Cat Rescue Dunedin Charitable Trust chairwoman Debby Foster said doing this with pets was the best way to keep them safe during the annual Guy Fawkes celebrations as there was the chance they could run away due to the loud noises.
"If animals do run off, prevention is better than cure. Get them microchipped ahead of time so that if they run off, there’s more chance of being reunited."
Cat Rescue Dunedin held many cats at the shelter who were often "not bothered" by the fireworks as they were caged and away from the noise, Mrs Foster said.
Those missing pets often turned up at random homes, creating more issues, she said.
"People don’t bother to get it taken to the vet or to us to get them scanned to see if they belong to someone."
Cats might not stray far from home, but if no-one took them to get checked, then no-one would know who they belonged to.
The fireworks affected dogs as well as cats.
Both animals could hear higher frequencies and sounds at greater distances, meaning the explosive noises of fireworks might seem closer, louder and more disorienting to them.
"It’s hard sometimes with cats. They often don’t show that they’re anxious."
Some cats were naturally anxious, so keeping them in a comfortable environment or getting them an anti-anxiety spray could be beneficial, she said.
According to a PD Insurance press release, there are more than 4.35 million pets in New Zealand.
RNZ Concert will broadcast the country’s first Concert for Animals tomorrow.
The broadcast aims to comfort and entertain pets and their humans with music during Guy Fawkes night.
