How to Help Cats Around Vacuum Cleaners and Other Loud Noises

Cats, for all their poise and elegance, sure can startle easily. One moment they’re cool and collected, sitting with the indifferent grace of a Roman emperor, and then the vacuum cleaner switches on and suddenly they’re dashing for cover! 

And it’s not just vacuum cleaners, either – fireworks, car alarms, or even just loud music can be enough to send a cat into hiding. In this blog, we’re taking a look at why cats are scared of loud noises and offering tips on how to help your feline friend manage their fears.

What Are Cats So Scared of Loud Noises?

With their large, highly mobile ears, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that cats have excellent hearing. In fact, with their ability to hear higher frequencies and softer sounds, they can detect noises that are completely inaudible to the human ear. 

This heightened sensitivity can help cats in various aspects of their daily lives, from hunting prey to detecting potential threats. But, for our domestic felines, it can also make them more susceptible to fear or anxiety. For wild cats, a loud noise historically could signify danger. No wonder then that the roaring of a vacuum cleaner can trigger a cat’s instinct to hide or flee!

On that note, it’s important to mention that it’s not only vacuum cleaners and hoovers that can contribute to a cat’s anxiety. Here are some more common culprits:

• Parties and Gatherings: The increased volume of people talking, laughing, and moving around can create a stressful environment for your feline friend.
• Fireworks and Thunderstorms: Sudden, unpredictable sounds like fireworks or thunderstorms can cause intense fear.
• Household Appliances: Lawnmowers, hairdryers, and washing machines can also be distressing for a noise-sensitive cat.

Recognizing Signs of a Scared Cat

Now that we understand why loud noises can cause our cats alarm, we can begin looking at different ways in which to help. First though, we should identify the signs of stress and anxiety in cats to look out for in cats that are frightened by loud noises:

• Hiding: A stressed cat will often retreat to a safe, secluded spot, such as under the bed or in a closet – or even on top of the closet, as they will often try to get up high!
• Excessive Grooming: Cats may groom themselves as a displacement activity to comfort themselves. Differing from their regular daily grooming, this grooming in particular will often be quick and concentrated in one area.
• Feigning Sleep: Some cats will pretend to sleep as a way to cope with their body looking tense and eyes tightly shut.
• Loss of Appetite: A stressed cat may refuse food, even their favorite treats.
• Trembling or Panting: In extreme cases a cat might tremble or pant due to fear.
• Conflict with other Household Cats: Just like us humans, feeling worried can mean a cat may be less tolerant of other cats around them, leading to conflict or fighting.

How to Help a Cat Scared of Loud Noises

So, how do we go about helping a scared cat who is hiding or showing other signs of fear? Well, the best solution is to create a calm and secure environment that will give your cat every chance to relax and feel content. The simplest approach is to break this down into different stages:

1. Create a Safe Haven

Ensure your cat always has access to their safe space. This might be a cozy corner, a high perch, or under a piece of furniture. When they retreat there, leave them undisturbed until they feel secure enough to come out on their own.

2. Use FELIWAY® for an Extra Boost

Plug in FELIWAY® Optimum in the room or space where your cat feels safest. This pheromone diffuser provides enhanced serenity for cats and is a great way to provide an extra boost when it comes to helping your cat feel more secure.

3. Muffle the Noise

During events you know will be loud, like fireworks or parties, try to reduce noise in your cat’s safe space. Close curtains, play cat-friendly music, or use white noise machines to create a more serene environment.

4. Monitor and Reassure

Keep an eye on your cat’s behavior during loud events, offering them comfort without forcing interaction. Sometimes, just being nearby and offering a quiet presence can help reassure a nervous or scared cat.

If your cat’s anxiety seems severe or has changed recently, it’s always best to consult your vet. There might be underlying health issues contributing to their sensitivity. An animal behaviorist can also help develop a tailored plan to manage your cat’s anxiety.

Gradual Desensitization

For kittens, introducing them to various sounds at a low volume can help desensitize them to future loud noises. Resources like Sounds Scary offer recordings that can be used to expose your cat gradually to potentially frightening sounds. Rewarding them with a snack during these sessions can also create positive associations, rather than negative ones.

When introducing new sounds, our top tip is to do so gradually. Start with the noise in a distant room while your cat is calm, then slowly increase the volume and proximity over time.

Happy Cats

Taking the time to understand and address your cat’s fears of vacuum cleaners and other loud noises can be a huge help to their quality of life. By creating a safe environment, using desensitization techniques, and introducing FELIWAY®, you can help your cat manage their fears and feel more secure in their home. Remember, patience and gradual exposure are key to helping your feline friend adapt to the noisy world around them!

Do you want to learn more about understanding your cat’s behaviour? Or learn more about how our cat pheromone diffusers can make a harmonious sanctuary for your kitty? Check out our other blogs or sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest info!