Anyone tried to desensitise their cat to fireworks by gradually exposing them to the sound of fireworks in the lead up to fireworks season?

[NiceGarden]

Just that really.
Our cat gets very upset when they start with Diwali but is not quite as bad now as they have been going on regularly for two weeks where we live.
I was thinking next year that I will start playing firework sounds to her at a low level a few weeks in advance of Diwali and gradually increase the volume and duration until she gets used to it.
Anyone tried this?

No never tried this and I'm not sure if it would be that effective if I'm honest. Her house is her safe space. Also their hearing is sharp so you'd never be able to replicate the true noise. I'd just put on some noise from TV and radio places for her to hide etc. If she is really bad you can get drugs from the vet to give her on the run up, if that's a road you want to go down. Feliway could possibly work ,(doesn't for mine) don't over stimulate, ignore the noise and be calm, she'll feed off your behaviour.

Thanks @Ludo19 I hadn't heard of feliway, will give it a try

Shop around @NiceGarden the price can vary. Fireworks are so loud, I've also heard Bach flowers it's a glass bottle with a dropper can have a calming effect....2 drops in water. Holland and Barrett do it. I'd personally stay away from drugs like temazepam or diazepam unless she was totally going out of her mind. A few dogs at my practice are given drugs like this on the run up to bonfire night but they're extreme cases. Not sure if you can get a thunder vest for cats but should fit if it fits a small dog.

My recently adopted cat began by hiding when the fireworks started. I put classical music on and alternated with Feliway and Cat Remedy plug-ins.
I put blackout curtains up, closed them when the noise started and left the light on.
Several weeks of non-stop noise and hiding is no longer in a corner as far away as possible, it is more, asleep in the bed under the chair which was put there to replicate the bed in the rescue for ease of settling in, it is also by the warm radiator.
I suspect by the time New Year has passed it will no longer be a problem.

You can get alcohol free Bach Rescue Remedy to add to water or rub a little drop on ears.

They do become immune to the environmental and mental health damaging noise.