Cats can be frightened by storms.A cat can run for cover if there is a storm with noise and other storm-related events.It's important for you to calm your cat down if it gets anxious during a storm.During storms, your cat will be calmer if you manage his anxiety.
Step 1: It's a good idea to give your cat a safe place to hide during the storm.
One of the best ways to treat thunderstorm anxiety in cats is to provide a safe hiding place.It's a good idea to hide in a basement, closet, or bathroom.Put your cat's favorite toys, food and water bowls in the area to make it more comfortable.Put your cat's comforts under a bed if it already has a usual hiding spot.If the hiding space has windows, close the curtains or blinds.When your cat goes to its hiding place, do not disturb it.When your cat is ready, let it come out.
Step 2: During a storm, turn on the white noise.
If a storm makes your cat anxious, turn on some background noise, such as the television or radio, that will distract the cat from the storm.Smooth jazz or classical music can be heard on a talk radio station.Your cat could be helped by a television news station.The volume of the white noise should not be raised.It could increase your cat's stress.If you play the white noise before the storm, your cat will get used to it.
Step 3: Have fun with your cat.
Schedule more time with your cat on the day of a storm.When the storm comes, the extra exercise will make your cat physically and mentally tired, which will help it remain calm.Your cat can play jumping games and chase a laser light.
Step 4: During the storm, be calm.
Your cat will be able to sense your moods.Your cat will also be anxious if you are.Quietly reading or watching TV will show calmness during the storm.
Step 5: Discuss the options with your doctor.
Anxiolytics are used to treat anxiety in cats.Clomicalm® and Reconcile® should be given throughout the storm season.Valium® and Xanax® are useful when given for an individual storm event.As your cat's anxiety decreases, your vet may stop or reduce the medication.Drugs can interact with each other and cause side effects.Your vet will check your cat's current medication to make sure it doesn't interact with it.
Step 6: The medication is what was prescribed.
If your cat needs a quick-acting anxiolytic, your vet will want you to administer it.If you know that a storm is coming later in the day, you should start giving the medication early.The long-acting anxiolytics are given daily.Depending on the medication your cat needs, your vet will give you administration instructions.
Step 7: Do not give it to your cat.
A drug used for sedation is acepromazine.It is often given to pets to relieve thunderstorm and fireworks anxiety.It doesn't affect the ability for a pet to move or show outward signs of anxiety.Acepromazine works like a chemical straitjacket that prevents the appearance of anxiety.If your vet recommends acepromazine for your cat, ask about other anxiety-reducing medications and express your concerns about the use of this drug.
Step 8: Consider alternatives that are non-medicated.
Other therapies can be used if you don't want to give your cat medication.Rescue Remedy is a spray made of flower essences.It can make you feel calm.Feliway® could be used to give your cat something familiar and calming to smell.Melatonin can help with anxiety.There are chemicals in the body.To mark its territory, your cat will rub its cheek on furniture.Discuss alternative therapies with your vet.
Step 9: Do not give your pet too much attention.
If your cat gets anxious during a storm, you may want to coddle it.This is not a good idea.The idea that a storm is scary is reinforced by the extra comforting.Don't punishing your cat.It's fear could be increased even more by punishment.
Step 10: Don't let your cat out of your sight during the storm.
During the storm, get your cat to do something.Counterconditioning will help your cat make a positive association with the storm.During the storm, reward your cat with a delicious treat when it does tricks, like sitting or rolling over.If you keep your cat a little hungry, it will be more likely to eat the treats during the storm.Cats love tuna.The goal of counterconditioning is to have your cat focus on something other than being anxious or fearful.
Step 11: Don't let your cat listen to the noise of a storm.
The technique involves playing a recording of storm noises to your cat at louder volumes until it calms down.The technique works better with dogs than cats.Speak with your vet before trying to desensitizing your cat.
Step 12: hiding behavior is observed.
The first instinct of a cat is to hide.Your cat can run under furniture or hide in your kitchen cabinets.This hiding behavior works well for cats when they are afraid of storms.Your cat will come out of its hiding place when the storm is over.
Step 13: Determine if your cat is afraid of the storms.
Like a thunderstorm, fear is a normal reaction to a fear-inducing event.Aphobia is an irrational fear of something.If your cat has a thunderstormphobia, it may show some of the following behaviors.
Step 14: Take your animal to the vet.
A veterinary examination can help determine the most effective way to treat your cat's thunderstorm anxiety.An underlying health condition may be increasing your cat's stress and anxiety.Along with using other anxiety-reducing strategies, treating that condition could help decrease your cat's anxiety.Your vet will examine your cat and ask you questions about the storm.It will be easier for your vet to come up with an effective treatment plan if you give more information.