While we’re counting down and raising a glass, many cats experience New Year’s Eve as pure chaos. Loud bangs, flashing lights and unpredictable noises trigger their instincts. Firework anxiety isn’t being dramatic. It’s a very normal stress response in cats. Some cats hide away, others become restless, meow excessively or refuse to eat. And sometimes you only notice it afterwards, through fatigue or changes in behaviour. The better prepared you are, the calmer the evening will be for both of you.
How to recognize fireworks anxiety
Not every cat reacts the same. Common signs are:
- Hiding or being extremely clingy
- Trembling, panting, or large pupils
- Not wanting to eat or drink
- Incontinence
- Excessive licking or scratching
Do you notice the signs around the New Year more often? Then your cat is probably suffering from fireworks stress.
What can you do before the New Year?
Preparation really makes a difference:
-Create a safe place: Provide a quiet room where your cat can retreat. Think of a box, basket, or cupboard with familiar scents, blankets, and possibly a worn piece of your clothing.
-Keep your cat indoors: Keep your cat inside well before New Year's Eve and close windows and doors. Startle reactions can cause cats to flee or get lost.
-Dampen stimuli: Close curtains, play soft music or the TV, and limit light flashes if possible.
-Stay calm yourself: Cats mirror your behavior. Excessive comforting or panic confirms that there is ‘danger.’ Calm and normal behavior provides safety.
What helps and what doesn't during New Year's Eve
What to do:
- Let your cat choose where it wants to be
- Stay nearby without forcing
- Speak calmly when it seeks contact
What does not work:
- Picking up your cat against its will
- Punishing fear behavior
- ‘Exposing’ your cat to help it get used to it
Unfortunately, you cannot train your cat's fear by exposure in such an extreme situation.
Do anti-stress medicines for cats work?
Some cats benefit from pheromones (such as diffusers or sprays). These do not work for every cat, but they do have the potential to reduce stress. Always start this in time and in advance, not just on December 31st.
In cases of severe anxiety, consulting a veterinarian may be advisable. Because, as always: such aids are sometimes only a temporary solution and do not solve the real problem.
Start the new year with peace and safety
The stress doesn’t always stop at 00:01. Give your cat extra rest in the days after the New Year and stick to familiar routines. If the behavior remains unusual, contact the veterinarian. By preparing well in advance, staying calm, and having realistic expectations, you ensure your cat feels as safe as possible and that you both get through the New Year better together.
How does your cat react to fireworks and what helps the most at your home?
Let us know in the comments. We are curious!
1 reaction
MY CAT WOULD NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING FOR A DAY, HE ALSO DURING THIS TIME WOULD NOT USE HIS LITTER BOX. IT WAS NEW YEARS EVE. COULD THE FIREWORKS DO THIS? HE IS STRICKLY AN INDOOR CAT.