A Liverpool cat expert is urging local pet owners to speak up for frightened animals before the Government’s fireworks consultation closes tomorrow.

Katie Gwilt, who lives in Garston and runs holistic cat care business The Kat Lady, is encouraging families across the City to share their experiences before the deadline on:- Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

The consultation proposes reducing the maximum noise level of fireworks available to the public, with louder products reserved for professional users. Respondents can choose between retaining the current 120-decibel limit or lowering it to 110, 100 or 90 decibels.

Katie, who lives and works in Liverpool, believes cats’ distress can be overlooked because their response to fear is often to retreat out of sight.

She said:- “Cats often respond to fear by hiding, so their suffering can be easy to miss. A cat tucked behind a sofa or refusing to come out from under a bed may be feeling deeply unsafe. I would urge pet owners across Liverpool to use this opportunity to speak up for their animals. Explain what you notice, how their behaviour changes and what you have to do to help them through it. Cats deserve to feel secure in their own homes. I would welcome stronger protections and quieter fireworks, and I want their wellbeing to be taken seriously when these decisions are made.”

Through The Kat Lady, Katie supports owners with their cats’ care and wellbeing. She believes the consultation offers a chance for families to explain the impact of fireworks beyond the noise itself.

She added:- “For people enjoying a display, a firework is a moment of entertainment. For a frightened cat, that sudden bang can make their familiar surroundings feel threatening. Here in Garston, and across Liverpool, pet owners have experiences that deserve to be heard. Please do not assume someone else will respond. Animals cannot complete a consultation, but we can make sure their experiences are represented.”

The Government is also seeking views on restricting additional pyrotechnic products considered to carry unacceptable risks and reviewing controls on lower-risk items. It wants to preserve celebrations while reducing harm and distress.

Andrew Hale, emotional wellbeing expert at Pet Remedy, also supports reducing the impact on animals.

He said:- “For an animal who is frightened of fireworks, the experience can be overwhelming. They cannot understand why the explosions are happening, how long they will last or whether they are safe. At Pet Remedy, we encourage owners to support their animals’ emotional wellbeing, but families also need help from the wider community. Reducing the noise of fireworks would be a welcome step towards more considerate celebrations.”

Rachel Bean, a qualified registered veterinary nurse and the UK’s leading canine first aider, said preventing fear should be part of protecting dogs from harm.

She said:- “A terrified dog may try desperately to escape, and that can put them in danger. We should be doing everything we can to prevent animals reaching that level of panic. Owners can prepare their homes and seek professional support, but they cannot control an unexpected explosion outside their window. If you have spent an evening comforting a shaking dog, your experience deserves to be heard.”

Debbie Potter, of Potter Paws, added:- “We support changes that would reduce the noise of fireworks and help protect dogs from unnecessary fear. Preparation and support matter, but reducing the source of that fear matters too. This is an opportunity to help shape more considerate celebrations that take animal wellbeing seriously.”

The proposals remain subject to consultation and Parliamentary approval. The Department for Business and Trade will consider responses before publishing its proposed actions.

Pet owners can have their say before the consultation closes on:- Wednesday, 7 October 2026, at this link.