According to the research of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), around 500,000 pets die every year due to home fires, and 1,000 fires are caused annually by pets. So it’s wisest to know what to do with cats when fire alarm goes off to avoid potential hazards and injury.
In this case, your first attempt should be to provide a companion and convince your cat that she isn’t alone and will remain safe.
Keep reading to understand your duties and responsibilities to keep your cat safe and normal after the fire alarm goes off and to help it recover if traumatized.
What to Do With Cats When Fire Alarm Goes Off
Cats are curious animals, which often leads them into danger. Among various hazards, fire alarms are the most dangerous for cats, as their sounds attract them to investigate. It can also cause them harm or even death.
When the alarm goes off, the first thing you should do is giving him some comfort items, such as favorite toys or blankets, to reassure her that everything is fine. Then, take your cat as far away from the alarm as possible or to a quieter room, and isolate him.
In addition, cats have very sensitive hearing. So stay with your cat as long as possible and insulate the room using blankets or towels to reduce the noise. If you are living in an apartment and it has only one sound source for the alarm, applying some socks around it can help lessen the noise. Even a day out with your cat can be a better decision, however, it could be a bit difficult to accomplish.
Training a Cat to React to a Fire Alarm
Training your cat to come to you when the fire alarm goes off can lessen your stress and hard work as it will keep them aware of smoke or loud noises. And by training your cat to be friendly, she won’t be scared of the blaring noise and will run towards you rather than hide under the chair. Once she comes, give her some treats.
In addition, your cat should also be able to run out of the house and get into bed. However, if your cat sleeps with you, then there is nothing to worry about.
Also Read: Why Does My Cat Follow Me Then Run Away?
Fire Alarm Safety for Cats
Loud noises are extremely dangerous for cats; especially those with sensitive ears. So the loud noise that comes from the fire alarms can irritate their ears. The first step to making the fire alarm safe for your cat should be to make them familiar with the fire alarm.
This way, when the alarm sounds, your cat will not flee and hide instead of approaching you. To do so, you can teach your cat not to run and hide. Otherwise, inhaling smoke can also cause asthma attacks. In this case, your cat may gag, cough, or stand with her neck extended. So how can you set off a fire alarm for a cat?
Cat urine can damage the ionization detectors. Since cats are extremely curious, lit candles can fascinate them. The Electrical Safety Foundation International suggests placing a pet alert sticker on a window close to the front door.
How to Recover a Cat traumatized after a Fire Alarm
Like humans, cats can also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety after a fire alarm. If so, then how could you help your cat through a traumatic condition? Give extra care and affection to your cat and try to understand the healing process. Though it’s an immediate process, it may take a bit more time to recover.
Loyally
Be loyal to your cat, even if you need to overcompensate. You aim to show your cat that you are completely committed and devoted.
Safety and Trust
A cat suffering from a traumatic situation should feel that you are dedicated to keeping her safe. Naturally, animals have endurance instincts. In addition, if their owner increases their trust, they will recover tremendously.
Because cats have emotions and feelings, they can become scared and anxious after witnessing a shocking event. Hence, you should help them improve their sense of security and level of calmness. This way, your pet will get back to a normal life.
Patience
If your cat is traumatized after a fire alarm, its behavior can be fear-based. So you can have patience and tolerate their abnormal behavior for a while, giving them enough time to recover safely.
Positive Reinforcement
Reward your cat after every improvement and let her know she will get a treat if she behaves positively. This way, keep practicing positive reinforcement to help your cat start to heal and recover from the traumatic situation she has experienced.
FAQs
Can fire alarm damage cats’ hearing?
Cats have extremely sensitive hearing, and loud sounds can cause them discomfort. However, loud noise won’t cause them true deafness. If you are concerned about your kid’s hearing loss, apply an electric test called the BAER test to be confirmed.
Can a fire alarm scare a cat?
Yes, fire alarms and smoke can scare a cat so much that it struggles to get back its natural instinct. As a result, you should take your cat as far away from the fire alarm as possible and convince it that it is safe.
How do I stop a cat from setting off the house alarm?
To avoid causing false alarms, use a pet-friendly motion sensor. It should have an infrared motion detector that detects body heat rather than original movement.IR motion sensors also avoid the pet’s heat signature, which is less than 40 pounds.
Final Words
It can be difficult to recover your cat if she is scared of fire alarms, as they often hide their pain and discomfort. So it’s critical that you know what to do with cats when the fire alarm goes off so that you can keep them safe and avoid potential hazards. If your cat is traumatized as a result of a fire alarm, take him to the vet and give him more attention and affection.
Hello, this is Frank Swanson, the owner, and operator of Pet Info Hut. I created this website as a way to share my love of pets with the world. I have over 7 years of experience working with animals, and I have a passion for helping people care for their pets. I hope that you find my website useful and informative. Thanks for visiting!
