4th of July Tips
Tip #
1
It's fun to gather friends and family, so include the best interest
of your pets in the planning. Now is not the time to sneak "people
food" to Fido or introduce the new puppy to all of the other dogs
owned by everyone else. Think of your day from your pet's point of view.
Decide what you will and won't do...and then stick to your plans. You'll
be glad you did. Don't forget ID tags, too, if you're out and about
with your pet. If you get separated, your chances of recovering your
buddy will be better if a contact number is dangling from that collar.
Tip # 2
Unfamiliar sights and sounds can send your favorite buddy into a tailspin,
literally, but this doesn't mean you can't take your pet with you to
outdoor festivities today. Check regulations, and if dogs on leashes
are permitted at an event, decide where your pet will feel safest. A
low-key picnic at the park, hiking on a beach or woodland trail, or
a spot along a parade route might be fine, depending on the temperament
and experience level of your pooch, but noisy crowds and an exploding
fireworks display could spoil his fun and yours. Why put your animal
through that? Oh, and never leave your pet unattended in an automobile,
no matter how short the time frame. Time you spend planning, with your
pet's needs and tolerance level in mind, will be rewarded with an enjoyable
holiday experience for all.
Tip # 3
Remember the last sudden, loud burst of thunder that sent shivers up
your spine? Fireworks can be even more frightening for animals because
they do not understand what is going on. Even at home, noise from the
neighborhood can make your animal tense. Consider spending some quiet
time soothing your pet when it gets dark, or leave soothing music or
the television on to help mask outside sounds of celebration. Other
hazards of the day could linger in trash cans, balloons, glow-sticks
or discarded party favors, and - of course - fireworks.
Tip # 4
Water. Keep your pet's food, snacks, and water available. Sticking to
your regular routine will keep unnecessary stress out of a busy holiday.
That includes exercise, too. With summer heat, water is a must for both
you and your pet.
Tip # 5
Have fun! Enjoy this time together, and take time to remember what this
holiday is all about.
Keep your cats happy and safe on Independence Day
By Franny Syufy, About.comAbout.com Guide
Sparklers, Firecrackers and Rockets OH MY!
The 4th of July, Independence Day, is the most traumatic day of the year for cats. If you live in the U.S., unless you pack a tent, hiking boots, and your cat, and take off for the high country, it is unlikely you'll spend a fireworks-free 4th of July. As with many of our traditional holidays, people tend to forget the meaning of "Independence Day," but concentrate their celebration on "bombs bursting mid-air" and barbecues. Although many municipalities don't even allow the "safe and sane" fireworks anymore, people still seem to find the not-so-safe kind. In my neck of the woods, some fools take the "bombs" literally, as they explode one M-80 after another. These can be devastating to human nerves, to say nothing of the poor cats'.
Prepare a Sanctuary
Frightened cats will seek shelter, immediately. Many cats will run and hide under a bed or in a closet when the doorbell rings. Imagine what they will do when a bottle rocket goes off nearby. It will help your kitty if you prepare a sanctuary in advance, perhaps a bed inside a closet in an interior room. Rub a towel or small blanket with her scent and put it in the bed. Show her where it is well in advance of the 4th, so she will know it's her own "safe place." We usually spend the evening of the 4th in our bedroom with our cats on the bed, so we can pet them and soothe them when the fireworks start. It doesn't totally take away their fear of loud noise, but it does help a lot.
If your cat is normally an indoor-outdoor cat, keep her indoors for the day. Unfortunately, there are still sadistic sub-humans around who think it's great fun to tie a string of firecrackers to a cat's tail. Don't let your cat become a statistic, and forever ruin your enjoyment of the holiday.
Having a Party?
Unless it's a quiet family get-together, you might want to consider boarding your cat at your veterinarians if they will have staff on duty during the holiday. Otherwise, it's best if you keep Fluffy locked in your room during the festivities, with her food, water, and litter-box handy. Even if it's just family, try to discourage feeding kitty scraps from the barbecue, though she might beg. Barbecue and the accompanyments that go with it are usually too rich and greasy for your cat's metabolism, and she needs all her physical resources in optimum condition just to handle the fireworks later.
Consider Tranquilizers
No, not for you, but for your cats. If your favorite feline is normally the skitterish type, you might want to ask your veterinarian about a mild sedative or tranquilizer, just to get the cat through the day. If you're not fond of drugs for cats, there are some herbal concoctions that have a calming effect. Rescue Remedy, available at health food stores, is recommended for shock, both physical and emotional. It is a mixture of several Bach Flower Remedies: impatiens, star of Bethlehem, cherry plum, rock rose, and clematis. Many veterinarians routinely prescribe it. Check out also my list of Natural Remedies for Stress in Cats
Try to take time out from the activities of the holiday to spend a few minutes with your cat, every couple of hours, petting her and talking to her. She needs to know you haven't abandoned her during these stressful hours, and the respite will be good for you, too.
Happy Independence day, and I hope it will be a safe and sane one for both you and your cats.
Courtesy of About.com
