- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
It’s pretty common for dogs to hide as soon as they hear the first whizz and bang of a firework—and plenty of cats are afraid of fireworks, too.
Fear of fireworks in cats is more common than we realize, says Dr. Tracey Deiss, medical lead for feline pain and anxiety at Zoetis.
The unpredictability of fireworks can be stressful to cats who don’t understand that the loud booms and flashing lights aren’t a threat. This is dangerous since scared cats can bolt outdoors and get lost!
But you can learn to recognize the signs of their fear and help your cat stay safe during fireworks season through the following tips.
What a Scared Cat Does During Fireworks
Most of the time, a cat who is afraid of fireworks will head for a hiding spot, says Amanda Caron, certified cat behavior consultant and fear-free certified pet trainer at Frisky Feline Behavior Consulting.
In fact, one study on fear of fireworks in dogs and cats found that 85% of scared cats reacted by hiding. Running was the second most common reaction, with 46% of the cats trying to escape the room.
Instead of running and ducking for cover, some cats might show their anxiety through signs like:
- Crouching or slinking
- Shivering or trembling
- Pacing or restlessness
- Clinginess or making eye contact
- Freezing in place
- Stress grooming
- Appetite loss
Checklist To Keep Your Cat Safe During Fireworks
When it comes to helping ease your cat’s firework anxiety, Caron says it’s better to take proactive steps ahead of time.
You can follow these steps to help keep your cat calm during holidays like the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve.
1. Update your cat’s microchip
According to the ASPCA, around 20% of lost pets go missing because they were scared by loud noises, including fireworks.
Leading up to fireworks-centric holidays, make sure your cat’s microchip and collar tags have your current contact info. This will help them return to you safely if they run outside and get lost.
2. Get your cat inside early
If your cat normally goes outside, make sure you cut off outdoor access before the sun sets during fireworks season. It’s also a good idea to close off catios, screened-in porches, and sunrooms, since these spaces leave your cat more exposed to the loud noises and bright lights.
3. Close curtains and blinds
Some cats may be more afraid of bright flashing lights than the sounds of fireworks. Closing the curtains before the sun sets will block the view so they won’t feel anxious.
You could also offer a visual distraction, like turning on the TV or giving them a good play session with their favorite toys.
4. Create a safe space for hiding
If your cat loves to hide, you can create a makeshift “cat bunker” with food, water, and litter. Add a few comforting items, like their favorite bedding, scratchers, toys, and maybe a box or two for a good hiding spot.
To muffle the booms, it might help to create this space in a basement or other lower-level room, or rooms and closets near the center of your living space.
5. Seal off unsafe spaces and doors
If you know your cat tends to run when scared, block off access to rooms with doorways that lead outside. This way, your cat won’t be able to bolt through the exit, even if you have guests coming in and out.
If there are any parts of your house where your cat might choose an unsafe hiding spot, like inside your washer or dryer, keep the doors closed to those spaces, too.
6. Offer freedom to roam
You want to offer your cat a safe space without keeping them closed in, so avoid keeping your kitty in a carrier or crate during a fireworks show. Most cats aren’t fans of confinement to begin with, and adding loud noises and flickering lights can create even more stress.
Instead, make sure they have room to roam, even if it’s only within a safe area like a bedroom or bathroom.
7. Play music or white noise
For cats who don’t like the loud booms or popping sounds, white noise from a TV, a fan, or an air conditioner can help drown out the fireworks, Caron says.
You can also try music specifically designed to soothe pets, like a Pet Acoustics speaker.
“Music with soft, slow rhythms can create a calming environment,” Dr. Deiss adds.
8. Offer treats or calming supplements
A little treat can help soothe your cat during a distressing experience.
If your cat is food-motivated, try offering a squeeze tube or calming cat treats, like those that contain magnesium or CBD. Other cats might enjoy something more engaging to keep them distracted, Caron says, like puzzle toys.
Important: Always check with your vet before giving your cat supplements, especially those that contain CBD. They can help you find the right dose and recommend the safest products for your cat.
9. Use pheromone collars and calming sprays
Synthetic pheromones mimic the natural scents cats put off when they’re happy. You can try a calming collar or diffuser before the fireworks begin. It’s a good idea to start early to check that it works and make sure your cat enjoys it!
10. Try catnip
Some cats get riled up by catnip, but others find it soothing. If catnip helps your cat find some chill, you can try using a catnip spray in their safe space or offer a new catnip-infused toy during the fireworks show.
11. Use a pressure wrap
As much as you might like to hug your cat throughout the whole fireworks show, you may need your arms for other things. Pressure wraps like the ThunderShirt can come in handy here. These wraps mimic the feeling of being swaddled, which can help some cats stay relaxed during fireworks.
12. Stay close, but don’t smother
Cats tend to act less stressed when their humans are nearby. So, if you’re home during fireworks shows, spending time in the same room can make your cat feel more secure.
That said, Caron recommends you avoid pulling them out of hiding, since this can have the opposite effect and stress them out more.
Wait for them to come to you, and then offer reassurance in the form of playtime, petting, or a good cuddle session.
Work with a Vet or Behaviorist for Advanced Help
If at-home measures don’t seem to help your cat stay calm during fireworks, your vet can offer more support.
They can prescribe anti-anxiety medications, like Gabapentin, Trazodone, and Alprazolam. These light sedatives can help cats cope with anxiety and fear in short-term situations, like fireworks-heavy holidays.
Your vet can also provide a referral to a cat behaviorist, who can help with exposure therapy to desensitize your cat to scary noises and sounds, Caron explains. A behaviorist can also help you find any root causes that could play a role in your cat’s overall stress levels.
FAQs About Firework Anxiety in Cats
Can I give CBD oil to my cat?
CBD can be a safe way to help your cat find their chill. According to some research, healthy adult cats can take a CBD dose of 4 milligrams (mg) per kilogram of body weight with no long-term side effects.
Just make sure to use either a CBD treat or oil specifically designed for cats, not one meant for humans or dogs only, as these may have flavorings or additives that aren’t pet-safe.
Always check with your vet first to get the right dose and make sure your cat doesn’t have any medical issues that might affect how their body responds to CBD. They can also recommend the right dose and make sure your cat doesn’t have any medical issues that could affect how they absorb CBD.
Why are cats afraid of fireworks?
Cats have much more sensitive hearing than people. Not only can they hear frequencies that people can’t, they can also hear sounds from much farther away. This can make the loud booms, pops, and crackles of fireworks that much scarier.
Other cats may find the visuals of fireworks more upsetting. After all, they don’t know why the sky is suddenly full of bright lights!
“If your cat dislikes the visual aspect of fireworks, you might notice a lack of response to the sounds but a look of distress as windows or skylights light up, Caron explains.
How long do cats hide after fireworks?
Cats who hide from fireworks will usually stay hidden until the show is over and they feel safe again.
The exact timeframe varies from cat to cat. Some may test the waters a few minutes after the fireworks stop, while others stay hunkered down for hours afterward.
What are some signs my cat is very distressed by fireworks?
Some cats get more upset than others during fireworks, to the point where it may affect them for days afterward.
According to Caron, signs of more extreme stress to watch out for include:
- Panting or open-mouth breathing
- Breathing faster or harder than normal
- Making strange sounds, like yowling
- Acting differently towards you or other pets, including aggression
If your cat is panting or breathing heavily for an extended period of time, check in with your vet. Panting may be a sign of an underlying respiratory or heart condition.
Can cats have panic attacks from fireworks?
While cats do experience panic, it’s not quite the same as the panic attacks that people experience. Cats show their panic by trying to escape. A panicked cat might run straight for the nearest door or window—without stopping to make sure it’s open!
Preparing for fireworks season by creating a safe space, providing distractions, and offering a reassuring presence can help keep your cat safe and calm. And of course, this will help reduce your stress, since you don’t have to worry about seeing your cat so upset!
