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How to Help Your Cat Cope with New Year’s Noise and Stress
New Year’s Eve is a holiday we await with special excitement. The glow of garlands, the scent of tangerines, cheerful voices, and of course, fireworks. But while for us these are symbols of joy, for our cats they can be a source of real stress. I often wonder: what must it feel like for them when the world suddenly fills with loud bangs and flashes of light?
It was last year that I heard a story from my brother which made me look at how cats experience New Year’s Eve in a completely new way.
The Story of a Cat and Her Secret Refuge
My brother told me that his cat had always been calm and independent. But on New Year’s Eve, when the neighbors began setting off firecrackers, she disappeared. At first he panicked—thinking she had run out onto the stairwell or hidden somewhere unreachable. But after a few minutes he noticed her sitting quietly on the top shelf of the wardrobe, nestled among folded blankets.
It was her own decision—to choose a place where she felt safe. It was quiet, soft, and cozy there. She sat calmly while fireworks thundered outside, without running around the apartment or hiding in panic.
The Cat’s Mysterious Behavior
What struck me most was that the cat herself found her “island of peace.” We humans often think we must control everything: set up a cat house, prepare a box, cover it with a blanket. But animals are surprisingly wise—they know best where they will feel comfortable.
My brother realized that it’s not necessary to impose a refuge on a cat. You only need to give her the freedom to choose. Sometimes it may be a wardrobe, sometimes the corner of a sofa, or even a windowsill behind a heavy curtain. The important thing is to respect her choice and not try to force her into the “right” place.
Lessons and Advice
This story taught me a simple but important rule: a cat needs space to make her own decisions. On New Year’s Eve it’s worth:
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removing dangerous objects in advance so the cat can move freely;
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allowing her to find her own quiet corner;
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not disturbing her with unnecessary attempts to “calm her down”—sometimes the best thing we can do is simply be nearby and observe.
And one more thing: cats sense our mood. If we remain calm, avoid fussing and worrying, they too will cope with the noise more easily.
A Question for You, Dear Readers
How do your cats spend New Year’s Eve? Do they have favorite hiding spots where they retreat from loud sounds? Perhaps they choose unexpected places—like the top shelf of the wardrobe, just like my brother’s cat?
I invite you to share your own stories. Tell us where your pets find peace during the holidays. And it would be especially wonderful if you add photos of your cats in their favorite “refuges” at home. After all, it’s these little details that make our world warmer and help us better understand those who live alongside us.