Fireworks usually scare animals. And the Grey Menace was no exception when they were close by and loud. But he seemed fascinated when they were just bright lights and rumblings in the distance. I discovered this our first summer living in our loft carving studio in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood.
I took him to sit on the stoop one evening, forgetting there would be fireworks for a local holiday. When they started, he jumped, stopped, and cocked his head at the low-pitch rumbling in the distance. He then watched the display, tail lashing furiously in the darkness.
Being that he was who he was – The Grey Menace – cat among all cats, the bane of all his enemies, and supreme cat egotist, we figured that somewhere in that cat brain, he figured that the fireworks were a late Canada Day celebration in his honor, or in celebration of his moving to the States. With Clancy, ego was always part of the explanation for anything otherwise scattershot or inexplicable.
On the Fourth, I’ll watch the fireworks from my yard, but the dog and two kittens will be safe inside. Their motto is “bold but prudent,” and to hell with the fireworks!
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‘tail lashing furiously’ –I love that about cats. Two of mine will be under the bed. Thunder, rain, fireworks, any bumps in the night sends White Paws and his girlfriend, Piper under our bed. The other three don’t even lash their tails. 😼
Yep. Into the cave where it’s safe!
I heard some folks give their furry friends tranquilizers
I’ve known some dogs who got them, but our guys just go into a quiet room and sulk,
Bear is confused by fireworks — “I need to protect my human from all danger at all times, but this scares me.” I give her Benedryl followed by a piece of cheese. It’s better than nothing.
Max barks, our old dog Sam would cry and then hide with the cat, they were a team.
I can’t imagine Clancy being scared of anything! We are very lucky that Louis Catorze isn’t scared of fireworks. He will look up if they’re loud, but then go back to sleep again. Happy 4th to you all!