New Year's Eve with cats: a relaxed way to see the old year out

New Year's Eve is often a joyfully awaited start to the new year for people. While we welcome the new beginning with impressive fireworks and exuberant celebrations, the evening means pure stress for most animals. Many cats are also afraid of New Year's Eve: loud bangs, bright lights and the burnt smell of fireworks can be a real nightmare for them. To help alleviate this fear and make the turn of the year as pleasant as possible for your cat, we have put together the best tips and information for you on how to deal with New Year's Eve anxiety in cats.

This is what you can do to protect your cat on New Year's Eve

Cats have very keen senses and can quickly suffer from sensory overload on New Year's Eve, which can lead to anxiety and stress. To protect your cat, you should keep it mentally active during the day and tire it out with exciting activities.

There are numerous toys that cats love. In addition to the classics such as the cat teaser, self-rolling balls and jumping fish are great options. Start testing out which toys your cat likes best in the months leading up to New Year's Eve, and have them ready for the turn of the year. Intelligence toys can have an additional stimulating effect and stimulate your cat's mind.

Be creative! Lots of cats love boxes and cartons. On New Year's Eve, provide places of retreat and let your cat explore homemade cardboard castles. A rustling box is easy to make out of a box of crumpled up newspaper and treats.

Tip: Use high-quality, enticing-smelling treats such as Pure Bites from CAT'S LOVE to increase your cat's motivation to search. To further reduce the stress of the turn of the year, you can sprinkle your cat's favourite blanket with Bach flowers, valerian or lavender oil. The soothing scents of essential oils can help to relieve tension. Valerian, in particular, when dried and hidden in small cushions or toys, magically attracts curious four-legged friends and brightens up their everyday life.

Depending on your cat's preferences, you can also offer a relaxing massage. A loving caress with gentle touches in all the right places can work wonders and help to calm your cat.

Keep your home safe

One of the most important things you can do to keep your cat safe on New Year's Eve is to keep it securely inside. If your cat is an outdoor cat, it should be brought indoors by the afternoon of 31 December at the latest and should not be let outside again until the morning of the New Year. The sudden noises could scare it and cause it to run away in panic – often with tragic consequences. Make sure that windows and doors are well closed to keep your cat safe.

Create a place of retreat

When things get stressful, cats like to seek shelter in quiet places. So you should set up a cosy place of retreat for your cat where it will feel safe. A cosy blanket in a quiet corner or a cat cave can work wonders. It is important that your cat gets to know the place a few days before New Year's Eve so that it can get used to it. Make sure that the retreat is easily accessible and that your cat can leave it at any time to avoid additional panic.

Tip: rooms that face the courtyard or bathrooms without windows are often well suited as retreats and are particularly popular with cats.

Mute noise and play calming music

To help your cat on New Year's Eve, it is important to dampen outside noise. Draw the curtains and lower the blinds. This will not only minimise noise, but also bright flashes. In addition, soothing background music can create a relaxing atmosphere. Classical music or nature sounds will help your cat relax, and the New Year's Eve noise will seem less threatening.

Tip: white noise is also helpful as it ‘swallows’ sounds and thus ensures a quiet environment.

How to deal with New Year's Eve anxiety in cats

Stay calm and relaxed

Cats take their cues from their human caregivers. If you are restless or nervous on New Year's Eve, your cat will pick up on this mood and react to it. It is therefore best to stay calm and relaxed – try to avoid hectic movements and behave as normally as possible. Your composure will help your cat feel safe and less anxious about New Year's Eve.

Offer closeness, but don't force it

Some cats seek the closeness of their humans when they are feeling anxious or stressed. If your cat seeks cuddles or your lap at these moments, you should give them this affection. But also allow your cat the freedom to withdraw. Don't force closeness if your cat doesn't want it – respect their needs and let them know that they are in control of the situation.

Sedatives for extreme cases

Some cats suffer so much from New Year's Eve anxiety that supportive measures are not enough. In such cases, you may consider a sedative for cats, in consultation with your veterinarian.

However, these should only be given after veterinary consultation, especially if your cat is extremely distressed. Careful, individual dosing is crucial for a sedative to help your cat on New Year's Eve.

Conclusion: preparation is everything

The most important thing about New Year's Eve with your cat is proper preparation. Make sure your cat is safe, create a calm environment and provide distractions early on. Your cat will thank you for it.

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