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# How to prepare your cat for fireworks: a home checklist
- URL: https://www.catstandard.co.uk/prepare-cat-for-fireworks/
- Published: 2026-10-05T06:27:04.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-06T16:20:56.000Z
- Description: Prepare the house before the bangs begin, then let your cat choose where to settle.
- Author: Kieran Simpson
- Tags: Life at home, #guide, #research-guide

## The short answer

**Prepare before dark: bring your cat indoors, secure exits and keep familiar resources and hiding places available.** Let your cat choose whether to hide or seek company. If fireworks caused serious distress before, speak to your vet ahead of the next display.

On this page

[Your before-dark checklist](#before-dark)[Make hiding an option](#hiding)[During the bangs](#during-fireworks)[When preparation is not enough](#vet-advice)[Sources](#sources)

## Your before-dark checklist

[PDSA’s fireworks guidance](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/cats-and-fireworks?ref=catstandard.co.uk) puts preparation first:

1. **Check nearby display dates.** Plan around the evenings affected, rather than assuming everything happens on 5 November.
2. **Check microchip contact details.** Make sure the registered phone number and address are current.
3. **Bring outdoor cats in early.** Practise an earlier evening meal beforehand if that helps their routine.
4. **Secure escape routes.** Close windows, doors and cat flaps; tell everyone at home.
5. **Keep essentials accessible.** Provide food, water and a litter tray, alongside familiar resting places.
6. **Reduce flashes.** Close curtains or blinds before dark and leave lights on.
7. **Use familiar background sound.** Keep music or television at a comfortable volume. The aim is not to win a noise competition.

If you are in north London, The British Uplift has the [Alexandra Palace display dates and visitor arrangements](https://britishuplift.co.uk/regions/alexandra-palace-fireworks/?ref=catstandard.co.uk). Check the dates near your own home too, even if you are not attending a display.

## Make hiding an option

[Cats Protection recommends a retreat](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/caring-for-your-cat/home-and-environment/seasonal-advice/fireworks?ref=catstandard.co.uk), such as a cardboard box with familiar bedding. Put it somewhere your cat already likes. The box does not need a lifestyle brand.

Keep access to their usual safe areas. Shutting a cat into one unfamiliar room can add stress. Never force them into a den or pull them out for reassurance.

## During the bangs

Carry on calmly. Offer attention if your cat approaches; leave them space if they hide. Avoid picking up or restraining a frightened cat. Consider staying home if yours becomes particularly anxious.

## When preparation is not enough

Ask your vet about continuing or newly developed fear. Do this ahead of the season where possible: behaviour support takes time. This checklist does not prescribe treatment.

For ordinary evenings outside fireworks season, read [should cats go out at night?](https://www.catstandard.co.uk/should-cats-go-out-at-night/) For the indoor setup, use our [first-cat essentials checklist](https://www.catstandard.co.uk/first-cat-essentials/).

For the environmental side of your evening plans, The Planet Brief explains [what fireworks air-quality readings tell us](https://theplanetbrief.com/eco/fireworks-bonfire-night-air-pollution/?ref=catstandard.co.uk). Those readings do not measure noise or predict how your cat will react. The British Uplift and The Planet Brief are our sister publications.

## Sources

Researched guidance from Cats Protection and PDSA, rechecked 6 October 2026\. PDSA dates its guide December 2022; Cats Protection displays no publication date.