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.
While thunderstorm phobia is more common in dogs, cats may be afraid of storms as well. Some cats respond with fear to loud and unexpected noises, and to unexpected flashes of light brought on by storms. Cats may also be sensitive to and detect subtle changes in the barometric pressure of the atmosphere.
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. Thunderstorm phobia is far less common in cats than in dogs, says Petplace, but it does occasionally happen.
Create a hide-away spot.
For most cats, being able to reach a familiar spot is the most comforting option. Provide a few options for hiding out, including in the room where you spend a lot of time. He or she may feel perfectly content nearby you or would prefer a closet, under the bed, or another place of respite.
This self-preservation response qualifies as a fear. Unlike dogs, however, cats tend not to advance to the phobic stage, perhaps because their strategy of avoidance works. They hide; the storm passes; they emerge unscathed. Dogs often start out sensibly, too.
Your pets cannot protect themselves from lightning; it is your responsibility to help protect them.
In the home, cats are often scared of noisy household appliances, especially if they didn't become accustomed to them as young kittens. Vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, printers, washing machines and hairdryers are common culprits.
Put portable shelters, litter boxes, food and water in an accessible shed or garage during the storm. Stockpile adequate cat food, bottled water, extra batteries and flashlights and store them in a place that will be safe from the disaster.
Explanations Behind Cat's Behavior
Cats groom their ears more frequently because of pressure changes that affect their sensitive inner ear. (the same part of a cat that makes their balance (almost) perfect. Cats lick their fur more because of the changes in humidity when a storm approaches.
Thunderstorms can be very stressful for cats. Cats are connected to their surroundings through smell and sounds. They can sense a thunderstorm coming before we can even realize it. They are able to smell and hear something far better than what humans are capable of.
Your cat might start to show signs of stress when a storm is on its way and typically show their fear by trying to find somewhere to hide until the storm passes. Some cats will have a strong fear response where they may show a raised coat and bushy tail, sometimes even hissing at anything or anyone.
When lightning kills a large group of animals, such as those reindeer in Norway, it is typically ground current, rather than a direct strike, that's the culprit. In effect, the animals' legs can act like electrodes to complete an electrical circuit from the ground, through their bodies, and back to the ground.
Thunder can also be very disturbing to animals. The loud, sudden noise can scare them because they don't understand where the noise is coming from and they often associate loud noises with danger. Pets may display mild signs of storm anxiety like pacing, trembling, hiding or panting.
Up to 30% of dogs are terrified by the rumblings of thunderstorms, howling winds, and driving rain. When thunder rumbles, dogs don't understand where the noise comes from. They tremble, hide, pace and pant. And, in extreme cases, dogs can claw through drywall, chew the carpet, and make frantic efforts to escape.
A phobia of thunderstorms, sometimes called astraphobia, is an irrational and extreme fear response to the presence of a storm. This phobia can be seen in some cats. It can be harmful to the cat as the phobias can turn into terror, abnormal reactions, and high stress levels.
Many dogs are afraid of loud, sudden, unpredictable noises, not just thunderstorms and fireworks. If a dog is noise-sensitive, it's very likely that these noises will be frightening to him. Wild animals react to thunderstorms fearfully. This is appropriate, because storms can be dangerous.
If a thunderstorm is raging outside, your cat is unlikely to want to go out, preferring to stay safely inside where it's quiet and warm. It's probably wise not to let your cat out if you suspect a storm is coming.
Generally cats do not like getting wet at all. A heavy downpour can mean that their fur gets waterlogged, resulting in them feeling very uncomfortable and cold. The coat gets heavy, meaning that your cat will not be as agile as normal, slowing down their reactions which are what usually keeps them safe.
Can cats sense emotions? Cats can sense how people are feeling, so your cat actually can tell when you're sad. “Cats can definitely sense when you are sad because they are highly attuned to your normal behaviors and moods, and if there is a change, they sense it,” Dr. Wooten told The Dodo.
Cats, even if acclimated to outdoor temperatures should always have access to warm shelters. Kittens, cats advanced in age, or sick should never be kept outdoors when the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Cats' 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 a thunderstorm before you do. Likewise, your cat is more likely to smell the incoming rain or that metallic odor of lightning in the air.
Call your vet immediately. Time is vital and intravenous fluids could be required. Wrap your cat in a blanket or towel to conserve body heat. Don't apply any direct heat such as a hot-water bottle as this diverts blood away from the brain and the internal organs to the skin.
Texture: Sticky paper, aluminum foil, heavy plastic or a plastic carpet runner (knubby side up) can be placed in areas you want to be off limits. Cats hate walking on these surfaces. Smell: Citronella, perfumes, solid air fresheners, citrus, aloe, eucalyptus oil and oil of wintergreen are all aversive smells to cats.
The mystery of why cats hate cucumbers is normally explained by the natural fear cats have towards snakes. To a feline's eyes a cucumber can look similar enough to the pesky reptile to elicit their fear response and make them jump a few feet in the air to avoid being bitten.
Without adequate, continuous and positive interactions with people, other animals, and new situations, cats may develop fears. Because the socialization period in cats begins and ends earlier (generally between 3 and 9 weeks) than it does in dogs, the early environment of the kitten is most important.