Creating a Safe Haven for your Cat - Fireworks Training

A den or safe-haven is a place where you can take you pet when there is going to be fireworks. 

When choosing an area to use as a safe-haven, make sure it is:

1. Away from doors
2. Away from windows
3. A quiet area without too many people passing them
4. Large enough to have your pet, some food toys, a water bowl, and bedding

A utility room or space under the stairs works well, alternatively, a covered crate can work.

Preparing the safe-haven

In the safe-haven you pet should have access to the following; appropriate bedding; fresh water; food in feeding toys, slow feeders and chews to keep the pet busy when there are fireworks; blackout blinds on any windows; a white noise machine to muffle any outside noises

For dogs, an Adaptil^TM diffuser to help the pet feel comfortable in the room; for cats, a Feliway Classic^TM diffuser to help the pet feel more comfortable in the room

Using the safe-haven

Your pet will need to be trained to use the safe-haven so that they become comfortable going there when there are fireworks.  This can be done by taking your pet to their safe haven several times a day.

Prepare some tasty food, such as peanut butter, cream cheese, or pate in slow feeder bowls, feeding toys and on some chews. NB – if using peanut butter ensure it does not contain any artificial sweeteners, especially Xylitol as these are toxic for dogs.

1. Take your pet to the safe-haven and give them the prepared feeding toys, slow feeders and / or chews
2. Leave your pet in this area while they are eating their food or treat.
3. Repeat this several times a day during the weeks before firework session.

When you know there are fireworks happening:

1. Try not to feed your pet for at least 4 hours prior to the time the fireworks are due to begin, so that they are hungry
2. Take your pet to their safe haven at least 10 minutes before they start
3. Offer them various feeding toys, slow feeders and chews
4. You may need to sit with them during the fireworks and talk to them
5. Massaging their neck while talking to them in a calm voice may help to calm them down

Also see: Keeping Your Pets Safe From Fireworks