Fireworks may still be weeks away, but cat owners are being urged to use October to prepare their homes before Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations begin. According to Cats Protection, Bonfire Night and fireworks can scare cats a lot.
Rather than making sudden changes once the first fireworks start, Chris Maxted, director of pet gate company Cat-G8, says that getting cats accustomed to staying indoors, using different parts of the home, and having safe places to retreat to beforehand can make the transition less disruptive. He recommends changing their cat flap routine now and checking doors and windows.
Why fireworks affect cats so strongly
Cats have much more sensitive hearing than humans, up to three times sharper, allowing them to hear high-amplitude bangs, whistles, and crackles at a painful and thunderous volume. Because fireworks happen randomly and unpredictably, cats cannot anticipate them, triggering an acute fight-or-flight fear response.
Start changing their cat flap routine now
Chris says that if your cat normally has unrestricted access through a cat flap, think ahead about how that routine will change during fireworks season. He said cats should be safely indoors before dark on nights when fireworks are expected, with cat flaps secured and food, water and a litter tray available inside.
Decide which areas of the home will stay accessible
Chris says: "A frightened cat may choose somewhere completely different from their usual sleeping spot, so avoid suddenly shutting them into one unfamiliar room. Instead, create a quieter part of the home where they can move between familiar spaces while staying away from external doors and busier areas, and introduce any access changes before fireworks begin."
Create hiding places before they need them. Cats may retreat under furniture or into enclosed spaces when frightened, so create a few hiding places several weeks beforehand and let them discover them naturally, Chris says. He added: "Cardboard boxes, an open carrier, their usual bed and accessible spaces beneath furniture can all give them familiar options when the noise starts."
Plug in a feline pheromone diffuser (such as Feliway) a week ahead of time to help soothe anxiety, as recommended by Cats Protection.
Check windows, doors and other escape routes
Chris urges cat owners to check windows, external doors and cat flaps now, including any that are routinely left open or unsecured. "If you expect visitors, think about the front door too, as separating your cat's quieter area from frequently opened entrances can reduce the risk of them escaping if they are startled," he said.
Get outdoor cats used to spending more time inside. Cats that normally spend their evenings outdoors may find being kept inside unfamiliar, so introduce their indoor routine before Bonfire Night, Chris recommends. He advises owners to make sure they know where their litter tray, food, water, and resting places are, so they have time to get used to spending longer periods indoors before fireworks season begins.
What are the common signs of cat fear?
Quietly retreating under beds, inside wardrobes, or deep into enclosed spaces. Dilated pupils, pinned or sideways ears, crouching low, or shivering. Refusing to eat or drink, over-grooming, excessive meowing, or sudden clinginess. Outdoor or indoor-outdoor cats may bolt in panic, risking getting lost or injured.
