Fireworks and Cats: How to Keep Your Cat Calm and Safe During Fireworks Season

Cats can be just as frightened of fireworks as dogs, some even more so.  A cat’s hearing is around three times more sensitive than ours, meaning bangs and flashing lights can feel overwhelming.

Before Fireworks: How to Prepare Your Cat

Preparation is the best way to help your cat cope with fireworks. Here are a few steps to take before the noise begins:

1. Keep Your Cat Indoors

Once it gets dark, bring your cat inside to protect them from loud noises and flashing lights. Keeping them in a familiar environment will reduce their stress levels.

2. Create a Safe Space

Wherever your cat usually feels most secure, under the bed, in a box, or high up on a shelf.  Make it extra cosy with blankets, toys, and familiar scents.

3. Provide Hiding Places

Allow your cat access to wardrobes, under-bed spaces, or cupboards if that’s where they choose to hide. Just remember to let them back out later.

4. Use a Pheromone Diffuser

Plug-in pheromone diffusers can help calm anxious cats. They work best when used for several weeks before fireworks season. Ask your vet which one might suit your cat.

5. Block Out Noise and Light

Close all windows, doors, and curtains to muffle bangs and hide bright flashes. You can also play gentle background sounds to help mask the noise.

6. Secure the Cat Flap

Lock cat flaps to prevent any panicked escapes during fireworks.

7. Check Microchips and ID

Ensure your cat’s microchip details are up to date. In the UK, all cats over 20 weeks old must be microchipped by law.

During Fireworks: Keeping Your Cat Calm

When fireworks start, cats may hide, pace, or stop eating. This is normal, try to keep things as calm and reassuring as possible.

Do:

• Play Soothing Sounds. Try gentle music, the TV, or a “pet playlist” to help disguise firework noises.
• Keep Their Space Dark and Quiet.  Close curtains and windows to block sound and light.
• Secure Your Home.  Double check doors, windows, and cat flaps.
• Let Them Hide.  Don’t coax them out; hiding helps them feel safe.
• Stay Calm and Act Normally.  Cats pick up on your mood. Keep your tone gentle and behaviour relaxed.
• Tune In to Classic FM’s Pet Classics.  They’ll play specially chosen music designed to calm pets during fireworks.

Don’t:

Try to tempt your cat out, let them come out when they’re ready.
Leave your cat alone if you can avoid it, your presence helps.
Shout or scold, fear is not bad behaviour, it’s stress.

After Fireworks: Helping Your Cat Recover

Once the fireworks end, your cat might still be on edge. Help them wind down and return to normal with gentle reassurance.

• Offer treats or a favourite meal.
• Give them affection if they seek it, but don’t force it.
• Stick to your normal routine to rebuild a sense of safety.
• Keep using pheromone diffusers if needed.

If your cat continues to struggle with firework anxiety, ask your vet for a referral to a clinical animal behaviourist. They can design a gradual desensitisation plan to help your cat feel calmer during future fireworks seasons.