Helping your cat through New Year's Eve and fireworks

• The cat's ears are flat against its head

• The cat wants to get away

• Eyes are wide open

• The cat might tuck its tail under its body or flick it rapidly from side to side

On New Year's Eve and other times when fireworks are expected nearby, make sure your home is 'firework-proof'. If you have an outdoor cat, keep them inside on New Year's Eve to reduce the risk of them running off if they get scared. Even if your cat hasn't shown signs of being afraid of fireworks before, it's a good idea to 'firework-proof' your home. Here's how:

• Make sure all windows and any cat flaps are closed. When cats get scared, they tend to run off and hide.

• Reduce outside noise as much as possible by closing curtains and turning on the TV or playing music.

• Stay calm yourself and keep your cat company.

If your cat is frightened and stressed over the New Year period, you might consider products like Feliway, Aptus Relax, or Zylkene. These are over-the-counter remedies that can help reduce stress in cats, helping them feel calm and safe despite the fireworks outside.