Fireworks suck! Here are some tips from cat behaviorist @mikeldelgado.bsky.social for keeping your cats safe and happy this 4th of July. www.instagram.com/p/C87GFSBpgyk/
1. Make sure your cats are inside. Even if they normally go out, the 4th is not a good day for them to roam. (con't)— Cats of Yore (@catsofyore.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 6:56 PM
2. Provide lots of hiding places like boxes, clamshell or cave style beds, cat tree cubbies, etc.
3. Consider making a quiet room, i.e. put their food, water, litter, bedding, toys, etc. in one closed room – especially if you’re having a party.
4. Implement buffer noises such as fans and soft music.5. Engage them in play if they’re into it! It can be a good distraction and tire them out.
6. If your cat is hiding, it’s probably best to leave them alone or just speak to them in a soft voice. Don’t drag them out to “comfort” them – it may have the opposite effect.7. It’s probably too late to get medications now if you don’t already have them, but if your cat experiences stress during fireworks don’t forget to inquire about it during their next visit so you can be prepared in the future! 💥
I would also add that you should not leave your cat alone in the home with screened windows open. I have heard way too many stories about terrified cats busting or clawing through screens and getting lost while experiencing fireworks distress. If you must leave them make sure they are secure!
(I had heard of terrified dogs doing this, but for some reason it never occured to me that cats might react that way.)
Open Thread: A Fireworks Problem I Had Not ConsideredPost + Comments (32)