Why is my cat so scared of thunder?
There is no single factor that makes dogs and cats afraid of thunderstorms. Their fear can come from the combination of loud sounds, bright flashes of light, and changes in the pressure and static electricity in the air. It can be related to a fear of other loud noises, such as fireworks.
What do you do if your cat is outside in a thunderstorm?
Bring your pets inside.
Your pets will be safer inside, even if they don’t like being cooped up. This includes cats that are normally outdoors during the day. Cats will sometimes try to hide under a vehicle for safety, but try to bring them indoors before a storm hits.
What can I do to help when my cat is scared or anxious?
- Make sure they have their own space.
- Avoid or reduce the things that scare them.
- Give them space.
- Close the curtains and try playing music or the TV.
- Always stay calm.
- Try to stick to a routine.
- Introduce new things slowly.
- Keep a few litter trays inside.
Can cats tell when a thunderstorm is coming?
Yes, their heightened senses can allow them to pick up hints that a storm is coming. Cat’s inner ears may detect the sudden fall in atmospheric pressure. A cat is also more sensitive to sounds and smells. Therefore, your cat will hear the rumble of thunderstorm before you do.
5 Tips to keep your cat calm during a thunderstorm
- Keep your cat indoors. Bring your cat inside as a storm approaches.
- Observe body language. Keep an eye out for anxiety-induced behaviors, like sporadic running, aggression, pacing, etc.
- Create a hide-away spot.
- Keep tabs on all pets.
- Let your cat decide.
Do cats get stressed by thunder?
Is Your Cat Scared of Thunder? Like some dogs, some cats couldn’t care less if it’s storming outside, and remain as calm and collected as they would be on a sunny day. Many cats, however, do become anxious during storms, and they typically show their fear by hiding in closets or under furniture until the storm passes.
Is Thunder bad for cats?
Thunderstorms can be extremely stressful for cats. While cats may not show their fear in quite the same way as dogs (in severe cases of thunderstorm anxiety, panicking dogs have been known to destroy furniture, jump through windows or otherwise harm themselves during storms,) they may still become extremely anxiou.
Will my cat be OK in a thunderstorm?
Like some dogs, some cats couldn’t care less if it’s storming outside, and remain as calm and collected as they would be on a sunny day. Many cats, however, do become anxious during storms, and they typically show their fear by hiding in closets or under furniture until the storm passes.
Should I keep my cat inside during a storm?
It’s probably wise not to let your cat out if you suspect a storm is coming. Instead, make sure that they have a calm place where they can escape from the booming thunderclaps and torrential rain.
5 Tips to Calm your Dog During a Storm
- Give your dog a safe place to go during a storm.
- Be cool during a storm.
- Try a Thundershirt – This snug shirt wraps around your dog and applies gentle, constant pressure, similar to swaddling a baby.
- Supplement the scary sounds with music, TV, or white noise.
What do cats do during thunderstorms?
Whether they’re indoors or outdoors, instinctively, cats will lie low during a storm. At the first sound of thunder, they’ll hide themselves away in a dark, quiet place where they feel protected from the worst of the weather.
Should I keep my cat in during a storm?
‘There are a number of things you can do to help your pet during a storm, the main thing is to keep them indoors until it passes over. ‘Remain calm and act normally around your pet and allow them space to react to the storm – be that pacing around or letting them hide in a spot where they can feel safe.
4 Ways to Calm Thunderstorm Phobia in Cats
- Using feline pheromone-based calming diffusers.
- Using compression vests.
- Creating a small and quiet safe space where your cat can take refuge with a favorite bed/blanket/toy/treat.
- Snuggling up with your cat in a quiet room (if your cat is scared but does not try to run or hide)
Where do cats go during thunderstorms outside?
Cats will usually hide from the disturbance under beds or in dark, quiet corners. Unlike dogs, they tend to not progress to the phobic stage – they simply wait out the storm in their safe place and come out of hiding when the storm has passe.
Should I let my cat out in a storm?
Cats should have constant access to the house, in case a change in weather means they suddenly need to get back inside. If the winds become really extreme, it might be a good idea to keep cats inside. If that happens, try to provide a quiet, safe and warm space for them to access freely.