What frightened the cat? - briefly
The sudden appearance of a dog in the yard startled the cat and caused it to flee under the nearest bush.
What frightened the cat? - in detail
The sudden, sharp sound of the firecracker that echoed through the otherwise peaceful garden was the primary factor that startled the cat. The intense, unexpected noise triggered an immediate response in the feline's nervous system, activating its natural fight-or-flight instinct. Additionally, the abrupt change in atmospheric pressure caused by the explosion contributed to the cat's alarm. The unfamiliar and harsh scent of gunpowder that permeated the air further heightened the cat's senses, adding to its overall distress. Moreover, the sight of the smoke rising from the firecracker may have been perceived as a threat, reinforcing the cat's fearful reaction. All these elements combined to create an overwhelming and frightening experience for the cat, leading to its abrupt departure from the scene.