Yes, fireworks usually scare cats — in fact, many cats are genuinely terrified by them, not just mildly startled.

Why fireworks scare cats

Cats have extremely sensitive hearing and can detect much higher frequencies than humans, so fireworks sound far louder and more intense to them. The sudden, unpredictable bangs, whistles, and flashes mimic the sounds of danger (like predators or explosions), which triggers their natural fear and flight response.

They also pick up on vibrations and the smell of gunpowder, which can add to their stress and confusion. For a cat, a fireworks display can feel like a sudden, violent threat in their territory, not a celebration.

How scared cats act

When scared by fireworks, cats may show signs like:

  • Hiding under furniture, in closets, or in small, dark spaces
  • Trembling, panting, or having dilated pupils
  • Crouching low, flattening ears, or tucking their tail tightly
  • Excessive meowing, growling, or hissing
  • Over-grooming, refusing to eat, or urinating/defecating in unusual places
  • Trying to escape through doors, windows, or cat flaps

Some cats will freeze and hide silently, while others become very vocal and frantic.

Are all cats scared?

Not every cat reacts the same way — some are quite calm and may even sleep through fireworks, especially if they’ve been exposed to loud noises since kittenhood. But many cats, especially those with noise sensitivities or past trauma, can develop a true noise phobia from fireworks.

Even a usually confident indoor cat can panic and bolt out an open door when fireworks start, which is why shelters often see a spike in lost cats around holidays like New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July.

How to help a scared cat

If fireworks are expected, you can reduce your cat’s fear by:

  • Keeping them safely indoors well before the fireworks start (ideally by late afternoon)
  • Closing windows and curtains to muffle sound and block flashes of light
  • Playing calming music, white noise, or the TV at a moderate volume to mask the bangs
  • Creating a quiet, cozy “safe room” with their bed, litter box, food, and water
  • Using calming aids like Feliway diffusers (synthetic cat pheromones) or vet-approved calming supplements, if recommended
  • Staying calm yourself and offering gentle reassurance (but not forcing attention if they want to hide)

If a cat is extremely anxious, a vet may suggest a short-term anti-anxiety medication for high-stress events like fireworks.

What not to do

  • Don’t punish or scold a scared cat — this only increases their stress.
  • Don’t force them out of hiding or try to “toughen them up” — hiding is their way of coping.
  • Avoid letting them outside during fireworks; many lost or injured cats are found after bolting from the noise.

Long‑term: helping a fearful cat

For cats with severe noise phobia, some owners work with a vet or animal behaviorist on a desensitization plan, using low-volume firework recordings paired with treats and positive experiences over time. This can help reduce their fear, but it takes patience and consistency.

Quick safety checklist

Before fireworks season:

  • Ensure microchip and collar tags are up to date.
  • Secure all doors, windows, and cat flaps.
  • Prepare a quiet, enclosed room with essentials.
  • Have a plan (and photos) in case your cat escapes.

If your cat is missing after fireworks, search nearby hiding spots (under decks, in sheds, garages, or dense bushes) and contact local shelters and vets right away.

Bottom line: Yes, fireworks scare most cats, often quite badly. The best thing is to plan ahead, keep them safe indoors, and help them feel secure when the sky starts booming.