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Why do cats dislike thunderstorms?
Light & noise
A cat’s hearing is much better than that of humans, allowing them to hear both lower and much higher frequencies as humans. This means that to them, thunder might sound even scarier than it does to us. In addition, thunderstorms almost always go accompanied by heavy rainfall or even hail, which can make a racket on the roof and terrify cats.
Smell
While we have about 5 million odor receptors in our nose, cats have more than 200 million! During a thunderstorm, the lightning heats up the air, which causes ozone to form. Even us humans can smell it, so cats definitely can. And, then there’s petrichor – that smell you get after a rainstorm hits dry soil. Cats are creatures of habit, and they may not like this change in smell.
Air pressure
Some cats become anxious before a lightning storm, and this behavior may be linked to changes in barometric pressure. As a storm approaches, the atmospheric pressure often drops suddenly. A cat’s sensitive inner ear can detect this shift, and over time, your feline may learn to associate the sensation with the onset of a storm.
How to comfort your cat during a thunderstorm
Act normal
Cats are very clever and can easily pick up on even subtle changes in your behavior. Following them around or cuddling them too much might make them suspicious or more anxious. Try to treat them just like any other day. If your cat sees that you’re calm and acting normally during the thunderstorm, they may come to understand that there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Cover the windows and turn on the lights
Sudden flashes of lightning, combined with loud thunder and the noise of hail, can be frightening for cats. To help reduce their stress, close the curtains or blinds to block out the light from outside, and turn on the indoor lights to mask the lightning flashes even better.
Turn on radio or television
Playing some music or turning on the television can help drown out the sound of thunder, making the scary bangs less noticeable to your cat. Most likely, your cat is already familiar with the sound of the TV or radio, which can add to the comfort and sense of normalcy it provides. Additionally, the ever-changing light from the TV screen can help mask lightning flashes, giving the impression that nothing unusual is happening outside.
Create a safe space
If your cat has a favorite hiding spot in the house, make it as cozy as possible with blankets, treats, and toys. Cats often feel safer when they’re up high, so placing a cardboard box lined with blankets on top of a fridge or cupboard can be a good idea. Cover the entrance to the box with a thin blanket to help block out light and sound while still allowing your cat to peek out and observe their surroundings. Adding a T-shirt with your scent can also provide extra comfort.
Don’t force your cat into a small space
Confined spaces are perfectly fine, as long as they’re safe and your cat chooses to enter them voluntarily. If your cat feels most secure in their travel carrier, it’s absolutely okay to let them stay there. Just be sure not to confine them in a small space such as a bathroom or crate against their will, as this could cause stress or even injury if they try to escape. Whenever possible, give your cat access to all safe areas in the house so they can choose where they feel most comfortable.
Don’t pick up your cat
If your cat gets stressed during a thunderstorm, or anything else really, it’s best not to pick them up. Holding or constantly petting them to try and comfort them can actually make things worse by overstimulating them, which might lead to sudden aggressive behavior. Instead, give your cat some space and let them calm down on their own. Even after the storm passes, they might need a little time to fully settle.
Consult your vet if needed
If thunderstorm terrify your cat to the point where they might injure themselves, it’s a good idea to consult your vet. They can prescribe medication if needed or discuss other solutions, such as special anxiety jackets or pheromone diffusers designed to help your cat relax.
