’Tis the season for dazzling explosions to celebrate life, liberty, and the purrrsuit of happiness. This means it’s also the season for cowering cats and dogs. If you’ve ever witnessed the trembling, hiding, whining, panting, or drooling that comes with pet anxiety during fireworks, you know how heartbreaking it is not to be able to comfort them.
So, why are cats and dogs scared of fireworks and other loud noises?
It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that cats and dogs are scared of loud noises because they have superior hearing capabilities. It’s true that they hear higher frequencies than humans do (our sense of hearing ranges from 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz, dogs hear up to 40 kilohertz, and cats hear up to 60 kilohertz). However, this is not necessarily why our pets cower at the first sign of familiar commotion.
The real reason that cats and dogs are scared of fireworks, storms, and other loud noises is psychological in nature. Some of our pets are simply more sensitive and susceptible to developing a fear of noises.
Animal behaviorists have theorized that this susceptibility may indicate a genetic predisposition toward the problem.
Noise phobias
Some pets (dogs in particular) develop storm phobias, noise aversions, or general noise phobias, which are defined as “an extreme, persistent fear and anxiety of auditory stimuli that is out of proportion to the real danger, if any, associated with the noise that leads to suffering, stress, and abnormal behavior.”
The symptoms associated with these types of phobias can be extreme. Panic can lead to destructive behavior like:
- Pacing, panting, or restlessness
- Hypersalivation or excessive drooling
- Lip licking
- Trembling or shaking
- Hiding or attempting to flee
- Increased meowing or vocalizing
- Bathroom accidents
- Inappetence
- Yawning
- Hypervigilance
- Destructive behavior like chewing, digging, scratching, and tearing up objects in the home.
3 common loud sounds that frighten cats and dogs
Fireworks
Commercial fireworks can be extremely loud (up to an eardrum-rupturing 150-175 decibels at the point of explosion). While these are heard at a lower volume from a distance, consumer fireworks can seem louder to your pet because they explode closer to the ground. When a neighbor sets them off nearby, the barrage of sudden noise can sound like a warzone to an anxious cat or dog.
Thunderstorms
A clap of thunder nearby typically registers at about 120 decibels—that’s the equivalent of sitting in front of speakers at a rock concert. Thunder is one of the most common loud noises that trigger pet anxiety, but storm phobia in pets is caused by more than just the dramatic boom. It’s a multisensory fear, involving flashes of lightning, heavy wind, rain battering the roof, and even shifts in air pressure—all of which can contribute to thunderstorm fear in cats and dogs.
The vacuum
The bane of your cat’s existence, the vacuum cleaner, can reach 70–90 decibels, making it one of the most common loud household noises that trigger pet anxiety. While slightly quieter than a jackhammer or garbage truck, the vacuum noise can still be extremely alarming to cats and dogs.
Fun fact: The lion, your cat’s distant relative, can roar to a level of 114 decibels, carrying over 8 kilometers.
How to help your pet stay calm during fireworks or other loud noises
Create a safe space
Make sure your dog or cat has at least one cozy bed to escape to, along with a nice warm blanket and favorite toy to snuggle with. Creating a safe space for pets during fireworks can ease stress and reduce noise anxiety or noise aversion. Soundproof your home and reduce visual reminders of the outside noise as much as possible by ensuring doors, windows, and curtains are closed. Some pets like the addition of white noise or a loud TV to drown out the outside world while others prefer that you turn off other noise in the area because it may exacerbate the commotion your pet is trying to avoid. It’s important to determine what your pet prefers to ensure that you're making them as comfortable as possible. You might even consider leaving out an open crate for your dog (but never lock them in the crate during the event).
To comfort or not to comfort?
There are very mixed opinions when it comes to comforting your pets in the midst of a noise phobia event. Some believe that if you try to comfort your pet during a panic, it will only reinforce their belief that something is very, very wrong. Instead, you should behave normally around them; go about your day, but stay nearby. Others feel that there is no harm in comforting your cats or dogs. You should offer gentle reassurance with pets, praise, and treats, but avoid overdoing it. For example, you shouldn’t be using high-pitched “baby talk” and over-stimulating movements or interactions that can trigger anxiety. It goes without saying, though, that you should decide for yourself what works best for the animals in your household. Animals are emotionally intuitive and pick up on their owners’ emotions. Some focus on maintaining the three C’s: calm, cool, and collected.
Buy a ThunderShirt
A snug-fitting garment like a ThunderShirt (or jacket, wrap, coat, or vest) might be just what your anxious pet needs. These “pressure garments” are said to have a calming effect similar to swaddling a baby. They are made for both dogs and cats, and can be used as needed: during a triggering event like a storm, or while you’re away from a pet that suffers from separation anxiety.
Play music
Playing relaxing music or white noise in a small room can sometimes soothe a panicked dog or cat. Make sure to play the music as needed, not continuously, or your pet may become desensitized.
Distract them
In the case of vacuuming, for instance, have one person take your dog on a walk while the other gets all the noisy cleaning done. Or, distract your cats by leading them to a room or area of the house that’s farther from where loud noises, like fireworks or thunder, are most prevalent, and close the door to help block out the noise. (Catnip and treats can also do the trick!)
Medicate them
When all else fails, talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication, which can be administered for short- or long-term relief. Do not attempt to give your dog or cat any over-the-counter or prescription medication without consulting your veterinarian.
Some tested and proven over-the-counter products to discuss with your veterinarian are listed below.
Pheromones
Pheromones are a type of chemical communication that cats use to interact with each other and the world around them: they are released from special glands around their bodies. There are sprays, diffusers, and collar products of pheromones like Feliway that can be used to help communicate to your cat that everything is okay. Because pheromones are a natural message for cats, they are very safe to use and there’s no risk of overdosing or overexposing.
Zylkene (Vetoquinol)
Zylkene is a nutraceutical for cats and dogs made with casein, which is a protein in milk that helps cats and dogs cope with challenging situations without making them sleepy. Zylkene can be used for short- or long-term use and there are no known side effects associated with the use of Zylkene.
ANXITANE® (L-Theanine)
Anxitane is another nutraceutical for cats and dogs made with L-Theanine, which is an amino acid naturally found in green tea leaves that helps pets stay calm and relaxed. It has been found to help pets exhibiting nervousness, environmentally induced stress, and anxiety. It has also been shown to provide effective relief for thunderstorm sensitivity. It is important to note that this supplement works best when paired with behavioral modification and is safe to be given long term with veterinary oversight.
If your cat tends to hide during fireworks, you might just find them curled up in their Litter-Robot. With pet anxiety, the last thing you want is accidents around the house—and thanks to its quiet, enclosed design, the Litter-Robot not only keeps things clean, but can offer a sense of comfort when your cat needs it most.
It’s important to be patient with a cat or dog scared of fireworks and other loud noises. For other advice on caring for an anxious pet, check out how to prepare for your cat’s vet visit and making a disaster preparedness plan for your pets.
Worried you won’t be able to calm your cat during fireworks or other loud events? Learn more in our article: Why Is My Cat Scared of Everything?
With a little preparation, you can keep your pets calm and safe, so everyone can enjoy a stress-free and happy Fourth of July!
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