Thunderstorm Phobias in Cats
Thunderstorm phobia is a real fear with cats. The persistent and exaggerated fear of storms, or stimuli associated with storms. This phobia involves physiologic, emotional, and behavior component.
Thunderstorm phobias occur in both dogs and cats, but dogs are more susceptible to this type of fear. According to Pet M.D., there are a few ways to help your cat with this phobia.
Signs and symptoms:
The stimuli of rain, thunder and lightning, as well with strong winds. The barometric pressure change and static electricity all will stimulate you cats senses and create fear. The following are signs of you pet experiencing a thunderstorm phobia:
- pacing
- panting
- trembling
- Hiding/ staying close to the owner
- Excessive Salivation (ptyalism)
- Destructiveness
- Excessive Vocalization
- Self-Inflicted trauma
- Fecal incontinence
Just like most mammals fear can affect your pets anatomy.
- Increased Heart Rate
- Hyperglycemia ( increased Sugar Levels)
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Increased respirations
Cause:
What causes thunderstorm phobias is unknown. The problems can come from not being use to storms, or predestined unintentional fear.
How to Treat:
The best thing you can do when your cat becomes scared is to watch your pet and comfort them throughout the storm. When the storm is over your cat will go about its normal ways.