New Year's Eve with a cat - tips against fear

Many cats are afraid of the sound of firecrackers and rockets. The experience of the cat's first New Year's Eve is crucial. With the right preparation, you can save your cat a lot of stress and look positively to the future.

Are cats afraid of New Year's Eve?

Cats react very differently to the noise caused by firecrackers and rockets . Some are not frightened, while others hide in the farthest corner. Perhaps you have already had your first New Year's Eve with a cat and know what to expect. However, you may also be about to celebrate your first New Year's Eve and have mixed feelings about it.

A fearful and sensitive cat could be a clue. You may have noticed that she immediately hides when a door slams shut or the sound of a building site enters the room. At least with a door, cats have the opportunity to associate the noise with a specific situation, but this is not possible with noises from outside, such as the banging of firecrackers. The bang comes completely unexpectedly for the cat, possibly repeatedly, and cannot be associated by the cat. It is therefore quite understandable that some cats are afraid of firework noises .

Can I leave my cat alone on New Year's Eve?

If the upcoming New Year's Eve is your cat's first, it should never be left home alone. A lot depends on what experiences it has that night. Without a caregiver, it could panic or get a shock for life. Some don't dare to come out and fall into a state of paralysis if one or two rockets or firecrackers are set off the next day. The first New Year's Eve should therefore be spent together with your cat. If it turns out that the cat obviously has no problems with the noises, then you can dare to leave the cat alone next year. However, it is not certain whether this will work equally well, as you will be missing as a reliable support. This should not be underestimated, even though the cat may not have wanted to be near you last New Year's Eve.

What do I do if my cat is alone on New Year's Eve?

Whether you have one, two or more cats, they would certainly prefer to spend New Year's Eve at home. However, if this is not possible, it is best to take some precautions:

1. Prepare a quiet area for your cat, which can be darkened, and place an inviting cat basket, food and water bowls and the litter tray there.
2. It is important that you do not confine your cat in this room and that it can continue to move around freely.
3. The quiet zone should serve as a resting place for the cat and can also provide a pleasant distraction from loud banging noises with calm, classical music.
4. The quiet zone should be available for your cat a few days before New Year's Eve.
5. Play with your cat extensively before leaving the house or apartment. She may then sleep through the New Year's Eve celebration.
   
   

How can you calm a cat on New Year's Eve?

Some cats are so jumpy that a quiet zone and distraction are not enough. A visit to the vet is therefore recommended. They can prescribe a suitable sedative for the cat. We must warn against self-medication.

When can my cat go outside again?

If your cat is an outdoor cat, you should not let it outside on New Year's Eve in the afternoon at the latest. It is better if you do not let your cat outside from 28.12 (first day of sale for fireworks). This will ensure that your cat does not panic when it suddenly hears the sound of fireworks. It is therefore a good idea to keep your cat indoors in the new year until January 2nd.