Some cats watch lightning in awe, perched on the windowsill like little sphinxes contemplating the world’s end. In fact, that storm might just be the first warning from the Feline Guru, who, let’s be honest, probably planned the whole thing. Then there are cats who, at the first sound of thunder, teleport under the bed at light speed and stay there until the storm passes… and a bit longer, just in case.

If your cats belong to this second group, fabCat – stay with us until the end. Today, we’re talking about how to prepare your kitty for a thunderstorm armageddon so that everyone can come out of it unscathed, and without a single extra grey hair.

Storms aren’t that scary… when you have a place to hide

For a cat who normally lives a pretty comfy life under human care, unexpected phenomena are at the very least unsettling. How dare there be a Dolby Surround thunderstorm right in the middle of a catnap? Do the ones who control the weather not understand that a cat’s daily routine is sacred and storms simply don’t fit into the schedule? There’s only one logical move in this scenario: find shelter, fast. But where?

This is where you come in on your white steed, fabCat. Create a storm-proof sanctuary where your cats can feel as safe as if they were in a thunderproof bunker. You can repurpose a space you already have at home – a closet, a carrier, the inside of a sofa, or a bathroom cabinet. What matters most is that it’s dark, quiet, and safe. A good tip is to throw in a blanket or some old t-shirts – they’ll work as extra sound insulation and give your cat a sense of comfort. Bored during rainy days? Repurpose your myKotty scratcher box into a fancy DIY hideout. Your kitty will definitely appreciate the gesture.

Important: If your cat already has a preferred hiding spot for storms (or any other stressful moments), don’t try to drag them out. If they’ve chosen it, it means they feel safe there. Trying to “comfort” them with unwanted petting or hovering concern can have the opposite effect.

Let there be a blissful silence

We can’t control the weather (yet), but we can limit how much of the storm reaches the inside of your home – and that’s really what matters most to your cat. Close the windows, draw the curtains, and set up their hideout as far from the windows as possible. Put on some calm music or a soothing movie, settle in on the couch, and create a cozy vibe at home. You’ll relax – and that, in turn, helps your cat feel more secure. (When humans panic, cats can pick up on that too.)

When the kitty needs something stronger

While exploring ways to calm a stressed-out cat, you’ll likely come across mentions of synthetic pheromones (like Feliway). You can get them in a plug-in diffuser or spray form. And we’ll admit – if your cats struggle with emotional regulation, fear, adapting to a new place after moving, or accepting a new family member, pheromones can do a pretty great job. Are they foolproof? Of course not. But they’re a method recommended by both vets and behaviorists, and they’re definitely worth trying when the usual home tricks aren’t cutting it. And if even that doesn’t help?

Medical support to calm a scared cat is a last resort, but sometimes it’s necessary. In that case, talk to your vet. Sure, the internet is full of “recommended” remedies that worked for someone else’s cat, but with any medication (even natural ones), it’s crucial to tailor the solution to your specific feline patient’s needs.

A few tips to wrap it up

The forecast predicts a storm coming, and your kitty’s usually terrified? With a weather app at your fingertips, you can prepare in advance, fabCat. Remember, cats may sense changes in the atmosphere before we do, and start looking for quiet shelter. Let them do that. And for 100% feline comfort, keep in mind that:

• If your cat chooses a hiding spot, don’t force them out just to move them to a place you picked. Your kitty knows best where they feel safest in times of stress.
• Unless your cat actively seeks your attention and closeness, don’t force interaction. It’s safer for both of you.
• Don’t ignore the problem – for us, a storm might last a while, but for a cat, it can feel like forever. Chronic stress affects feline health. If hiding spots and a calm home aren’t enough, seek help from a vet and a feline behaviorist.
• Don’t expose your cat to the storm in hopes that they’ll “get used to it.” That’s not how it works. If they panic, they can become unpredictable.

A calm home = a calm cat, even during a thunderstorm. Now you know how to prepare, fabCats. Let us know in the comments if you have any storm-day tips – one can never have too many good ideas! 🙂