Help My Cat is scared of fireworks
HELPING YOUR CAT COPE WITH FIREWORKS NOISES
30% of cats are reported to be afraid of Fireworks. Fireworks produce sudden, intense sounds that can cause stress, anxiety, and even fear in cats, making them feel unsafe. The loud bangs, bright lights and vibrations from fireworks can also add to their distress. It’s essential to prepare your home when fireworks are expected by creating a calm, safe environment for your cat. Proper preparation can reduce your cat's stress levels and help them feel more secure during these unsettling events.
Discover how to keep your cat calm during fireworks with our practical tips and FELIWAY recommendations to reduce fireworks anxiety in your cat.
- Close curtains and doors
- Close and lock the cat flap
- Turn up the TV or Radio to mask the noise
- Let them rest quietly undisturbed. Do NOT try and coax your cat out - it will cause more stress.
- Make hiding spaces extra cosy with blankets
- Use FELIWAY Classic Spray apply to the blanket or hiding place and leave for 15 minutes before allowing your cat access
- Make sure there is enough food, water and clean litter trays. Each cat should have access to at least one)
- Plug in FELIWAY Optimum where your cat likes to spend most of their time.
- Leave the diffuser plugged in and turned on
Recommended Products TO HELP YOUR CAT COPE DURING FIREWORKS:
Cats and fireworks: a guide to a stress-free bonfire night
Bob the Cat - is three human years old and a Norwegian Forest cat. He adopted us just over 2 years ago. He is my soulmate and shadow. He lives being outside and climbing. The picture is of him in one of his Sky Catwalks we have built in our courtyard. He loves FELIWAY to calm him from loud outside noises, especially around public holidays when fireworks are set off. Thank you.
Georgie - Georgie is very sensitive and can get stressed easily, he is scared of any loud noise from outside especially thunder storms and fireworks. The feliway optimum has helped tremendously with his anxiety he now is so much calmer, happier and relaxed and doesn’t hide.
Jasper and Evie - They love to snuggle up with each other, watch the birds in the garden, and play together. They like Happy Snacks A LOT and the Feliway Optimum plug in and Feliway spray helps relax them during fireworks and trips to the vet, and makes sure their bond remains strong.
Lucy - Lucy was adopted from a rescue in Cyprus. She is active, fun and loves being mother to our other cats. She likes Feliway as she sometimes can get very stressed and also hates fireworks and hides, so it just helps to calm her down.
WHEN IT'S ALL OVER.
- How to desensitise your cat to loud noises
When the firework season is all over and your cat has returned to their normal self, its time to start de-sensitisation.
This is the No1 way to help your cat recover from their loud noise fear overall.
To find out how to do this, download our EBOOK HERE.
Frequently asked questions:
Find quick, expert-backed answers to the most common questions about FELIWAY, cat behavior, and how to create a stress-free environment for your feline friend.
WHY ARE CATS SCARED OF FIREWORKS?
Cats like to be in control
The loud bangs and crashes, are disorienting to your cats sensitive hearing and certainly not part of their daily routine.
Cats want to get away from the noises and will try and find a quiet, dark place to hide from the noise.
Expert Advice
In this article, our veterinary expert Dr. Alexandra Beck explains exactly why your cat finds fireworks SO unappealing and shares her top tips on how you can help them tolerate the bangs, fizzes and pops.
Keep your cat indoors, especially after dark, when you know that fireworks celebrations are due. If they get scared when they are outdoors they may bolt in any direction trying to find a safe place to hide, but could get disoriented and get lost. Read more in this article to help your cat stay serene during fireworks.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS MY CAT IS SCARED OF FIREWORKS?
Signs to look out for stressed cats are:
- Unusual over-excitement
- Increased or unusual hiding
- Excessively quiet
- Increased alertness (hypervigilance)
- Soiling the house (defecate or urinate)
- Any change in your cat’s normal behaviour
- Refusing to eat/take treats
- Unable to respond to toys/play opportunities
- Facial tension
- Ears facing down or backwards
- Awkward stretching or shaking
WHEN SHOULD I START PREPARING MY CAT FOR FIREWORKS?
It’s ideal to start preparing your cat for fireworks at least 1–2 weeks beforethe fireworks season begins. This allows time for FELIWAY to establish it's effect, and for you to set up hiding places and reduce noise triggers.
WHAT CAN I USE TO HELP MY CAT FEEL MORE RELAXED DURING FIREWORKS
Using a FELIWAY Optimum Diffuser will help your cat feel calm and secure during fireworks. It is clinically proven to reduce the signs of stress, such as hiding, meowing, or toileting outside the litter tray.
For best results, it’s helpful to plan ahead - plug the diffuser in 1–2 weeks before the fireworks season, so your cat already feels comforted when the loud noises begin.
You can also use the FELIWAY Classic spray in your cat’s favourite hiding places (spray onto a blanket, in a den or carrier). Spraying about 15 minutes before your cat uses the spot will provide extra reassurance.
We recommend creating a quiet, safe space in your home where your cat can retreat if they choose. Combine this with FELIWAY, and you’ll give your cat the best chance to stay calm and recover quickly when fireworks are going off.
HOW CAN I KEEP MY CAT CALM DURING FIREWORKS NIGHT?
Here are some simple steps to help your cat:
- Keep them indoors before dusk; close windows, doors, and cat flaps
- Block out the flashes by closing curtains or blinds
- Mask the noise with the TV, radio, or calm music
- Provide hiding spots (blankets, dens, boxes, or high shelves) and let your cat use them freely
- Act normally - if you stay calm, your cat is more likely to relax too
- Use FELIWAY diffusers and spray to provide constant reassurance & why not try FELIWAY Happy Snack for some tasty positivity during the stressful moments.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A CAT TO RECOVER AFTER A FIREWORK EVENT?
Every cat is different. Some may relax within a few hours, while others might take a day or more to return to normal, especially if the fireworks were close, loud or prolonged. Keep their environment calm, continue using FELIWAY, and avoid introducing new stressors.
Desensitisation is the number one way to help your cat recover from their fear of loud noises. For help with this download our guide to Long Term Help for Pet Firework Fears.