Press release -
Firework fear is an issue for cats too says Lintbells
Cats may be just as likely as dogs to experience firework fear but their owners are less able to recognise the behaviour.1 Cat owners are also less likely to use common techniques adopted by dog owners, such as distraction, to help calm their cat.1 Making cat owners aware of the help available and suggesting fear reduction strategies could result in welfare improvements for thousands of cats during firework season say vets at natural premium supplements company Lintbells.
Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine and Clinical Certified Animal Behaviourist, Dr Lorella Notari, PhD, MSc, Dip. ECAWBM-CA, MRCVS, says unlike dogs, cats are more likely to exhibit hiding and cowering behaviours when scared by loud noises, “This quieter strategy can make it more difficult for owners to recognise that their cat has a welfare problem. They might be, or become, more sound-sensitive for a number of reasons that includes their temperament, their early experiences and their physical and behavioural health.”
Cat owners who recognise the signs of noise phobia in their cats report the duration of the fearful response as equivalent to that reported in dogs.1 Owners may also be unaware that comforting the pet could also result in an increased duration and severity of the fearful response in both cats and dogs.1
Lintbells Veterinary Director James Howie thinks that vets can play an important role in making their clients aware that a cat that’s hiding is suffering just as much as the dog that’s obviously trembling or seeking attention around fireworks time, “It’s sad that people are not acting because many of the simple things that work for dogs can work for cats to reduce stress – creating a safe den, using normal background sounds like the TV to mask the sounds of fireworks and using calming products can all make a difference. Cats should also be checked out for any physical problems that might be implicated in any change in behaviour.”
Lintbells has produced a range of support materials for practices that want to help their clients recognise the signs they need to be aware of in both dogs and cats, including social media graphics showing dilated pupils, crouching and flattened ears. They are free to download at https://www.lintbellsvet.com/digital-materials/
For further information visit www.lintbellsvet.com.
Reference
1. Dale AR, Walker JK, Farnworth MJ, Morrisey SV, Waran NK (2010) A survey of owners' perceptions of fear of fireworks in a sample of dogs and cats in New Zealand, New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 58:6
Topics
- Veterinary medicine
Categories
- noise phobia
- firework
- lintbells
- cat behaviour
- yucalm
About Lintbells
For Lintbells, every product starts with a pet in need. Based in Weston in Hertfordshire, Lintbells researches, formulates and manufacturers high quality, innovative natural supplements that aim to improve the lives of dogs, cats and horses. It’s a commitment the company takes very seriously and has resulted in products that support skin and coat condition, digestive health, joint care and behavioural support.
Established in 2006 by John Howie and John Davies, Lintbells has a strong focus on scientific validation of its products, working with experts such as the Royal Veterinary College and New Zealand’s Marlborough Research Centre. But it doesn’t stop with the science because helping pets is at the core of the business.
At all levels of the Lintbells’ organisation there’s a realisation that collectively, everyone has a responsibility to help keep pets healthy and happy by providing effective, high quality, pet supplements at affordable prices.
And it seems those efforts are increasingly appreciated by pets and their people. By the end of 2017, over 300 million YuMOVE tablets had been sold to pet owners in more than 15 countries.
For more information, visit www.lintbellsvet.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lintbellsvet
