The holiday season is a time filled with fun and family, with many of us celebrating the winter months with parties, time off and fireworks. Whilst we humans love these loud celebrations and colourful shows, our feline family members often have different reactions. You may notice your cat hiding away or acting skittish, but are cats scared of fireworks?
In most cases, the answer is yes, but it’s important to explore why and how your cat exhibits these signs of fear, so you can accurately plan to keep them feeling safe and secure during the holidays.
To help your cat stay calm and happy, browse our cat behaviour and calming collection at VetUK.
Is every cat scared of fireworks?
Not every cat is scared of fireworks, but it’s built into their nature to be cautious to increase their chances of survival. Whilst domestic cats may not need to survive outdoors anymore, fireworks still trigger a cat’s innate instincts to protect themselves.
The loud and unpredictable noise of fireworks exploding indicates potential danger in felines, and whilst we humans know to recognise this sound as fireworks and know there is no threat, cats cannot. The irregular bangs of fireworks going off at different times make it harder for cats to adjust and can leave them anxious and on edge. The same applies to the bright flashes of light.
The sound of roadworks, car horns or other outdoor sounds may temporarily scare cats, but the common occurrence and regularity of these sounds mean cats become familiar to them over time. Bright lights, like passing car headlights or porch sensor lights, may also spark initial fear, but these flashes are also a regular part of a cat’s environment.
The irregularity, loud noise and sporadic flashing of fireworks cause a sensory overload in cats, which often causes them to be on high alert and exhibit visible signs of distress.
How to tell if your cat is scared of fireworks
If you’re a first-time cat owner or you’ve never experienced fireworks, you might not be familiar with these visible signs of distress. Cats and dogs show their fear in different ways, so even if you’ve owned a pet before, you need to be aware of the indicators in cats. Here’s what to look for:
- Hiding away under beds, behind furniture or in tight spaces
- Low body posture with flattened ears and crawling
- Puffy, twitching or thrashing tail
- Excessive grooming, washing or chewing
- Refusing to eat
- Freezing in place
- Darting around the room or pacing up and down
- Loud meowing, hissing or growling
- Trying to escape by scratching at doors or windows
Fireworks can trigger a fight-or-flight response in cats, and these indicators, as well as any personal anxiety behaviours you recognise in your cat, should be carefully monitored.
How to calm a cat during fireworks
Although you can’t prevent others from using fireworks, there are a lot of steps you can take when learning how to calm a cat and make them feel comfortable and less stressed.
Create a hiding spot/dedicated safe space
When holidays come around and you know fireworks are going to be used, set up a cosy spot in advance where your cat can retreat to and feel safe. This can be somewhere tucked away where you know your cat likes to sleep or a hidden area that’s easy for your cat to access. Add familiar items to this space, like one of their beds, blankets and some comfort toys.
Close any windows, curtains or blinds
Closing windows will help to reduce the level of noise, whilst covering the windows will block the flashes of light. Keeping all windows secure will also prevent your cat from escaping outside should they panic.
Act calm around your cat
Cats are very tuned in to human emotions, and if you begin to act anxious or overly concerned for their welfare, your cat can mirror this stress. Try to speak and act as you normally would and avoid over comforting your cat or checking on them too much as this can cause them further stress.
Offer your cat treats
Reward your cat for being brave or offer them a comforting snack with some treats. You can even purchase treats specially designed for calming cats.
Invest in feline pheromone products
Synthetic pheromones like Feliway diffusers or sprays can be used to help cats feel calm and comfortable in their surroundings during the holiday season. Plug the diffuser in or start using the sprays a few weeks before the fireworks are due to start.
Let your cat hide
If your cat wants to hide, it’s best to let them. Blocking or hiding spaces or removing them from under beds/furniture can only cause further distress.
Consult a vet
If your cat is experiencing severe distress, your vet may recommend prescription medication or other calming remedies to help your cat get through firework season.
What should you avoid during fireworks?
The most important thing to remember during fireworks is to keep your cat indoors. Letting them outside can cause them to panic, which can in turn lead to injury, or your cat running away and becoming trapped in a hiding spot.
It’s also important to remember that fireworks can be set off at any time of the year, and not just on dedicated holidays. To keep your cat protected in the event of unexpected fireworks, ensure your cat has a collar containing your contact information and a microchip. As of June 2024, it’s now a legal requirement to have your cat microchipped, and this helps to relocate your pet should it go missing.
Never punish your cat for being afraid. This is not a sign of poor behaviour but an emotional and innate response to their surroundings.
Help your cat stay calm during fireworks with VetUK
Although some cats may handle fireworks well, the majority of cats are scared of fireworks. As a pet parent, it’s your responsibility to help them feel comfortable and calm, and the steps in this blog should help to create a safe environment.
If you’re searching for pet care products to help reduce your cat’s stress, we’re here to help at VetUK. You can browse our selection or get in touch with our team, where we’ll be able to point you towards the best product for your cat.
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