Fireworks During Raya, CNY & Merdeka: How to Calm Your Cat

Festive seasons like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Merdeka bring joy, celebration, and beautiful fireworks. But while we admire the lights and sounds, our cats may be feeling something very different — fear, stress, and anxiety.

If your cat hides, trembles, or even tries to escape during fireworks, you are not alone. Let’s explore why this happens and what you can do to help your furry friend feel safe.

Why Are Cats So Afraid of Fireworks?

Cats have extremely sensitive hearing. Fireworks are:

• Loud
• Sudden
• Unpredictable
• Often accompanied by vibrations and flashing lights

To cats, this feels like danger. In the wild, sudden loud sounds usually mean a threat, so their instinct is to run, hide, or escape. This is why some cats may even bolt out of the house or jump from windows or balconies during festive periods.

Signs Your Cat Is Stressed or Anxious

During fireworks season, watch out for:

• Hiding in unusual places
• Trembling or shaking
• Dilated pupils
• Excessive grooming
• Loss of appetite
• Trying to escape
• Aggression or unusual behavior

Recognizing these signs early helps you support your cat before anxiety becomes severe.

7 Tips to Calm Your Cat During Fireworks 🎇

1. Create a Safe Space

Prepare a quiet, enclosed area in your home:

• A room far from windows
• Covered carrier or cat bed
• Add familiar blankets or toys

Your cat should feel they have a safe place to retreat.

2. Close Windows and Curtains

This helps:

• Reduce noise
• Block flashing lights
• Prevent escape attempts

You can also turn on a fan or soft music to mask sudden sounds.

3. Stay Calm Yourself

Cats pick up on your emotions.
If you panic or react to loud sounds, your cat may feel more stressed.

Speak in a gentle voice and maintain normal routines.

4. Provide Comfort (But Don’t Force It)

Some cats want attention, while others prefer to hide.
Let your cat choose:

• Sit near them
• Offer gentle reassurance
• Avoid forcing them out of hiding

5. Use Familiar Scents

Cats are comforted by familiar smells.
You can place:

• Your worn clothes
• Their favourite bedding
• Safe calming scents

6. Offer Distractions

Before fireworks start:

• Play with your cat
• Feed their favourite food
• Use interactive toys

A tired and satisfied cat is less anxious.

7. Consider Natural Calming Support

For cats that are very sensitive to noise, extra support may help. Natural calming products can:

• Reduce anxiety
• Promote relaxation
• Prevent panic behaviours
• Help your cat feel secure during celebrations

Keep Your Cat Safe This Festive Season ❤️

Fireworks are temporary, but your cat’s emotional well-being is long-term. With preparation and the right support, festive seasons can be peaceful for both you and your furry companion.

If your cat struggles with loud noises during Raya, CNY, or Merdeka, myKazoku Cat Calming Spray offers a gentle, natural solution to help your cat stay calm and relaxed in stressful situations.

Simply spray in your cat’s resting area or carrier to create a comforting environment — so your celebrations can be joyful without causing fear to your beloved pet.