Diwali may be the festival of lights, but for pets, it can sometimes feel like the festival of frights and finding the nearest hiding spot. sweets and celebrations, our furry companions are often left wondering why the neighbourhood has suddenly declared war While we humans look forward to the lights.
I have a cat called Bertie. On an ordinary day, he behaves like the undisputed owner of our house. He walks around with the confidence of a celebrity making a public appearance, picks his sleeping spots like a hotel inspector and looks personally offended if anyone dares disturb his afternoon nap. In short, he has absolutely no doubts about his place in the world. It is funny in hindsight, but not when you see him trembling or refusing to leave his hiding place. Dogs may become restless, refuse food or resist their walks. Cats retreat into corners, while birds can become disoriented by the noise. What sounds like a few minutes of fun to us can mean hours of distress for them. There is plenty to enjoy without turning the neighbourhood into a sound-effects studio. Diyas, fairy lights, rangolis, festive food, family gatherings and music can make the occasion just as special. And if crackers are part of your celebrations, keeping the noise and duration in check can go a long way. At home, we do our bit by keeping the windows and curtains closed, creating a safe, quiet corner and staying close to Bertie. He may still look at us as though we are personally responsible for the entire racket, but at least he knows he isn’t facing it alone. After all, Diwali is about spreading happiness, not making the neighbourhood’s pets disappear under the furniture. Let’s keep the lights bright, the celebrations warm and the noise down.