If you've ever had to coax a cat scared of thunder out from under the bed, you know how frightening loud noises can be for your kitty. Remember: Your cat's hearing is much stronger than yours, and they don't know that thunder is harmless — or that it follows lightning, which can help make it less surprising to people. The sudden bang can startle sensitive cats. Still, why are cats scared of thunder and not certain other loud sounds, like pulling the trash cans out to the curb?
The sudden booms and brightness of thunder and lightning aren't the only culprits for stress during storms. Cats can sense changes in barometric pressure and static electricity in the air, which can make them feel uncomfortable. These changes precede a storm and can aggravate feline arthritis or even headaches. This means sensitive cats may show signs of fear or stress before you hear the first distant rumble of thunder.
Are cats scared of heavy rain, too? Some cats couldn't care less if it's storming outside, remaining as calm and collected as they would on a sunny day. But heavy rain may come with strong wind or even hail, creating quite the racket. And while some cats might enjoy watching the trees sway or the hail bounce off the ground, both the sight and sound can increase feline stress in others.
Remember cats are creatures of habit. They generally dislike change and often consider new things "scary" until they become familiar. An unexpected noisy storm changes your cat's environment — including sights, sounds and even smells. For example, you may notice that smell in the air that often accompanies a storm (known as petrichor). Well, your cat's sense of smell is even more refined, picking up this odor, unusual odors carried by the wind and more.
So, are cats scared of thunder and lightning? It depends on the cat. A wide range of signs, either alone or in combination, can indicate your cat is scared of thunderstorms, including:
Vocalizing more than usual (meowing, yowling, hissing)
Fluffing up their fur and tail
Pacing
Drooling
Seeking attention (meowing, pawing)
Hiding in dark, secluded places, such as under the bed
It's easier to prevent distress than relieve it once the storm arrives, so try to stay calm and relaxed. Here are some strategies to help minimize your cat's stress before and during a thunderstorm.
Carpeted areas accentuate static electricity. Moving your cat to a room with tile, wood or cement floors before a storm can reduce this effect.
Close the drapes and blinds or relocate your cat to a room without windows to help shut out visual stimulation that may contribute to their unease. You can also use a sound machine or play white noise on your phone to muffle sudden storm noises.
Before the fear sets in, engage your cat's play instinct. This stimulates their brain and helps them associate storms with positive things, which can reduce the scare factor. Pull out their favorite interactive game, like a fishing pole lure toy. If they're food-motivated, they may enjoy "hunting" their food with a puzzle toy that dispenses healthy cat treats. If you have a kitten, throw a thunder party by tossing them a treat every time the thunder sounds. This teaches them from an early age that thunder means treats fall from the sky! Just make sure you're keeping an eye on their daily caloric intake and adjusting as necessary.
As tempting as it can be, avoid touching a scared cat. Dragging your kitty out from under the bed can make things worse. Let your cat hide and offer a cat tunnel or cave bed for a safe retreat. Of course, if your cat demands attention (perhaps begging to sit on your lap) — let them. Contrary to some beliefs, this doesn't "reinforce" fear or teach cats to repeat the behavior. If your cat seeks attention, it means your quiet presence helps them feel safe.
Sometimes, just getting on their level by sitting on the ground near where they're hiding can promote calm.
Much like thunder shirts for dogs, you can find chest wraps designed to help a cat scared of thunder. You can also make your own by wrapping your cat in a stretchable bandage or swaddling them in a towel or T-shirt. Just be sure you leave them enough room to breathe comfortably.
Not all cats will feel comforted by (or even tolerate) this, so be sure to try it out prior to a storm and see how your kitty reacts.
Certain tempos and sounds can affect cat emotions. For example, harp music may help cats calm down or even sleep. You can also try playing music designed for cats to muffle sudden noises and cultivate calm.
Your veterinarian may recommend giving your kitty over-the-counter supplements or other remedies formulated for cats before thunderstorms to help reduce fear and stress. Always check with your vet before trying an over-the-counter remedy. In some cases, your vet may prescribe medicine. Pheromone products, such as plug-in diffusers and sprays, also work well for some cats.
Above all, never scold your cat for their behavior during a thunderstorm (or ever). Staying calm and providing healthy coping strategies is key to helping your cat learn storms aren't so scary after all. Your love and care go a long way!
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