Please note we will be closed on bank holiday Monday, click here for more information on how to access our services. Please note our out of hours care is now supported by Medivet in Watford.

We understand that noisy celebrations in Hertfordshire such as Halloween, Bonfire Night, Diwali, Christmas and New Year can cause nervousness in pets. However, by taking the appropriate steps to plan ahead of these scheduled events, you can minimise unnecessary stress and anxiety for your pet.

Signs of anxiety to look out for in cats in Hertfordshire

  • Hiding
  • Scratching furniture
  • Urine spraying
  • Overgrooming (can lead to hair loss)
  • Pacing
  • Vocalisation

Top tips for cats

✓ Make sure your cat is microchipped to increase the chance that you will be reunited if they do get scared and decide to run away

✓ Ensure your cat is safely indoors well before dusk and that all windows, doors and cat flaps are securely closed

✓ Close curtains to reduce the impact of flashes

✓ Provide a litter tray in a quiet area of the house. Do this well before the day’s fireworks are expected, so they become familiar with it

✓ Turn on the TV or radio to drown out the noise of fireworks

✓ Don’t disturb your cat if they find somewhere to hide when the fireworks are going off. Cats find a good hiding space, comforting

✓ Try to ignore any reactions your cat makes to the fireworks – they may see this as a sign that you are worried about the noise yourself

What products are available to support my pet in Hertfordshire

There is a range of products available to purchase in practice to help alleviate stress for your cat, from pheromone diffusers to calming food supplements.

If your cat starts to show significant signs of anxiety, please contact us to discuss all the options available to you to ensure they remain as calm as possible.

Chess Veterinary Clinic Surgeries

Rickmansworth Surgery 97 Uxbridge Road Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 7DJ
Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8.00am - 8.00pm Sat: 9.00am - 6.00pm Sun & Bank Hols: Closed
View map & full details
Chorleywood Surgery 1B New Parade Chorleywood Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 5NJ
Opening Hours Mon & Fri: 9.00am - 7.00pm Tue - Thur: 9.00am - 5.00pm Sat: Closed Sun & Bank Hols: Closed
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