Most people are aware that dogs can be afraid of thunder, but some people don’t realise that cats, too, can be. The reason for this is that dogs usually make their owners aware of their fear, whereas many cats simply go and hide, with the result that their owners don’t even realise that they’re scared.
Dogs sense the changes in atmospheric pressure – they feel it in their fur and whiskers. The same applies to cats. They also sense the changes and may react with fear. Cats also have very acute hearing, so can hear a storm approaching long before their humans hear anything.
Just as owners who know that their dogs are fearful of thunder make plans when it is the stormy season, cat owners can also plan to help their cats.
1. Medical treatment
Once you are aware that your cat has this fear, you can ask your vet for some medication. Start with homeopathic medication first – either from the vet or from a homeopathic chemist – and give this to your cat before the storm hits. For a cat who is extremely fearful, the vet might have to prescribe something stronger.
Unfortunately, giving medication to cats is not easy, so you will need to find ways of getting your cat to take it!
2. Alternative medicine
I like Bach flower remedies, which help with fear. You can rub some on your hands and gently rub it all over your cat. You can also put some Rescue Remedy (a blend of five Bach flower remedies) into your cat’s water – try to find some that is made without alcohol. Some cats might drink the water but, unfortunately, many cats are fussy and might ignore the water. So, have another bowl of water available that doesn’t have Rescue in it, just in case.
3. Secure inside
If your cat is usually allowed to roam around freely outside, it would help to bring her indoors during a storm. Find a nice safe spot, where she will feel secure during the storm. In the beginning, you might have to find where she is hiding and, if it is indoors, then make it even more cosy for her during the storm.
Many years ago, I read an article about why dogs go into a bathroom or shower during a storm, and it was said that some bathrooms still have copper piping, which ‘earths’ the dog during the atmospheric pressure of the storm. You might find that some cats, too, like to go into a bathroom during storms. If this is the case, then place a nice bed for your cat to lie on in the bathroom, or maybe she would prefer to be on the bathroom floor, near the piping.
4. Stay calm
Cats, just like dogs, will pick up on their owners’ energy. If the owner is anxious about the storm, this will be relayed to the cat, and she will be anxious as well. Be positive, and talk calmly and quietly if your cat is nearby.
5. Gentle strokes
If your cat is lying next to you, slowly stroke her, while talking calmly and quietly to her. This will help to soothe her during the storm. It is fine to comfort a cat during storms; it is not going to make her more fearful. You would comfort a child who is fearful of something, so why not an animal?
6. Calming diffuser
There is a product called Feliway (a synthetic copy of the ‘happy’ pheromone cats release when they rub their heads against furniture or your legs) that is good for anxiety in cats. You could try containing your cat in a room and plugging in a Feliway diffuser to help her with the anxiety. Or get the spray, and spray it around the areas where your cat spends a lot of time during storms.
7. Cat shirt
Some years ago, a product called a ThunderShirt (for dogs) came on the market. These, and other similar innovations, are now used very successfully on dogs who are fearful of thunder as well as other loud noises. More recently, a ThunderShirt for cats has been introduced. Another option is to put a snug-fitting t-shirt or a ‘wrap’ on your cat, as this works in the same way, by giving her a feeling of security (like being held).
Final thought
It is not nice to see any animal suffering during storms, fireworks and other load noises. As their owners, we want to find the best way to help them through this stress. It is a misconception that you shouldn’t give animals attention when they are scared. Don’t go overboard with the attention, but certainly help them to feel calm and secure.
