Fourth of July Mayhem

How do you explain to a cat that there's nothing to fear?

I live close enough to Disneyland to hear the fireworks go off every night at 9:30 p.m. sharp. My cats don’t seem to hear it anymore, or if they do, at least they don’t react to it. I think Maddie and Sophie are smart enough to have figured out that the sound of fireworks going off at the same time each night at the same volume from the same distance is nothing to fear. Cats, after all, can block out some sounds that they’ve determined are non-threatening.

Independence Day is another story. The sounds that are obviously much closer to home going off at random times are much more frightening to my cats. The firecrackers that sound like a gunshot or car engine backfiring, are enough to make me jump.

Even with all the windows and doors closed, the air conditioning on and music playing, the disruptive sounds of this holiday send my cats into hiding until the Fifth of July. I feel bad and want them to understand that there’s nothing to fear, but how do you explain that to a cat?

I love the Fourth of July and appreciate the personal sacrifices that went into building this free nation as much as any proud American, but I prefer to enjoy this holiday from the safety of my home with my cats.
My compliments to all who entered the patriotic cat photo contest. You all deserve to win.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!