How To Keep A Cat Calm During Fireworks

Cats generally are not huge fans of fireworks. Fireworks not only result in your cat being stressed and anxious, but could even cause them to run away and become lost. You’re probably not going to be able to completely eliminate the presence of fireworks, but you can do things to keep your cat safe and calm during fireworks with these following tips.

If it’s likely there are going to be fireworks at night, make sure to spend more time playing with your cat during the day. The extra exercise can wear them out, resulting in your cat sleeping through the fireworks.

If your cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, be sure to keep them inside once it gets dark and lock the cat door so they can’t get back outside. Try to stay home as well. Even if your kitty hides all night, they will be more comforted knowing there is someone familiar nearby, which can help minimize stress and anxiety during the fireworks.

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Provide a safe space for your cat to retreat to. Place their favorite bed or cat tree in an enclosed and quiet space, ideally as far as you can from windows and doors. Place some extra blankets in their hideaway space as well and some fun toys. Catnip toys can be great as a distraction for your cat.

It’s also a good idea to keep windows and curtains closed to help reduce the visual and sound stimulation. This will reduce, although not eliminate, the sound from the fireworks and will remove the visual stimulation of the fireworks, making it less scary for your cat.

Consider an anxiety-reducing product. If you know your cat is easily stressed and/or very afraid of fireworks, an anxiety reducing product can help keep your cat calm during fireworks. You could try CBD to help in de-stressing your cat (learn more about CBD here!)  Alternatively, anxiety vests, such as a Thundershirt, are a good drug-free option. Lastly, pheromones are perfect for keeping a cat calm. Try plugging in a calming pheromone adapter to help keep kitty calm and relaxed.

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As long as the windows and doors are locked and the cat door is closed, your cat shouldn’t be at risk of running away but make sure your cat has a break-away collar with ID tags on (even if they don’t usually wear their collar) and is micro-chipped just in case they manage to escape. If you open the door, make sure you know where your cat is and ideally close them in the room they are in while the door is open; cats are quick and can bolt very quickly if the opportunity presents itself, especially when scared and stressed.

Now you know how to keep your cat calm during fireworks! Let us know if these tips work for you.