreet and see if that makes me feel any better.

BigGayL · 06-11-2009, 13:11

Moan moan moan!
I have 2 cats who don't mind fireworks, I on the other hand jumped out of my skin a fair few times going home last night. However I didn't post a thread about it!

cat's whiskas · 06-11-2009, 13:19

I think it depends where you live... I lived in Birmingham and the things were LOUD, and went on and on for weeks... the fireworks weren't any good either, as someone else said they were poxy little things.
Since I moved to a nicer area the fireworks are not so loud or continuous, and are much nicer to look at. I actually enjoy them now!
(My cats are a bit jumpy but are ok)

jamcake · 06-11-2009, 13:22

Done it again

Rich243 · 06-11-2009, 14:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigGayL

Moan moan moan!
I have 2 cats who don't mind fireworks, I on the other hand jumped out of my skin a fair few times going home last night. However I didn't post a thread about it!

but you are posting in the thread

BigGayL · 06-11-2009, 14:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich243

but you are posting in the thread

Yeah, not exactly the same thing though!

Just i am sick of the OP complaining about everything, I was trying to make a point that most people can get on with their lives without moaning every 2 seconds on DS!

The Wizard · 06-11-2009, 15:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigGayL

Yeah, not exactly the same thing though!

Just i am sick of the OP complaining about everything, I was trying to make a point that most people can get on with their lives without moaning every 2 seconds on DS!

It's up to me what I choose to post about. Sometimes I come on here to put the world to right and get things off my chest. Nobody forced you to join in and It's not like I'm holding a gun to your head making you listen to what I have to say. As it happens there a a few people on here who agree with me and the woman who lives next door told me this morning she feels the same way so it's not just me.

If you object so much to my posts then you have a very easy option. It's called the "back button." I've got just as much right to say what's on my mind as anyone else so you know what to do if you don't like it. Move to another thread and don't waste your time posting insults on a thread for someone your obviously "sick and tired of" jeez!

dsdjm · 06-11-2009, 16:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoffeeLover

My little puppy is still terrified. She had to be coaxed out step by step late last night and sorted herself out in record time. I too just wish that it wasn't every night, until late, every day for weeks before and after Bonfire night.

How did you deal with it the first time you saw your puppy worried?

She probably looked at you - and if you tried to offer comfort then it will only re-enforce the fact that it is something to be worried about.

The best thing you can do is carry on as if nothing has happened, don't even look at your puppy and this will tell her that it is normal and nothing to worry about.

CoffeeLover · 06-11-2009, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsdjm

How did you deal with it the first time you saw your puppy worried?

She probably looked at you - and if you tried to offer comfort then it will only re-enforce the fact that it is something to be worried about.

The best thing you can do is carry on as if nothing has happened, don't even look at your puppy and this will tell her that it is normal and nothing to worry about.

This was the first time. Although there have been fireworks every night here for the last couple of weeks, they were particularly noisy last night. She wedged herself behind the settee after running wildly in response to the first really loud bang. We pulled the settee out and she wedged herself between one of the armchairs and the coffee table. We took the dog whisperer's advice and carried on as if nothing was happening. When it was quite clear that this was not reassuring her we pulled the chair away and she ran shaking into the bathroom. She stayed there until the early hours when I coaxed her out step by step. She is still jumpy today and I guess it will start all over again soon. The curtains are all drawn and I have put the tv on. Don't know what else to do.

Nesta Robbins · 06-11-2009, 16:48

My elderly cat is terrified this year too. Speaking to others on the Pets forum, I've been trying a natural relaxing tablet for cats and dogs called Serene-Um. Half a tablet twice a day for a large cat. Last night she still registered the fireworks, but was quite a bit better, fairly laid back and chilled during it, with no after effects.

cat's whiskas · 06-11-2009, 16:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Wizard

As it happens there a a few people on here who agree with me and the woman who lives next door told me this morning she feels the same way so it's not just me.

Actually LOTS of people are sick and tired and fireworks, probably more people are fed up with them than like them now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsdjm

if you tried to offer comfort then it will only re-enforce the fact that it is something to be worried about.

The best thing you can do is carry on as if nothing has happened, don't even look at your puppy and this will tell her that it is normal and nothing to worry about.

Perhaps cats and dogs are different - it's the opposite for my cats

06-11-2009, 10:47	#1
The Wizard Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: S.Cheshire - Granada Region Services: Freeview Winter Hill - O2 Broadband Posts: 1,369	Fireworks Distressing My Cats I've got 3 cats and for the last 2 weeks we've had fireworks going off all around us and every night they're cowering round the back of the sofa and they've not been eating their food. This morning one of my cats tried to eat some cat food but was sick, probably through worry. It really upsets me to see them in so much distress but I could cope better if I knew it was for only one night but it's not. I really dissagree with fireworks being sold to the public for this reason cos some people just don't have any consideration and the fact that we have to put with the annoyance, not just for one night but for weeks before, during and after bonfire night. I just can't see why anyone would waste money on these things when is costs a couple of quid to go and see a propper organised display. In my opinion it should be limited to one night only and get it all over and done with on one night. Last night people were letting them off way past 10pm and our local pub had a display going on til late. But this has been going on all week and last Saturday was the official town display. Last night was the "real" bonfire night and this Saturday there's gonna be another local display and I worry for people with pets and babies that are trying to get to sleep while all this banging is going on outside. Bigger and louder fireworks are now the trend and commercial style big box 1000 shot drums are now being bought by people who let them off in their back garden with no consideration for anyone else. It's no longer a few roman candles and a catherine wheel in the back garden, it has to be a recreation of World War II.

06-11-2009, 10:50	#2
coopermanyorks Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Gender: Male Location: Pontefract -In Gods Own County Services: Pace HD & Pvr3's in Multiroom-Sky 4 mix & Sports - BE BB Posts: 16,850 Blog Entries: 1	We were lucky it pissed it down here so bonfire night was a wash out,no doubt it will now take place Friday , Saturday and Sunday.

06-11-2009, 10:53	#3
Rich243 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chester Services: SonyKDL40X3000, Humax freesat HDR, Humax 8000, PS3 Posts: 566	i must admit, my cat doesn't seem to be bothered by the fireworks, he even went out a couple of times last night i do agree that fireworks are a PITA , I think the only people who should be able to buy them are organisers of proper displays, and that displays should only happen on the 5th or the closest Saturday to the 5th of November

06-11-2009, 10:59	#4
Ber Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Essex Services: Seacamite Posts: 5,415	Have you tried feliway?

06-11-2009, 11:05	#5
The Wizard Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: S.Cheshire - Granada Region Services: Freeview Winter Hill - O2 Broadband Posts: 1,369	It's like alcohol. No matter how much ID you slap on people who buy them they will always fall into the hands of irresponsible kids who think it's funny to let them off in phone boxes or throw them in the street. The difference being, if a teenager decides to get hold of alcohol and drink it then that's their problem but every year hospitals and the RSPCA are full of people and animals who are seriously injured by these things because of other people. A few nights ago I was on my way to the pub and 2 rockets come down out of nowhere and missed me by inches. Who knows whether they were still burning hot but I wouldn't want one landing on my head. I feel sorry for cats who are outdoors while these things are being let off. At least ours were in the house where I could keep an eye on them. They should ban the sale in shops to the general public and make official organisers have a special licence to buy them for official displays only. Anyone else found letting them off at any other time should be proscecuted. Especially the people who were letting them off at quarter past 10 last night round are way. I mean, who in their right mind lets fireworks off at that time of night?

06-11-2009, 11:18	#8
stud u like Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Sunny Side Of The Street Services: masculine men with passion! Posts: 17,718 Blog Entries: 14	Mine doesn't seem bothered but her behaviour last night was very strange. She was trying to get under my hearth rug. Then she was playing a game of cat pawball with a rolled up piece of paper,something she has not done since she was a kitten.

06-11-2009, 11:19	#9
MARTYM8 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 8,128	All I can say is roll on Monday - and this appalling excuse for anti social behaviour will be over for another year. Its going to rain this evening in London - so that will at least give us some respite tonight. Roll on peace and quiet - last Saturday some idiots were still letting off rockets at 2.30am!

06-11-2009, 11:54	#11
CoffeeLover Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Gender: Female Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 86	My little puppy is still terrified. She had to be coaxed out step by step late last night and sorted herself out in record time. I too just wish that it wasn't every night, until late, every day for weeks before and after Bonfire night.

06-11-2009, 12:07	#12
jimmy7bellies Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,224	It wouldn't be so bad if they were any good but they're always these poxy pathetic little things people let off in their gardens, makes you wonder why they bother it's far more entertaining at an organised display with proper fireworks.

06-11-2009, 12:30	#13
dome Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 29,883	Do you ever have a happy/stress free day OP?

06-11-2009, 12:42	#14
jamcake Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: London town Services: Talk $hit, get hit Posts: 3,764	Are you having a mid life crisis?

06-11-2009, 13:11	#16
BigGayL Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 904	Moan moan moan! I have 2 cats who don't mind fireworks, I on the other hand jumped out of my skin a fair few times going home last night. However I didn't post a thread about it!

06-11-2009, 13:19	#17
cat's whiskas Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 31	I think it depends where you live... I lived in Birmingham and the things were LOUD, and went on and on for weeks... the fireworks weren't any good either, as someone else said they were poxy little things. Since I moved to a nicer area the fireworks are not so loud or continuous, and are much nicer to look at. I actually enjoy them now! (My cats are a bit jumpy but are ok)

06-11-2009, 13:22	#18
jamcake Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: London town Services: Talk $hit, get hit Posts: 3,764	Done it again

06-11-2009, 16:48	#24
Nesta Robbins Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 365	My elderly cat is terrified this year too. Speaking to others on the Pets forum, I've been trying a natural relaxing tablet for cats and dogs called Serene-Um. Half a tablet twice a day for a large cat. Last night she still registered the fireworks, but was quite a bit better, fairly laid back and chilled during it, with no after effects.