How to Handle Thunderstorm Anxiety in Cats

In this article, we’ll be sharing some tips and suggestions for how to help soothe a scared cat during a storm.

In a previous article, we talked about how best to calm a dog during a thunderstorm, but did you know that cats get anxious too? Cats are incredibly sensitive and can even detect the change in air pressure before a storm. 

In this article, we’ll be sharing some tips and suggestions for how to help soothe a scared cat during a storm. 

1. Create a hideaway 

Set up a cozy, quiet spot like a covered bed or box with your cat’s favorite blanket or toys. Make sure that this hideaway is far from windows or loud noises. 

2. Block out the storm 

Tune out the stressors of lightning and thunder by shutting the curtains and windows of your home. 

3. Play white noise 

Just like with dogs, music can also be effective in soothing your cat. You can try playing white noise, soft classical music, or check out some pet relaxation playlists on Spotify or Youtube. 

4. Try calming sprays 

There’s a spray called Feliway that calms cats down since the scent mimics the natural pheromones they produce when they feel safe and secure. If getting Feliway isn’t accessible, some find it effective to lightly mist a very diluted lavender or chamomile spray around their cat’s surroundings. 

However, be sure to never spray directly on your cat. Test your spray on a small area first then monitor your cat’s reaction. 

5. Speak calmly and stay gentle 

Cats respond to tone more than words, and soft speaking is a great way to build your cat’s trust. While dogs tend to prefer more contact, cats might prefer more gentle petting in short bursts. 

6. Don’t overstimulate 

For cats, sometimes the best thing we can do is give them some space. If your cat is feeling especially stressed, pay attention to see if they’d prefer to calm down by self-soothing. 

7. Consult your vet

If you have questions about how best to handle your cat’s anxiety, the best person to ask is your vet. Remember, you don’t have to handle pet parenting all on your own. 

Share on: