Preparing Your Cat for Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night is a highlight of the autumn calendar here in Portishead, but for cats, all those fireworks lighting up the sky can be genuinely frightening. Cats hear far better than we do, and sudden loud bangs can trigger a real fear response even in confident, easy-going cats.
If you're heading out to a display yourself or your cat sitter is popping in to check on things, here's how to help your cat feel safe through the fireworks period.
Start Preparing Early
Fireworks around Portishead tend to start well before the 5th itself, often running for a week or two either side. Don't wait until the night, begin settling your cat's environment a few days in advance so the extra noise doesn't come as a shock.
Create a Safe Space
Cats cope with stress by hiding, so give them somewhere to do that:
Choose an interior room, away from windows and exterior doors, where sound is naturally muffled.
Set up their bed, a litter tray, water, and a few familiar toys there in advance so it smells familiar.
Draw curtains or blinds to block flashing light as well as reduce noise.
Leave a radio or TV on at a low, steady volume to mask sudden bangs with consistent background sound.
Keep Cats Indoors
Close cat flaps and keep cats in from late afternoon on display nights, even if they're usually outdoor cats. Startled cats can bolt and travel surprising distances.
Double-check windows and doors are secure.
Make sure your cat is micro-chipped and the details are up to date.
Ensure they're wearing a collar with an ID tag (if that's part of your normal routine)
Watch for Signs of Stress
Every cat reacts differently; here are some common signs to look out for:
Excessive hiding
Flattened ears, dilated pupils, or a lowered body posture
Over-grooming
Loss of appetite around the noisiest periods
Pacing or vocalising more than usual
If your cat is showing these signs, resist the urge to force interaction or coax them out. Let them come to you in their own time, and offer calm, quiet reassurance if they want it.
If You're Out for the Evening
If you're attending a display or event and your cat will be alone, this is exactly the kind of evening a check-in visit makes a real difference. A familiar, calm presence can help reassure an anxious cat, top up food and water, and confirm nothing's amiss.
Booking Ahead
Bonfire Night and the weeks around can be busy periods for cat sitting requests, so it's worth booking early if you know you'll need an evening visit.
Get in touch to arrange a check-in and give your cat one less thing to worry about.
Contact Rebecca
07557 022201
Portishead Cat Sitter
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