Fireworks and Cats: Helping Your Cat Through New Year’s Eve
Quick answer: keep your cat indoors from late afternoon, close windows and curtains, set up a quiet safe room with a covered hiding spot, play background noise, and let her hide. Make sure her ID collar and microchip details are up to date in case she escapes. If she’s very anxious every year, speak to your vet well before the night.
General information, not veterinary advice.
Before the night
- Update ID. Check microchip details and fit a personalised ID collar.
- Set up a safe room with litter, water, food and a covered bed, like the Cosy Cabin Cat House Bed or Cat-Face Cave Bed.
- Talk to your vet if previous years were very stressful. There are options, but they need planning.
On the night
- Bring her in before dusk and feed her early.
- Close windows, cat flaps and curtains.
- Play the TV or calm music to mask bangs.
- Let her hide. Don’t pull her out to comfort her.
- Stay calm and act normally; cats pick up on our stress.
- Be careful with doors as guests come and go.
What not to do
- Don’t leave her outside or alone in an open-windowed room.
- Don’t punish fearful behaviour.
- Don’t take her out to watch the fireworks.
The next morning
Check the garden for firework debris before letting her out, and keep an eye on her appetite and litter habits. Contact your vet if she’s not back to normal within a day or two.
