CATS Protection is encouraging animal lovers to have their say on how fireworks affect pets as time is running out to respond to a major Government consultation on future fireworks regulations.

The consultation is a valuable opportunity to share experiences of how pets have displayed fear or anxiety because of fireworks.

It asks whether the maximum noise limit for consumer fireworks should be lowered and whether louder fireworks should be restricted to professional users.

It also invites evidence on the potential positive impacts of reducing the noise level of fireworks available to the general public.

Cats Protection wants the regulations to go further, including limiting the sale of fireworks to the general public to Category F1 products (i.e. sparklers), with larger fireworks limited to licensed organised displays. The charity also wants to see a reduction in the maximum permitted noise level for fireworks at organised displays.

Recent research reported 69% of cat owners saying their cat had been negatively affected by fireworks.

The most common responses were hiding or becoming withdrawn, appearing startled, displaying fearful behaviour, attempting to escape and becoming more reliant on their owner.

We have consistently called on the Government to strengthen protections for both people and animals from the impact of fireworks.

This consultation gives pet owners a rare opportunity to tell the Government directly about the effect fireworks can have on their animals.

We know loud and unpredictable fireworks can cause significant distress for cats. They may retreat and hide, attempt to flee or remain on edge long after the noise has ended.

Owners can also feel helpless because fireworks are often set off without warning.

Responses can be submitted at action.cats.org.uk/page/196718/action/1?ea.tracking.id=cpm, which closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

Charlotte Broad, Cats Protection Advocacy & Campaigns Manager

Cats Protection

National Cat Centre

Chelwood Gate

Sussex

RH17 7TT