Advice from The Catnip Queen, with a little help from our Chief Toy Testers, Princess and Tiger.
Halloween and Bonfire Night can be an exciting time for us, but for our pets, the increase in noise and activity can be unsettling. From trick-or-treaters knocking at the door to fireworks lighting up the sky, there are plenty of things that can leave cats and other pets feeling anxious.
As a pet owner of two cats, Princess and Tiger, I know how important it is to help them feel safe and comfortable. Here’s what we do at Catnip Queen HQ to help keep our two calm during the spooky season.
🎶 1. Put on Some Calming Background Music
One of our go-to tricks is putting Classic FM on in the room where Princess and Tiger are relaxing. Background music can help mask some of the sudden noises from outside, including knocks at the door and fireworks.
We keep the volume comfortable and make sure they can move away from the sound whenever they like.
👑 2. Our Royal Elixir Strong Catnip Spray
We have launched The Royal Elixir Catnip and Silvervine Spray, this heady mix means your cat is more likely to respond than Catnip alone. This will provide a distraction for the cats and a relaxing sleep after exercise.
During Halloween and Bonfire Night, we spray their toys as part of creating a familiar, comfortable environment for them. It's one of the little things we do alongside providing a quiet space and plenty of reassurance.
Always follow the product instructions and check that any spray is suitable for your pet.
🚪 3. Create a Safe Space
With trick-or-treaters coming and going, repeated knocks and doorbells can be particularly unsettling for pets.
At Catnip Queen HQ, we make sure Princess and Tiger have a comfortable room away from the front door, with their favourite beds, familiar blankets, fresh water, a litter tray and somewhere to hide. And, of course, a cardboard box or two!
We also keep doors and windows secure to prevent any unexpected escapes.
Our top tip: Never force your pet out of their hiding place. Giving them somewhere quiet to retreat to allows them to feel safe and settle in their own time.
🎆 4. Preparing for Bonfire Night
Fireworks can be frightening for cats and dogs, so we continue our routine into November.
We keep Princess and Tiger indoors, close the windows, draw the curtains to reduce flashes of light and put Classic FM on to help mask some of the outside noise.
Keeping their environment familiar and their routine as normal as possible can also help. Every pet reacts differently, so pay attention to their behaviour and speak to your vet if they experience significant distress.
❤️ A Little Reminder from Catnip Queen HQ
Halloween and Bonfire Night are much easier for our pets when we plan ahead and give them the space and comfort they need.
For us, that means background music, a safe hiding place and our Royal Ritual Calming Spray as part of our routine for Princess and Tiger.
From our family to yours, we wish you a happy Halloween and a peaceful Bonfire Night!
