How Stray Dogs and Cats Experience Dussehra Differently

Dussehra is a festival filled with sounds, lights and happy people. For humans it is a time of joy but for stray animals it is not always the same. Dogs and cats on the streets feel this day in a very different way.
Many stray dogs roam around busy lanes during Dussehra. They hear loud crackers and drums that scare them. Their ears are very sharp so every sound feels ten times louder to them.
Cats mostly try to hide when the festival noise starts. They find small corners under cars or dark spaces behind shops. They do not like sudden lights or fire from crackers.
The biggest worry for stray dogs during Dussehra is the bursting of crackers as the sounds confuse them and make them restless. Many run to dark places thinking they are in danger.
Street dogs often bark more during this time. They may even fight among themselves because they are stressed. Some keep running on the streets which makes the roads unsafe for them.
Without anyone to comfort them these dogs carry fear for many hours. Their heart beats faster and they do not understand the reason behind the noise.
Stray cats are more scared of the flashes of dussehra light than the noise. Bright sparks of fireworks disturb their eyes. Cats have sensitive vision and sudden brightness makes them hide even more.
They stay away from food areas to avoid being near lights. This means they sometimes go hungry for the whole night. Their safe movements change into nervous hiding until the night is over.
Street cats often shift their resting spot in fear of sudden light. So a festival night becomes full of uneasy travel for them.
During Dussehra many roads are filled with people and traffic. Stray dogs lose their small sleeping spots near vendors. They cannot find peace with crowds walking all around.
The loud music in processions makes it hard for them to rest. Hungry and tired they wander around more streets. This increases their stress during the celebration.
Some dogs even get hurt while crossing crowded roads. Sudden movements of people and vehicles make their situation worse.

Stray cats face trouble with smoke from fireworks. Their small lungs struggle with polluted air. They breathe heavily and their comfort goes away fast.
Smoke also covers their paths. Cats who depend on smell to hunt food cannot use their sharp nose properly. This leaves them without meals. They then sit still in a corner until the air clears. For them Dussehra night feels longer than usual.
During Dussehra people burn firecrackers near the ground. Stray dogs walk around open streets and sometimes come too close. Fire near their paws or tails can hurt them badly.
Some dogs get confused when they see flames. Instead of running away they move closer out of curiosity. This makes their safety at high risk during the festival. The smell of burning also frightens them. They run in panic across wider areas in search of quiet spots.

Cats also face danger from open flames during the festival. They often hide in piles of garbage or boxes near burning firecrackers. This can turn risky. When scared they may jump into unsafe places. Many cats even scratch or fight each other due to built up stress.
The fear of sudden sparks stays with them long after the festival ends. Their natural calm mood is broken for many days.
Cats who usually sleep quietly at night are not able to do that on Dussehra. They stay hidden in fear for hours. Some only come out when dawn breaks.
Without rest they grow irritated and less focused. They may act in unsafe ways later because of the fear.
For stray kittens the night feels even more dangerous. The little ones are not used to such sudden events.

Most dogs are highly restless through Dussehra night. Their sleep is broken again and again by crackers and drums. They walk around in circles to find a quiet place.
Because of this lack of rest they feel weak the next day. Some even avoid food since they are too tired. This stress can also hurt their overall health in the long run.
People can help dogs during the festival by showing care. Giving safe corners away from crackers gives them relief. A little food before nightfall can also calm them.
Friendly people sometimes take strays inside open sheds or porches. This helps them rest better till the night ends.
If more humans became thoughtful the dogs would feel the festival as less frightening.
Cats can also get small bits of kindness during Dussehra. A box or cloth space away from lights helps them hide safely. Food kept near such spots allows them to eat even during fear.
Some families even make quiet corners near their homes for street cats. This gesture gives strays some comfort in these hard nights. Even small acts mean big support when the animals are under stress.
Both stray dogs and cats suffer from the noise and light of Dussehra. Their health and calmness break during this celebration. Unlike pets at home, they have no one to care for them.
Awareness among people is the only way to reduce their stress. When people understand the fear of animals they celebrate with more responsibility. A shift in festival style can make life safer for strays.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the superstition about stray dogs?A stray dog following you is believed to bring good luck and fortune in that person's life.
2. What smells do cats hate the most?Cats hate the smell of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
3. Are festivals stressful for dogs?Dogs that are usually sociable may become overwhelmed in high stimulation environments during festivals, leading to stress behaviors.