How can American cats enjoy the 4th July? People say that their cat is an important member of the family. So, what is in for them during the 4th July celebrations? What can the cat get out of this day of fun and festivities for Mr & Mrs American?
Almost everyone, anywhere in the world knows about the American 4th July celebrations. Fireworks and food seem to be the traditional way to celebrate America’s independence from Great Britain. I wonder what the world would be like if the United States was still British 😉 A fun thought. I am sure that it is not a fun thought for all (any) Americans. But it would be different country. A better country. Enough….
In addition to food, fireworks and festivities, some cities – such as Washington – put on parades and shows and events, which loyal citizens can attend. I expect more than the usual number of American flags adorn houses. Brits find this odd; too patriotic for our liking.
Most websites write about how to keep your cat safe on the 4th July. The typical suggestions are:
- keep your cat inside the home and;
- ensure there is a safe hiding place for your cat for when the fireworks blast off and;
- ensure your cat is microchipped in case she gets out and runs for her life and;
- distract your cat by playing with her…
The last one is the best. One way the cat can benefit from the 4th July celebrations is receive more attention from their human caretaker as a form of compensation for the potential and actual distress caused by the disruptions: guests and fireworks and so on.
The second thing a cat should get from these celebrations is a day of best quality food if she is normally fed boring dry food. Give her an expensive treat of finest wet cat food. Add to that a few human treats that you know will please her. Make sure the finest cat food is a type she likes. Cats on cheap dry food get used to it.
Thirdly, give your time and energies generously to your cat. How about a 200% increase in time spent playing and cuddling your cat? Buy a new cat tease in preparation or better still, make one. There is nothing better for your cat than time spent with you, particularly if a lot of the time you are busy working or dashing around organizing the barbecue for the 4th July celebrations!
Sometimes, a little moments when you are doing things for guests, it is possible to involve your cat. I don’t know if Americans give presents to other people on 4th July. I doubt it but if you do it is a great opportunity to spend 5 minutes playing with your cat as they love boxes and wrapping paper. That is the other thing that people all over the world know.
Lastly, what about some special 4th July cat music!
Make sure your cat gets the most out of what is exclusively a human celebration. We owe it to them.
Picture:
- Ragdoll cat copyright Helmi Flick
- Fireworks by Beverly & Pack
- Editing by Michael at PoC.
Michael, Marc, two Ruthies, feliners, my friends, my flag has flown. Bunny flag. In honor of my best friends. 🙂
They can’t . I can’t. The mother Robin in my cat’s front yard is herding her fledglings right now, against all of that backgrnd noise. She is immune to it. (not really.)
Modern fireworks in England are very loud, like bombs going off. They are scary for people never mind cats.
It is upsetting for a cat’s caretaker to see their cat so scared. There is nothing that can be done to ease things at that point. A cat should simply have a good place to hide.
All my cats have been frightened of fireworks and it lasts all evening until late and sometimes for days beforehand.
My Gigi is quite scared of fireworks. Last time she hid all night inside the lining of the couch and she was growling quietly occasionally. Poor thing was so scared. It’s the first time I have had a cat affected strongly by fireworks.
England might even be worse, or just part of it as much. But it’s not the boss which I guess is what the celebration is really about. Seems like when push comes to shove all our countries will bend out of shape.