While thousands are expected to turn out to watch the capital's two fireworks shows this evening, Anne McKenna is urging Canberrans to spare a thought for their furry friends left at home.
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The cat lover and acting president of the ACT Cat Alliance said that all too often pets are lost, injured or even killed when the noise of fireworks frightens them.
Ms McKenna said while dogs were more at risk of getting lost during the celebrations, as they may panic and run aimlessly without taking in their surrounds, cats usually seek out a small, dark place where they feel safe.
Unfortunately, if they are not kept indoors or in a secure enclosure, cats may shelter in less than suitable places.
''They go into stormwater drains, and if there's inclement weather they drown,'' she said.
Ms McKenna will keep her four Egyptian maus cats Shai, Seth, DJ and Kes safe inside this evening, but if they do seem scared, she will ignore them.
''Unlike children, if you comfort them you're reinforcing that there's something to fear,'' she said.
Rather, Ms McKenna said cats should be provided with a darkened room and small and cosy spaces they could crawl into to hide, and that owners could consider turning the television or radio up a little to help disguise the noise of the fireworks.
She suggested owners give their cats a big feed before the fireworks start, as it may send them to sleep, and that those staying home for the evening could consider putting their cat in a cat carrier if the animal liked it, as it could act as a cosy, comforting place to spend the evening.
