Many cats are afraid of fireworks because the loud, sudden, and unpredictable bangs trigger their natural “danger” response, but not every cat reacts the same way.

Are cats afraid of fireworks?

Most cats find fireworks stressful, since they instinctively associate sudden loud noises and bright flashes with danger and will often hide, run away, or show other fear behaviors. However, some cats will sleep through fireworks with little visible reaction, so fear levels vary from cat to cat.

Why fireworks scare many cats

  • Fireworks are loud, sudden, and unpredictable, which can trigger a strong startle or flight response in cats.
  • Cats have very sensitive hearing and can detect higher frequencies than humans, so fireworks can feel overwhelmingly intense to them.
  • Bright flashes, vibrations, unfamiliar smells (like gunpowder), and changes in routine around holidays can all add to a cat’s stress.

Signs your cat is scared

  • Hiding, trying to escape, or bolting through doors or windows when fireworks start.
  • Dilated pupils, crouching, ears pinned back, trembling, or low growling/hissing.
  • Vocalizing more than usual, over-grooming, or refusing food until the noise stops.

How common is firework fear?

  • Animal welfare groups report spikes in lost pets around major fireworks events like New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July, suggesting many cats panic and run off.
  • Surveys and clinical reports describe firework fear as a type of “noise phobia,” though not all cats develop it; some remain calm while others are extremely distressed.

How to help your cat during fireworks

  • Keep your cat indoors before fireworks begin and secure doors, windows, and cat flaps so they cannot bolt outside in panic.
  • Create a safe, quiet hiding spot with blankets, a covered bed, or an interior room where sound is muffled, and let your cat choose whether to hide there.
  • Play gentle background noise (TV, music, or a white-noise machine) to help mask the bangs and reduce the contrast between silence and explosions.
  • Stay calm and avoid forcing cuddles; offer comfort if your cat seeks you out, and use treats or play only if they seem receptive.
  • Ask a vet about calming aids (like pheromone diffusers, supplements, or in severe cases, medication) if your cat shows intense or escalating fear each firework season.

Long-term and training ideas

  • For kittens and confident young cats, gradual, low-volume exposure to firework sounds paired with treats can help build positive associations and reduce later fear.
  • For fearful adult cats, forcing exposure or making them “face their fear” can backfire and increase anxiety, so any desensitization should be gentle and ideally guided by a vet or behavior professional.

TL;DR: Many cats are afraid of fireworks because of the loud, unpredictable noise and sensory overload, and they may hide, panic, or try to escape, but some cats stay relatively unfazed; preparing a safe indoor space and using calming strategies can greatly reduce their stress.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.