Cats Protection says the consultation provides a valuable opportunity for owners whose pets have experienced fear or anxiety as a result of fireworks to share their experiences and help inform proposals aimed at reducing the impact of excessively loud and unpredictable displays.

Open to both individuals and organisations, the consultation seeks views from anyone affected by 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.

It also considers, whether certain products that pose unacceptable risks should be banned, and whether existing rules covering lower-risk fireworks and pyrotechnics should be reviewed.

Cats Protection is calling for the proposals to go further including:

• The sale of fireworks to the general public to be limited to Category F1 products, such as sparklers, with larger fireworks limited to licensed organised displays.
• a reduction in the maximum permitted noise level for fireworks at organised displays.

New Cats Protection research found that 69% of cat owners said their cat had been negatively affected by fireworks, up from 65% in 2025. The most commonly reported responses were hiding or becoming withdrawn, appearing startled, displaying fearful behaviour, attempting to escape and becoming more reliant on their owner.

Charlotte Broad, Advocacy and Campaigns Manager at Cats Protection, said: " Cats Protection has 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.

"We are encouraging anyone who has witnessed the impact on their cat or another animal to respond before the deadline. You do not need to be an expert and there is no requirement to answer every question. Cats Protection has put together a guide to help respond to the Government’s consultation.”

“Personal experiences provide valuable evidence and can help shape regulations that better protect animals while still allowing people to celebrate responsibly."

Who can respond?

Anyone can respond to the consultation, including:

• pet owners and other members of the public
• people whose animals have experienced fear, stress, injury or attempts to escape because of fireworks
• animal welfare organisations, charities and campaign groups
• veterinary and animal care professionals
• businesses, trade bodies, local authorities, emergency services and enforcement bodies
• residents affected by fireworks in their local communities

How to respond

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday 7 October 2026. To respond to the consultation please click here

Ends

For further information please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on media.office@cats.org.uk or 01825 741 911.