Fireworks: how to keep your pets safe

Cats

Signs of stress:

• Enlarged pupils
• Arched back
• Crouching gait, low carriage of the tail and slow low movement
• Hair standing on end
• Hissing or low grumbling
• Hiding
• Trying to appear smaller
• Withdrawing from your affection
• Ears back and ‘freezing’
• Appearing more alert and running away from sounds or familiar people
• Lack of appetite or an upset stomach
• Change in personality, seeing aggressive type behaviours towards people or other pets that are unusual for your cat

How to manage a frightened cat:

• If your cat has access to an outdoor space, keep them in when it gets dark
• For cats living outdoors, such as farm or stable cats, make sure they have spacious shelter. Shutting them in may cause more stress
• Close your curtains to shut out any light flashes
• Play music or put the television on to help mask the sound of fireworks
• Give your cat plenty of personal space. Allow them to hide if they wish and come out in their own time. Trying to comfort them or pulling them from their hiding place may cause more stress
• If they choose to stay in the same room as you, gently talk to them for reassurance. They may find a familiar voice soothing at this time
• Provide your cat with tasty food or treats. Although their appetite may be low, some cats will like to have a positive treat to help distract them from the noises
• Make sure your cat has lots of hiding places around the house. That way they’ll have a choice of safe places to retreat to
• Provide an indoor litter tray in a quiet location, close to places your cat can hide. Bear in mind, anxious cats often avoid toilet visits if they feel threatened
• Use products such as Feliway or Pet Remedy to help reduce stress. It’s best to start using them a few weeks before fireworks are expected
• If your cat becomes extremely anxious, speak to your vet

Small pets – How to spot fear in small pets

Frightened rabbits:

• Stamp their back feet repeatedly, this can continue for several minutes and often occurs after unexpected noises or movements within their environment
• Hide in a corner
• Have wide eyes
• Breathe rapidly
• Kick and bite when picked up
• ‘Freeze’
• In some cases, a bonded pair of rabbits may have a fight

Frightened guinea pigs:

• Dart around
• Have wide eyes
• Stiffen their body
• Breathe rapidly
• Hide in a corner
• ‘Freeze’
• Dig at the floor trying to cover themselves

Frightened ferrets:

• Release their scent glands
• Dart quickly undercover
• Hiss
• Shake their tail with body trembling
• Aggressively bite when picked up

Frightened rodents:

• Hiss
• Squeal when picked up
• Hide in small spaces
• ‘Freeze’
• Move to bite you when your hand enters the accommodation

How to manage frightened small pets

It may be tempting to move your small outdoor pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets inside when firework displays are on.

Some may benefit the move into a shed or garage overnight to protect them from the sights and sounds. However, some small pets find it distressing. Moving your small pets from their familiar environment can be quite stressful, so it may be better to leave them in their normal space. We recommend the following to help them with firework season:

• Add extra hiding spaces and bedding to their accommodation
• Lock away outdoor pets in their night accommodation slightly earlier than normal to allow them to settle before the fireworks start
• Partially cover hutches and enclosures with thick blankets. This will help muffle the sound of fireworks, whilst also providing enough ventilation
• For small pets living indoors, close the curtains and put a radio on for some background noise
• Provide them with their favourite healthy treats to encourage foraging which will help them focus. This could include hay kebabs, paper rummage bags, stuffed toilet rolls, feed balls and activity treat boards
• Avoid too much handling as this can cause more fear and stress
• Companionship is the biggest protector against fear for most small pets (other than hamsters). A pair or group of the same species are far more likely to remain in a relaxed state as their companions offer security and comfort.

Outdoor animals

Signs of stress:

• Showing the whites of their eyes
• Rolling of eyes
• Stomping feet
• Displaying any unnatural behaviour
• Running with the herd

How to manage field animals and fireworks

• Speak to your neighbours to find out when and where fireworks displays are being held so that you can prepare
• Keep to a normal routine, but if possible make sure your animal has been fed an hour before a display starts
• All animals need company, whether they’re stabled or turned out
• If you keep your animal in a stable, keep a light and radio on with soothing music to help block out the noise
• If your animals stay in their field overnight, check the fencing to make sure it’s secure
• Shut all poultry away so they can roost safely
• Check the fields before you turn out the following morning for any remains of fireworks
• If your animal becomes extremely anxious, speak to your vet

Looking for more advice?

You can also find a variety of advice for dogs, cats, and small pets in our Pet Advice section. If you have a question about your pet or would like any support, contact our team.