Cat Care Clinic

Posted on: 17 August 2015

It's no wonder that thunderstorms frighten many cats; because of their extremely sensitive hearing, sudden and loud booming noises probably overwhelm their senses. If your cat is frequently exposed to thunderstorms and has a bad reaction every time, there are a few ideas you can use to soothe them until the storm passes.

Thunder Jackets

Many different varieties of thunder jackets are sold at pet stores these days. These jackets look like little coats, or overgrown harnesses, and are designed to hug your cat's body, applying gentle pressure. Gentle pressure on the body is often used by humans to soothe people who are experiencing anxiety, and studies have shown that it has similar effects on animals that are under stress.

Calming Collars Or Room Sprays

Another great option you can find at most pet stores is calming pheromone collars and room sprays. These products are generally scented with lavender, which has a calming effect on many people and animals. But, they're also laced with the same hormones that a lactating mother cat emits. The mother emits these hormones to help soothe her babies and keep them calm while they're nursing, and putting the collar on a grown cat has a similar effect.

Depending on your cat's needs, you can put a collar on them or purchase a room spray or plug-in outlet diffuser that will fill the entire room with the soothing smell.

Safe Place

Finally, if you have a thunderstorm coming soon and can't go to the store or simply want to take another step to soothe your cat, try creating a safe place for them. Cats often hide under beds, in closets, and in other dark and secluded areas where they can feel safe and isolated. If your cat has a favorite hiding place, don't try to drag them out. Instead, support them by making that place even better by putting food and water near it and adding some of their favorite bedding or toys. Your cat will come out when he or she feels safe, so don't worry about it. Check out a great go to site for more tips.

There's nothing you can do to stop a thunderstorm, but these three tips can help to relieve your cat's anxiety and fear. If your cat experiences extreme anxiety during thunderstorms or these steps don't improve their reaction, see a vet to make sure that there isn't something else going on with their general well-being.