Advice to St Albans pet owners during fireworks season

ADVICE has been issued to pet owners in the lead up to the fireworks season. The local Cats Protection branch has advised a number of simple precautions to help pets stay safe and limit the amount of stress caused by fireworks. Branch coordinator Jean Tho

ADVICE has been issued to pet owners in the lead up to the fireworks season.

The local Cats Protection branch has advised a number of simple precautions to help pets stay safe and limit the amount of stress caused by fireworks.

Branch coordinator Jean Thompson said: "Apart from the obvious physical damage suffered through accidental contact with fireworks, cats and dogs can be badly affected by firework noise and lights.

"Possible behavioural problems as a result of fear and stress could include house soiling or excessive grooming, whilst there is also the danger of a terrified pet running away and never finding its way back home."

Owners are advised to keep pets in after dark and provide cats used to garden access with a litter tray.

Reduce noise and the chance of pets running away by keeping windows and doors securely shut and curtains drawn. Playing soothing music or turning on the TV or radio as background noise may also help.

In addition the Cats Protection branch has suggested that people holding parties consider buying the quiet or silent fireworks on offer and keeping bonfires and fireworks as far away from homes as possible.

They are also asked to check that no small animals are inside any bonfires that they light.