Why Are Cats And Dogs Afraid Of Thunder?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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There is no single factor that makes dogs and cats afraid of thunderstorms.

Their fear can come from the combination of loud sounds, bright flashes of light, and changes in the pressure and static electricity in the air

. It can be related to a fear of other loud noises, such as fireworks.

Why are dogs afraid of thunder but cats aren t?

We think of dogs as smarter because they’re far more trainable by humans, but this standard doesn’t apply in nature, including the sound of thunder.

Dogs actually lost brainpower in favor of obedient behavior when they were domesticated.

Why are pets afraid of thunder?



There’s usually more buildup before a thunderstorm than with fireworks

(e.g., changes in the barometric pressure, high winds, rain, hail and/or lightning), thus dogs might learn to expect thunder,” she adds. This can cause anxiety before the storm even hits.

Are cats and dogs scared of thunder?

A sudden thunderstorm can be terrifying for any pet, and

cats and dogs can become very stressed during storms

. There are easy ways to help your pet feel more comfortable, however, and keep them from getting too excited or anxious when storms pass by.

Are dogs scared of thunder?


Up to 30% of dogs are terrified by the rumblings of thunderstorms, howling winds, and driving rain

. When thunder rumbles, dogs don’t understand where the noise comes from. They tremble, hide, pace and pant. And, in extreme cases, dogs can claw through drywall, chew the carpet, and make frantic efforts to escape.

Why do cats act weird during storms?


Cats and many other animals are more sensitive than humans to sounds, smells and changes in atmospheric pressure

, and their heightened senses can allow them to pick up hints that a storm is coming well before their owners catch wind of it.

Can a dog sense death?


Dogs being able to sense death is nothing new

. In fact, dogs have been sensing death, alerting people to oncoming death, and even sniffing out those already dead for centuries. In fact, some dogs are specifically trained as Hospice Dogs to sit with and comfort those are dying.

Can lightning hit a cat?


Statistics for lightning strike in pets is virtually non-existent

. But often their exposure and inability to find protection can be more limited.

Why does my dog shake during a thunderstorm?

Dogs show they are

stressed or anxious

in lots of ways, including panting excessively, drooling, shaking, yawning, and putting their tail between their legs. They may also pace around, whine, bark and drink more – so make sure their water bowl is filled up to the brim.

What are cats afraid of?

As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can’t stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate

rosemary and thyme

. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.

Are animals afraid of thunder?

If a dog is noise-sensitive, it’s very likely that these noises will be frightening to him.

Wild animals react to thunderstorms fearfully

. This is appropriate, because storms can be dangerous.

Why are dogs more afraid of fireworks than cats?


The loud noises and flashing lights can frighten them, especially since the sounds are totally unpredictable, harsh on their sensitive ears, and impossible to escape

.

What dogs arent afraid of thunder?

  • 5 dog breeds scared of loud noises. Cairn Terrier. Mixed Breed. Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Lagotto Romagnolo. Rough Collie. …
  • 4 dog breeds not as bothered by loud noises. Labrador Retriever. German Shepherd. Miniature Poodle. Chinese Crested. German Shepherd’s are less likely to be bothered by loud noises.

Why do cats hide during storms?


Many cats, however, do become anxious during storms, and they typically show their fear

by hiding in closets or under furniture until the storm passes. Thunderstorm phobia is far less common in cats than in dogs, says Petplace, but it does occasionally happen.

Will my cat be OK outside in a storm?

If your cat is outside when a storm breaks,

they’re usually pretty good at finding some form of shelter

, whether it’s in a porch, a shed or a garage, in a doorway, underneath a car, or in an area of woodland where they’re protected from the rain. So if your cat is caught out in a storm, don’t be too concerned.

Why are dogs better than cats?

In many people’s opinion, dogs are better than cats.

Dogs are more trainable, use the bathroom outside, can protect you, and promote a more active lifestyle

. Having a dog has many benefits that make it better than having a cat. And it is possible to think one is better than the other but still love both.

What animals are dogs afraid of?

  • Coyotes: Every summer, many pet cats and dogs go missing because of these fierce creatures. …
  • Snakes: Snakes pose another lurking danger to your pet. …
  • Cougars: Also known as mountain lions or pumas, cougars are found in the American far west and southwest.

Why do dogs lick you?

If your dog loves to lick you, it’s for a few reasons:

they’re very affectionate, looking for your attention, or acting on their wild instinct

. A dog licking its owner is so common, dog owners usually call it “giving kisses” and consider it a sign of affection.

Can cats sense death?


Cats’ ability to sense death actually has to do with their heightened sense of smell

. A story in the New England Journal of Medicine detailed how a cat named Oscar accurately “predicted” when patients in a nursing home were going to die by going to sit by them just hours before they passed away.

Can cats sense sadness?


Cats are able to sense sadness

in a way that they associate the visual and auditory signals of human sadness such as frowning and a listless voice with how they are addressed or treated whenever their human is in a sad state.

Do cats know their names?

So, do cats know their names?

Yes, they do

! In April 2019, an article was published in the journal Nature about this very subject. This study took place in Japan and investigated 78 cats and if they could distinguish their names from other random words spoken to them.

Can dogs sense evil?

They also have a superb knack of sensing things such as illness, emotions, and goodness or evilness.

Many dogs show their ability to sense good or evil when they meet a new person

. Even if the person puts on an act and makes out that they are good, if they are evil, dogs can work this out with ease.

What does it mean when a dog smells your private area?


These glands release pheromones that convey all different types of information such as age, sex, mood, and if a mammal is able to mate

. Dogs have apocrine glands all over their bodies, but the highest concentration is found in the genitals and anus, hence why they sniff each other’s butts.

Why shouldn’t you let your dog sleep with you?


Prolonged close contact to dogs exposes them to pet dander and may result in respiratory symptoms

. But even people who do not have pet allergies can suffer increased allergic symptoms when co-sleeping with their dog. When dogs are ouside, dust and pollen clings to their fur and can exacerbate human allergies.

Can dogs draw lightning?


Yes, they can

. In fact, some evidence suggests they can sense lightning storms even before you know they are coming. It can also be dangerous for dogs who get scared of loud noises because of thunder, as they may be prone to bolt.

Can thunder hurt dogs?

Thunderstorm anxiety affects many dogs and can often increase as they age. With symptoms ranging from barking and chewing to self-injury,

it can be a serious problem for both dog and owner

. Not only is the loud noise of thunder scary, dogs can hear it at a much greater distance than humans can.

Can I let my dog out during a thunderstorm?

Short answer:

yes, always

. With thunderstorms predicted for tonight and Saturday, pet owners should be clued up on how to take care of their furry companions. Dogs aren’t fans of sudden, loud noises and they can become incredibly distressed during thunderstorms.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.