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Dogs aren’t the only animals that hate fireworks

Since we used to live in a high rise in downtown Chicago that was constantly surrounded by honking car horns, sirens, shouting people and other street noises, I thought my cats were pretty unfazed by loud sounds. But after we moved to a quieter Northside neighborhood, a new fear was unlocked for them during Fourth of July weekend, when our neighbor chose the alley between our buildings (directly under my bedroom window) to light a string of firecrackers. They were so close (and so loud) the windows rattled and the floor shook — and my cats spent the next several weeks scared of any noise. They’re now terrified of anything that sounds like a firecracker.

So with this year’s Fourth of July around the corner (the first one since that incident), we’re taking plenty of precautions to make it as stress-free as possible for them. There’s a common misconception that only dogs are afraid of loud noises, but fireworks can spook cats too. When they’re scared, they might hide, urinate in inappropriate places, vocalize or engage in bad behavior. In extreme cases, they might even run away, which is why your first line of defense is keeping your cat indoors and having them microchipped.

In this article: Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed, Yogasleep Dohm Classic Sound Machine and VetriScience Composure Chicken Liver-Flavored Soft Chews Calming Supplement for Cats

But there are other things you can do to make this time of year easier for your feline friends, from giving them cozy hiding places to using white noise to cover the sounds of fireworks. Check out the list below for expert-recommended ways to help keep your cat calm during the holiday weekend.

1. Create safe hiding spots

Cats that are scared often seek out dark, safe places to hide. Create hiding spots — preferably in the quietest parts of your home, like a basement or bathroom — or where your cat tends to like hiding during other scary events (like when company comes over).

Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed

Ethical Pet Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave Cat & Dog Bed, 22-in

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Pet Cave Covered Indoor Heated Cat Bed & Tunnel

2. Provide some white noise in the house

A white noise machine can help mask the sound of fireworks. You can also turn on the TV or play classical music — studies show it helps animals feel calm.

Yogasleep Dohm Classic Sound Machine

3. Give your cat calming supplements

These supplements use ingredients that help calm the central nervous system so they can help pets feel more relaxed.

VetriScience Composure Chicken Liver-Flavored Soft Chews Calming Supplement for Cats

Nutramax Solliquin Soft Chew Calming Behavioral Health Supplement

4. Use a pheromone diffuser

Cats react to scents, so releasing calming pheromones in your home via a diffuser can make them feel more relaxed and at ease.

Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Two-Room Kit Calming Diffuser for Cats, 30 day

Bundle: Feliway Optimum Enhanced Calming 30-Day Diffuser for Cats + Pheromone 30-Day Diffuser Refill

5. Try aromatherapy

This solution uses an herbal blend that’s completely pet safe and can help cats feel more calm. Add it to their food or a toy, or just drop it onto their fur or paws.

Jackson Galaxy Solutions Solutions Stress Stopper Aromatherapy for Dogs & Cats, 2-oz

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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