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Original poster

Sounds like WW3 and cat is outside

31 replies

whichspidermummy · 31/12/2023 22:18

My 10 year old cat doesn't like fireworks and always comes in whenever they're let off (and that's quite a lot).

Tonight she went out at 9.15pm and I went to get her in at 9.30 so she was settled before midnight. However she didn't come and the fireworks started at the same time.

I've been up and down the road shaking Dreamies, calling her, rattling the door handle (which she usually runs to), banging on a can of tuna and been out the back...nothing!

The fireworks have really picked up and even during lulls she's not come back.

Some twat has announced on FB that he's having a party with family from 6 countries so they're letting them off for each country's new year, which means after midnight too.

Not sure what else to do. I feel sick from worry, she always runs back when there's fireworks, but this time she's gone missing. I keep picturing her scared and running across the road or getting lost due to being spooked. It's going to get louder and scarier for her.

OP posts:
Hoglet70 · 31/12/2023 22:23

I have had the same problem and they were always back in the morning. I bet she is in a bush or somewhere similar she feels safe. Maybe set the alarm and try again about 2am.

anothernamechangeagainsndagain · 31/12/2023 22:24

There's laws regarding how late / think 1am is the curfew

Original poster
whichspidermummy · 31/12/2023 22:27

@Hoglet70 that makes me feel a bit better, it's so unlike her though. I will try through the early hours.

@anothernamechangeagainsndagain I know there's a curfew, but going on previous New Year's they seem to still be going on at 3am.

OP posts:

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AboutYesterday · 31/12/2023 22:28

I feel your pain. I would be anxious too. The relief when she wanders back in, which she will, will be huge. I actually cried with relief once!

Our cat flap locks her in from 5pm in winter (later in summer) so I start my worrying from 6 if she’s not in for her tea.

oakleaffy · 31/12/2023 22:31

@whichspidermummy Hopefully she has hidden somewhere safe- Cats aren’t bolters like dogs tend to be
She may be close but too frightened to move even if she can hear you .

Hope she comes back soon

Bloody fireworks
I have a dog who dislikes them but they noticed it’s the SIGHT of them she hates- so I f I keep curtains closed she’s ok
( an explosion 💥 just made her look worried!!) I had to carry her home once during a sudden display As I afraid she’d slip her collar and bolt for home.
Fingers crossed your poor cat comes home safe and sound. 🤞

Original poster
whichspidermummy · 31/12/2023 22:34

Thank you all. DH and I have just been out again as there's a lull in the fireworks, she's still not coming though.

OP posts:
oakleaffy · 31/12/2023 22:38

@whichspidermummy Please let us know when she comes back.
My son’s girlfriend’s cat is very nervous and even Dreamies don’t work when she is very anxious- but they do when she’s calm.
Thinking of you as it’s so frightening having an animal take fright like that.
Cats aren’t stupid.
She’ll probably be in a bush close to a boundary wall or something.
have you a torch that you can flash about to try to see her eyes flash in the darkness?

kingofchaosagain · 31/12/2023 22:38

Hope she's back soon

Original poster
whichspidermummy · 31/12/2023 22:48

@oakleaffy Thanks, I've just done that and under the cars, couldn't see her.

@kingofchaosagain thanks.

OP posts:
arewedoneyet · 31/12/2023 22:52

Just an idea can you open her actual food as opposed to treats so she can smell it if she is particularly food driven? My cat who sadly passed away in 2021 would always come running if she heard / smelled one of the little sachets being opened

arewedoneyet · 31/12/2023 22:53

Hope she comes back home soon

Rainbows89 · 31/12/2023 23:01

I would be so worried too but I am sure she is probably just hiding in a bush nearby. I am sure she will come home when it quietens down.

allmyliesaretrue · 31/12/2023 23:07

Oh god, hope she is back soon! This is why I have my cats indoors - I couldn't deal with it. They were both straying when they were rescued but the spoilt wee madams are just so grateful to be indoors that they've never asked to get out!!

Put her litter tray out and an item of your clothing and keep looking for her. I had an indoor/outdoor boy years ago and he went missing two nights - I set my alarm for every hour and kept checking for him! One time he appeared at the front door in the early hours; the other time the wee bugger didn't show up until 7am and still didn't want to come back in the house!!

I'm sure she will come home when it's quiet. Maybe don't let her out again on a night when there may be fireworks x

Original poster
whichspidermummy · 31/12/2023 23:07

Thanks, we've left the conservatory door open so she can go in there if she's out the back.

OP posts:
Atethehalloweenchocs · 31/12/2023 23:11

I would bet she has found somewhere to go to ground - and will come out when it is quieter. Sorry, it is so worrying.

Evenstar · 31/12/2023 23:12

Fireworks started at around 6pm here and have carried on, luckily our cat came straight in and we locked her cat flap.

Hope your puss comes home soon

Original poster
whichspidermummy · 31/12/2023 23:15

She's back! So relieved! Wouldn't come in the back or front, but as soon as I opened the window she jumped in!

Sounds like WW3 and cat is outside
Sounds like WW3 and cat is outside
Sounds like WW3 and cat is outside
OP posts:
TimeIhadaNightCapwithSanta · 31/12/2023 23:16

So glad to hear she's home. Hope she's OK.

Tonight1 · 31/12/2023 23:18

❤️ beauty cat!

Hope she's firmly locked in now!

Original poster
whichspidermummy · 31/12/2023 23:20

@TimeIhadaNightCapwithSanta She seems OK, had treats and food, now grooming herself. Seemed a bit spooked, but OK.

@Tonight1 Oh yes, locked in and snuggled on a blanket.

Happy New Year everyone! ❤

OP posts:
kingofchaosagain · 31/12/2023 23:27

Yay! So glad she is in and safe. Happy new year OP and puss! 😻

oakleaffy · 31/12/2023 23:45
In Love Cat GIF

@whichspidermummy WONDERFUL!!!
Happy New Year!

Rainbows89 · 31/12/2023 23:47

Awww I’m so happy to read this. Yayyyyy!

Pudmyboy · 31/12/2023 23:48

Hurrah!!!! I love happy endings!!!🐈😍

camellia15 · 31/12/2023 23:52

So glad she is back home safe. Happy New Year.🥳