Why is My Cat Afraid of Loud Noises?
It can be pretty heart-wrenching to watch when our pets are scared, and it’s only natural to want to help. You might be asking yourself why is my cat afraid of loud noises, and wondering how to help kitty through their fears. When it comes to noise phobias in cats, Cat Care of Vinings has some great resources.
Noise Phobias in Cats
From an evolutionary standpoint, it is pretty self explanatory why loud noises might be scary to a cat. Many loud sounds are signs of impending danger; it is only natural that they might make adrenaline skyrocket.
Cats also have very sensitive hearing. Noises that may not seem like a big deal to us can be terrifying to them. Sounds from thunderstorms, fireworks, nearby construction, or even your vacuum cleaner can be downright scary.
Our feline friends are not always as obvious about their fear of loud noises as their canine counterparts, though. Signs of noise phobias might include things like:
- Hiding
- Not engaging in play as normal
- Not eating normally
- Redirected aggression (scratching or biting someone or something that is not the cause of the fear-inducing stimulus)
- Self harm
Ways to Help My Cat Cope with Being Scared
If your cat is afraid of loud noises, there are certainly things that you can do as a pet owner to help your cat cope with being scared.
Consider:
- Counterconditioning and desensitization—Getting your cat used to loud noises can take some work, but may be quite rewarding. Try playing recordings of scary sounds at low volume, then gradually intensify as tolerated. Pair calm behavior with treats and/or affection.
- Creating a safe space—Prepare a space in your home that utilizes calming synthetic cat pheromone plug ins or spray, white noise, and dim relaxing lighting so that kitty can retreat when they are overwhelmed.
- Using a calming supplement—Nutritional supplements like hydrolyzed milk proteins may help to instill a sense of calm, especially when started well ahead of the scary event.
- Trying a Thundershirt—Similar to the concept of a weighted blanket, something like a Thundershirt can help to wrap your cat in a soothing hug.
- Giving us a call—Some pets do need calming medications and/or behavioral therapy to overcome intense fears. Don’t wait to call us for help if your cat is having intense problems.
Loud sounds are scary, but don’t suffer in silence! It is natural for your cat to be timid around noises, but there are definitely ways to help them cope. Our team is here to help you through this common cat owner problem.
Recent Posts
Categories
- Behavior & Training
- Cat Care of Vinings News
- Emergencies & First Aid
- Exercise Nutrition & Obesity
- Fleas Ticks & Heartworm
- Kitten Care
- Pet Dental Care
- Pet Emergencies & First Aid
- Pet Grooming & Style
- Pet Health & Wellness
- Pet Rescue & Adoption
- Pet Safety
- Pet Toxins
- Pet Travel & Boarding
- Pet-Friendly Holidays
- Puppies & Kittens
- Reproductive Health
- Rescue & Adoption
- Seasonal Cat Care
- Seasonal Pet Care
- Senior Pet Care
- The Cat's Meow
- The Great Outdoors
- The Surgical Suite
- Training & Behavior
- Travel & Boarding
- You & Your Cat
- You & Your Pet
Archives
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.