Owners are urged to remember that the fireworks season can be a nightmare for cats, and a few sensible precautions can help to lessen their trauma.

Keep your cat in after dark, providing a litter tray if he/she is used to having access to the garden. Try to reduce outside noise by keeping windows shut and curtains drawn, and playing soothing music, or having the television on may also help.

Encourage the cat to nestle in cosy familiar territory such as a bed or favourite chair.

If you plan to have fireworks at your home, make sure the cat is safely shut in the house, with the above precautions taken, and let off fireworks as far away from the house as is possible. It is also preferable to have hand-held fireworks, rather than the very noisy ones.