Why this basket
- Built from Cats Protection and PDSA fireworks advice: keep the cat in after dark, give them somewhere to hide and block out the flashes.
- The den and the high spot go in weeks early, because PDSA says a cat needs time to get used to a new hiding place.
- A litter tray is on the list because a cat kept in after dark needs one, even if they normally go outside.
- Nothing here is a treatment. Both charities say to speak to your vet if your cat is still very frightened.
A few weeks before
A covered bed for a den
Bedsure hooded cat igloo, 40cm
4.5 on Amazon · 4,676 ratings · 200+ bought last month · #2 in Cat Caves & Houses · recorded 27 Sept 2026
PDSA says a covered bed is ideal for a fireworks den, often somewhere high such as a shelf or the top of a wardrobe, as long as it is secured so it cannot fall off. This igloo is 40 x 40 cm and machine washable, the listing says; buyers find it small, so a big cat may prefer a box. Set it up weeks ahead, with treats inside.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Cats go straight in and like having somewhere to hide away(4 of 13 reviews)
- Soft cushion and warm enough for winter(7 of 13 reviews)
- Springs back into shape soon after unpacking(2 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- On the small side, so best for small cats and kittens(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Polyester
- Made for
- small cats
- In the box
- cat igloo bed
- Care
- Machine Wash
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 3 of them, including today.
Also recommended on: a cat lover, Christmas.
A high spot to retreat to
4.6 on Amazon · 6,192 ratings · 900+ bought last month · #2 in Play Towers & Trees for Cats · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Some cats cope by getting up high, Cats Protection says, and a cat tower is ideal for that, though a cosy bed on a wardrobe or a sturdy shelf does the same job. This tree is 139cm tall on a 49 x 49 cm base, with two condos and three perches, and comes with an anti-tip strap for the wall, the listing says. Set it up weeks ahead.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Feels sturdy and solid once it is built(7 of 8 reviews)
- Goes together easily, with clear instructions(6 of 8 reviews)
- Tall, yet takes up little floor space in a small room(2 of 8 reviews)
Our summary of the 8 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 139 x 49 x 49 cm
- Weight
- 12.5 kg
- Material
- Particle board, Plush, Sisal
- Made for
- small cats
- In the box
- Instruction
- Care
- Spot Clean Only
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.
Also recommended on: a cat lover.
A blackout blind for bare windows
Tommee Tippee portable blackout blind
4.4 on Amazon · 7,865 ratings · 1K+ bought last month · #7 in Blinds · recorded 27 Sept 2026
PDSA says to have curtains or blinds on every window so you can block out the flashes, and to close them before dark with the lights left on. For a window with nothing on it, this portable blind sticks on with suction cups and adjusts to fit windows up to 130 x 198 cm, the listing says.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Makes a room much darker, even on bright summer mornings(12 of 13 reviews)
- Velcro folds it down to fit windows of different sizes(6 of 13 reviews)
- Goes up in minutes and packs into its bag(6 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Some suction cups let go and need pressing back on(4 of 13 reviews)
- A little light still creeps in round the edges(3 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Weight
- 200 g
- Material
- Polyester
- In the box
- Travel Bag
- Care
- Machine Wash
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 25 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 16 of them, including today.
A litter tray near the den
4.6 on Amazon · 2,069 ratings · 4K+ bought last month · #1 in Cat Litter Boxes · recorded 27 Sept 2026
A cat kept in after dark needs a litter tray, Cats Protection says, and PDSA suggests putting it near the den. With several cats, PDSA says each needs its own tray plus a spare. This tray is 49 x 38 cm with a high rim that unclips, the listing says. Buyers call it a medium size, so a very large cat may need something bigger.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- The high sides and clip-on rim keep litter in the tray(9 of 13 reviews)
- Smooth plastic that is quick to rinse and wipe clean(4 of 13 reviews)
- Kittens hop in and out easily and have room to turn and dig(3 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Thin plastic that feels cheap, though it does the job(3 of 13 reviews)
- Smaller than several buyers expected, closer to a medium tray(4 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 49 x 38 x 23 cm
- Weight
- 920 g
- Material
- Plastic
- Made for
- cats
- In the box
- Cat Litter Tray Box
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.
Also recommended on: a cat bringing in mice.
Unscented litter for the indoor tray
Sanicat unscented clumping litter, 10L
4.2 on Amazon · 10,941 ratings · 6K+ bought last month · #13 in Cat Litter · recorded 27 Sept 2026
A cat who usually goes outside will need litter for the indoor tray. Cats Protection advises against scented litter, because strong smells can put cats off using the tray at all. This Sanicat litter is unscented and clumping, made from natural minerals, the listing says.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Keeps tray smells down well without any added scent(9 of 13 reviews)
- Very little dust when pouring or when the cat digs(8 of 13 reviews)
- Cats use it without fuss, including picky ones(6 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Clumps can be soft or sticky and cling to the tray(5 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Weight
- 9.1 kg
- Material
- Clay
- Capacity
- 10 litres
- Made for
- cats
- In the box
- 10L Cat Litter
- Warranty
- As current legislation
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Also recommended on: Catsan, Sanicat or Ever Clean cat litter?.
On the night
A new toy as a distraction
Catstages Crinkle Pickle catnip toy
4.6 on Amazon · 8,751 ratings · 300+ bought last month · #9 in Catnip Toys · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Cats Protection suggests a new toy, such as a fishing rod toy or catnip mouse, to take a cat's mind off the bangs. This catnip kicker is about 16cm long and soft enough to grab, bite and kick, the listing says. Keep it back until the night so it is new. If your cat is hiding, leave them be, as both charities advise.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Cats take to it at once, including ones that ignore other toys(5 of 13 reviews)
- Cats grab it, bite it and bunny kick it with their back legs(4 of 13 reviews)
- Stands up to chewing and stays a favourite for months(3 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 17 x 5.6 x 3.8 cm
- Weight
- 45 g
- Material
- Catnip
- Made for
- medium cats
- In the box
- Crunchy Pickle Kicker Grn
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.
Also recommended on: a cat, a cat this Advent, Christmas.
Treats for the den
Dreamies variety box (12 x 60g)
4.8 on Amazon · 11,129 ratings · 10K+ bought last month · #2 in Crunchy Cat Treats · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Always "on offer"25 of 25 days
PDSA suggests putting favourite treats in the den and rewarding your cat when they go in, starting in the weeks before. This box holds twelve 60g pouches in three flavours, and the listing says an adult cat can have up to 20 pieces a day.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Cats are very keen on them(7 of 8 reviews)
- Cats eat every flavour in the variety box(2 of 8 reviews)
- Good value, especially when on a deal(5 of 8 reviews)
Our summary of the 8 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Pack
- pack of 12
- Made for
- cats
- In the box
- See the packaging for more information on
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 25 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 25 of them, including today.
Also recommended on: a cat this Advent, Dreamies or Temptations cat treats?.
A blanket to cover the den
Brentfords sherpa pet blanket, 100 x 150cm
4.5 on Amazon · 953 ratings · 50+ bought last month · #6 in Cat Bed Blankets · recorded 27 Sept 2026
PDSA says to make the den as enclosed as possible, for example by draping a blanket over it, and Cats Protection suggests a bed lined with blankets. This sherpa fleece blanket is 100 x 150 cm, big enough to drape over an igloo or a box and tuck in, and machine washable at 30°C, the listing says.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Soft and cosy, and dogs and cats happily curl up on it(8 of 13 reviews)
- Washes easily and wears well over time(3 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Lighter and thinner than some buyers expected from the photos(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Care
- Machine Wash
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.
Can wait
- A speaker for background noise. Cats Protection suggests leaving the radio or TV on, so whatever you already own will do. It advises avoiding programmes with sudden loud noises.
- A new lockable cat flap. PDSA's advice is to shut and lock windows and cat flaps before dark; the lock on your current flap does that.
Skip it
- SkipA pen or crate to shut the cat inCats Protection says some cats get more stressed when kept in one room and suggests letting them use the parts of the house they normally can.
- SkipCalming remedies or supplementsThey are outside this page. PDSA says any medication must be prescribed by your vet, arranged well before the fireworks start.
Quick questions
When should I keep my cat indoors for fireworks?
From before dark on any night fireworks are likely. PDSA says to bring your cat in well before dark and lock the windows and cat flaps, and suggests moving dinner a little earlier in the weeks before so they come home in time. Cats Protection calls this a cat curfew.
Where should a cat's fireworks den go?
Wherever your cat already goes when worried. PDSA says many cats feel safest up high, on a shelf or a wardrobe, but a den behind the sofa, under a table or in a large empty cupboard also works. Build it a few weeks early, and never pull a cat out of it.
Why check my cat's microchip details before Bonfire Night?
Because a frightened cat may bolt through any open window or door. Cats Protection and PDSA both say to keep your address and phone number up to date on the microchip database, which gives you a better chance of being reunited if your cat runs off.
Should I use a pheromone diffuser for fireworks?
Ask your vet. Cats Protection and PDSA both mention plug-in pheromone diffusers, started a few weeks before fireworks season, but this page does not list calming products. Your vet can say whether one suits your cat, alongside the den, curtains and background noise covered here.
What if my cat is still scared of fireworks?
Speak to your vet, well before the season. PDSA says a vet may prescribe short-term medication for the night or refer you to an accredited behaviourist, and warns never to give a cat medication that was not prescribed for them.
Sources: Cats Protection: cats and fireworks (checked 26 September 2026); PDSA: cats and fireworks (checked 26 September 2026); Cats Protection: cats and toileting (checked 26 September 2026).
