With preparation, you can make the season of boos and bangs much calmer for your feline friend. This guide helps you:

• Recognise when your cat is stressed

• Understand the severity of their fear

• Take practical steps to help them feel secure

Spotting the Scares: Recognising Stress in Cats

All cats respond differently to stress. Vets typically classify stress as mild, moderate or severe.

Mild stress

• Hiding briefly during the stressful period

• Dilated pupils

• Twitching tail or flicking ears

• Slightly reduced appetite or play

  

Moderate stress

• Hiding away for hours

• Ears flattened and crouched posture

• Overgrooming

• Trembling or shaking

• Drooling

• Rapid breathing

• Vocalising (meowing)

• House soiling (peeing in places they shouldn’t)

  

Severe stress

• Intense panic and frantic escape attempts

• Fast or open-mouth breathing (seek immediate vet advice)

• Aggressive reactions in extreme circumstances

• Hiding persistently, refusing food or interaction

• Stress-related illness: vomiting, diarrhoea, cat flu symptoms, urinary problems

If your cat’s stress lasts beyond fireworks or affects their health, contact your vet promptly.

Tried-and-Tested Calming Strategies

The best approach will depend on how severe your cat’s stress is.

Mild cases

• Create a safe space: a quiet room with bedding, blankets, and hiding spots

• Block out scary sights and sounds: close curtains, play TV or calming music

• Use pheromone support: Feliway diffusers mimic a mother cat’s calming scent

• Provide distraction: puzzle toys, lick mats or gentle play

• Maintain routines: keep feeding, play and cuddles consistent

  

Moderate cases

• Secure the safe space: make it darker and cosier

• Keep cats indoors: provide a litter tray and ensure escape routes are blocked

• Consider vet-approved calming supplements or chews, such as Feliway Happy Snacks

• Limit exposure: move cats to a quieter area during fireworks

Severe cases

• Contact your vet early: prescription medication may be necessary

• Monitor health: stress can trigger urinary and digestive issues

• Plan long-term: vet or behaviourist support for ongoing anxiety

Preparation is Key

• Start early: introduce pheromone diffusers weeks before fireworks

• Safe-space familiarity: let your cat get used to their ‘den’

• Keep to routine: as much as possible

• Check microchips: ensure details are current in case of escape

Managing Trick-or-Treaters

• Bring cats indoors well before dusk

• Locate safe spaces well away from doors and noise

• Reduce disturbances: answer the door quickly or leave treats outside!

• Avoid dressing your cat up: most cats find this stressful

Staying Calm Together on the Night

• Let your cat choose: don’t drag your cat out of hiding if they retreat

• Offer soothing aids such as the Feliway spray

• Mirror calm: cats pick up on your mood

• Monitor carefully for signs of escalating stress

• Never punish fear-based behaviours like scratching or spraying. It only makes things worse.

When to Call the Vet

The following symptoms are vet emergencies:

• Persistent open mouth-breathing

• Straining to urinate or signs of urinary obstruction

Seek prompt veterinary support if you notice:

• Aggression, persistent hiding, refusal to eat or toileting problems

• Vomiting, diarrhoea or other stress-related illnesses

Your vet may recommend prescription medication or refer you to a behavioural specialist for an individualised support plan.

Your Scary Season Toolkit

• Feliway Classic Diffuser: Offer continuous calming support at home

• Feliway Spray: For quick-acting reassurance for bedding, carriers, or safe spaces

• Calming supplements: Treats provide a boost for stressful situations

• Puzzle feeders and toys: Provide mental stimulation and distraction during fireworks

Final Thoughts

Fireworks and Halloween can be traumatic for cats, but with preparation, safe spaces and appropriate calming aids, most can cope much better. Severe cases do require veterinary help, but acting early makes a significant difference.

Remember – your cat’s fear may change over time. Be ready with preventative strategies and reactive tools. With your calm presence and the right support, the season of “boos and bangs” doesn’t have to be so frightening for your feline friend.