I don't know why people can't just enjoy the quiet, safe fireworks like sparklers and fountains? Over here in my state the louder, more dangerous ones are banned but people do them anyways. I would not be upset if they did a better job of enforcing that rule but to ban even the quiet ones would suck. The quieter, safer stuff is just as pretty as the stuff that makes a lot of noise but it won't freak out the animals and babies. I like professional events but I don't think you can afford to have one for your birthday unless you are rich. However there is plenty of stuff that does the job without resorting to the noisy stuff.

my cats get really freaked out by them too, especially our boy, Max. We put the tv up a bit louder than normal and close the door to the living room so they stay with us. Max isn't big on cuddles but often gets under a blanket on my knee during fireworks, bless him.