Create a Sanctuary for Your Cat on July 4 06/27/2010

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Image courtesy of RaBoe/Wikipedia

Independence Day is fast approaching.  While the celebrations and fireworks can be great fun for us, your cat is likely to spend the day cowering in the corner. 

Whether you are staying at home, or traveling and taking your cat with you for the long weekend, a little preparation can ease some of your cat's stress.  Using many of the same cat travel accessories that you have around the house, you can create a sanctuary that will help your cat feel safe and secure. For more information about cat traveling, check out my main Cat Travel Accessories blog.

1. Remember that festivities may start a few days before July 4, so set up your cat's sanctuary on July 1 or 2nd.  This will also give your cat time to get accustomed to the sanctuary so it will be familiar and comforting for her by July 4.
2. Pick a small, interior room or walk-in closet that gets little traffic in your house or wherever you are staying for the weekend. 
   
3. Line the floor with some of your cat's favorite bedding and some soft, old towels and clothing. 
   
4. Place a litter box in the room, preferably a covered one to give your cat more security.
5. Put your cat's open carrier in the room and sprinkle it with some catnip.  Toss in some of her favorite toys and a handful of dry food. 
   
6. Put one or two cardboard boxes in the room so your cat has a couple of options for hiding places when she gets anxious.
7. Fill the room with familiar, favorite objects such as soft toys, catnip squares, and a scratching post.
8. Place bowls of your cat's favorite food - canned and dry - in the room as well as plenty of fresh water.  You should feed her in the sanctuary for several days before July 4.  Also, spend some time with her in the room, grooming and petting her, so she associates it with pleasant activities.
9. On the morning of July 4, you may want to give your cat an herbal mood relaxer like Pet Remedy.  Alternatively, you could try using a Feliway plug-in.
10. Check on your cat periodically throughout the day to make sure she is not in any distress.  Refill her food and water bowls as needed.  Talk to her soothingly so she knows everything is okay, in spite of all the noise around her.
    

Finally, if you have a cat that goes outside, please keep her inside during the days leading up to July 4.  The noise of fireworks could make your cat disoriented and she could get lost, even in familiar surroundings.  Or worse, she could be injured by fireworks.

Hopefully, these tips will ensure a safe and happy holiday for you and your cat.


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