Cats and Fireworks 2026: Here are 6 signs of fireworks stress in cats - and what to do about them
This time of the year can be traumatic for our feline friends.
This week sees the fireworks double-whammy of Bonfire Night and Diwali, meaning our skies will be lit up with bright and noisy pyrotechnics.
It’s a fun time for humans but can be less so for pets, who often find all the bangs and whizzes scary and stressful.
To help out, the experts at Felight are sharing ways that fireworks could upset your cat’s stomach or impact their usual digestive and toileting behaviour and, crucially, how you can manage this.
Pete Featherstone, Development technologist at Felight Cat Litter, explained: “Firework anxiety can affect more than your cat’s behaviour - it can really mess with their tummies. We know as humans just how much a period of intense stress can play havoc with our digestive systems, from appetite changes to nausea and even diarrhoea or constipation. It is perhaps no real surprise that many cats experience the same.
Stress caused by firework season can often be noted through changes in their appetite, digestive symptoms or reluctance to use their usual toileting spot, especially if they usually go outside.
“As a cat owner myself, keeping their routine familiar and making sure they have somewhere quiet to hide, with easy access to food, water and a clean litter tray, has really helped.”
Here’s what cat owners need to know.
Stress can trigger diarrhoea
Frightening bangs and flashes can cause stress, which may lead to loose stools in some cats.
Give your cat access to a quiet hiding place and let them choose when to come out. Avoid pulling them from their hiding spot or forcing attention on them, as this could increase their anxiety.
Ensure you're using a cat litter that can handle your pet’s upset stomach, this is where our antibacterial Silverfresh™ technology can make all the difference.
Anxiety may cause vomiting
Some cats may vomit when stressed, although vomiting has many possible causes and should not automatically be attributed to fireworks.
Frightened cats may lose their appetite
A cat hiding from fireworks may avoid their food bowl or show less interest in eating, disrupting their normal meal times.
Keep their familiar food available somewhere they feel comfortable eating, away from busy areas. Don’t force them to leave their hiding place to eat.
Overgrooming could contribute to hairballs
Some cats groom excessively when stressed. This is their way of self-regulating with soothing behaviour and not problematic in itself, unless it is causing bald patches or irritating their skin. However, it can mean they are swallowing more fur than usual. This excess fur could go on to contribute to more hairballs than usual.
Extra treats can upset their stomach
When our pets are distressed we can find ourselves desperate to help comfort them. This means we can be easily persuaded to offer extra treats or even let them try new and exciting foods to distract them. However, excessive comfort treats and sudden dietary changes can cause diarrhoea or vomiting.
It’s best to stick to their usual diet and routine, and try to keep treats within their normal allowance, although timing them for peak firework periods as a distraction is never in itself a bad idea.
Outdoor toileters may become too frightened to go outside
Understandably cats that normally toilet outdoors may be reluctant to venture out at night when fireworks are causing anxiety. Without an indoor option they feel comfortable using, they may hold on causing discomfort or constipation or toilet elsewhere in the house.
It’s better to plan ahead and provide an indoor litter tray before fireworks begin so your cat has time to get used to it. Choose a quiet, accessible location away from their food and water, and keep it clean.
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