Fear of Fireworks. How To Help Protect Your Cat

How To Calm A Cat Afraid of Fireworks

Fear of fireworks! There is something that Annie is afraid of after all.  Fireworks and firecrackers. Last night the loud booms began and Annie was terrorized.  Mercy and Eddie did not appear to be as afraid, but this was the first time Annie has shown any type of fear and boy was she scared.

Gracey was terrified of the loud booms from the bottle rockets set off in our neighborhood and the reverberation from the city fireworks display would leave her trembling in terror. We learned how to do our best to protect Gracey by creating her own little refuge but now with three cats we needed to expand the plan.  Here is why your cat is afraid of fireworks and a few tips for keeping your cat calmer during fireworks or thunderstorms.

Why Your Cat Is Afraid of Fireworks

Cats associate loud noises with danger, and feel stressed and afraid. Noise is measured in units called decibels.  The decibel range is from 0  to 140, the higher the number, the louder the noise.  When humans are exposed to noise levels of 110 decibels or more for more than one minute, hearing loss can occur. Noise levels of 130 decibels or over will be painful and is likely to cause immediate hearing damage. In fact, no more than 15 minutes of unprotected exposure to 100 decibels is recommended.

Here is a list of common noises and their decibel level.

• Aircraft at take off- 180
• Fireworks-140
• Lawn mower- 90
• Vacuum cleaner- 80
• Refrigerator running- 40
• Leaves rustling-10

Cat Hearing is Superior To Human

Our cats ‘ hearing is superior to our own.  The cat’s hearing range is 45-64,000 hertz as compared to 64-23,000 in humans. This means  cats can hear sounds that humans cannot hear on both ends of the spectrum, and especially the higher end. And  cats don’t  get to wear earplugs!

A cat’s ear is designed to draw sound into the ear canal. This enables them to hear sounds like a  can opening from 30 feet away, or a mouse running around the house, or a  house fly buzzing in the next room or the pfffftttt from the whipped cream can from behind closed doors, with the garbage disposal running and the television on.

Because of the unique cat ear design, their hearing is more sensitive to the higher amplitude of sound.  We discussed that human hearing can be damaged by repeated exposure to loud noises, so think how your cat feels.  Loud noises  also make your cat more susceptible to hearing damage and why cats are afraid of fireworks and other loud noises.

How to Help Protect Your Cat From Fear of fireworks

• Create a Fireworks Safe Place

We have a basement, also known as, the Man Cave.  This area of our home is ideal for the cats because there are only very small windows we can close off to shut out the light and help insulate the noise of the fireworks.  This area is also the furthest away from the partying neighbors.

If you don’t have a basement, you can create a safe room inside a closet. This space will be  large enough to place a small protective hideaway bed making it a cozy retreat for your cat.

Pull the curtains or lower the window shades to keep out flashing lights and help to insulate from the noise.

• Provide Your Cat Comfort

We place a hideaway bed, we have the Kat Kabin and the Pei Pod but any enclosed style bed will work.  You might even use a cardboard box that is large enough to open up and provide shelter for your cat.  Just place a blanket or soft towels in the box and your cat will have a place to feel safer.  If your cat responds well to calming remedies like  Comfort Zone with Feliway for Cats Spray, this is the perfect time to apply to your cats bedding or around the safe area.

We put Gracey in her Thundershirt for fireworks and storms and it really did help keep her calm.  We went through Thundershirt training first. You won’t want to add even more stress putting it on your cat for the first time when anxiety is already running high.

• Place a Few of Your Cat’s Favorite Things

You might  place a few of  your cat’s favorite toys, and a place to scratch. Our cats love the Imperial Cat Scratchers and they are made in the USA, so perfect for the 4th of July.  Place your cat’s food dishes with some of their favorite treats and some fresh clean water. And although not exactly a favorite thing,  place a clean litter pan in close proximity to the safe area.

• Create a Sense of Calm

Try to stick to your everyday routine.  Cats love  a schedule to feel safe and secure.  If you typically have the television on, then keep the television on during the fireworks display.  Do not blast the volume in an attempt to drown out the booms outside.  This isn’t good for your ears and it is even worse for your cat’s hearing that is  more sensitive to the higher amplitude of sound.  Did you know that fireworks decibel level is 140 just below the 180 of an aircraft at take off?  So keep the volume down on the television or any calming music you might play in the background.

• Allow Your Cat To Make The Choices

Although it might be tempting to hold your cat tight, or want to drag them out from under the sofa, it is important to let your cat make the choice during this stressful time.  Don’t force your cat to come out of hiding, creating even more stress.  Try to have your cat’s safe place ready  long before the fireworks begin so your cat can explore and get used to the new space.  This will enable your cat to make a mad dash for safety on the first squeal of the bottle rocket launch.

• Rest and Recover from Fireworks

When you are sure the fireworks have ended, allow your cat to return to their normal routine. But, only when they are ready. You might tell your cat in a calm and reassuring voice that everything is fine. They will come back out when they are ready.  Last night, I spoke to Annie in a calm voice and told her everything was just fine.  She looked at me with her big green eyes and tilted her head.  Mercy and Eddie were ready for a treat, and one shake of the bag brought Annie out to join them.

We wish you a safe and fun holiday.

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