When the thunder starts, a lot of cats simply disappear. Under the bed, behind the wardrobe, into the back of the linen cupboard. It can be worrying, but hiding is a cat's natural way of coping, and the kindest thing you can do is make it easy for them.
Why cats hide
Cats feel safest in small, enclosed spaces where nothing can sneak up on them. In a small randomised study of shelter cats (van der Leij et al., PLoS ONE, 2019), cats given a hiding box had lower stress scores from the second day and settled about a week sooner than cats without one. That was shelter cats, not pet cats at home during storms, but it's the clearest evidence there is for giving cats somewhere to hide. Welfare groups like Battersea and RSPCA Australia give the same advice.
Set up a safe space
- Give them a covered hideout, ideally a little off the ground and away from windows. A cardboard box with a blanket works, or the Hideaway.
- Make it smell like home. A blanket they've slept on, or a piece of your worn clothing.
- Set it up early, a week or two before storm season or fireworks, so it's familiar on the big night.
During a storm
- Keep them indoors, with doors and windows shut and the cat flap locked.
- Keep litter, water and food close to the hiding spot.
- Close the curtains and keep a little background noise going.
- Let them choose where to be. Never pull a cat out of hiding, and never shut them in.
- If they come to you, offer a calm lap and a slow voice.
What about a wrap?
Some cats settle in a snug layer. Many would rather not, and there's very little research on wraps for cats. If you'd like to try one, like the optional wrap in the Storm Kit for Cats, introduce it on a calm day, a few seconds at a time. If they freeze, flop over or back out of it, take it off and leave it out. The hiding place matters more.
When to see your vet
If your cat stops eating, toilets outside the tray, over-grooms or stays hidden for a long time after the storm has passed, check in with your vet.
The Storm Kit for Cats comes with our four-week Storm Ready plan, with a page just for cats, and the 30-day Storm Night Promise. Pair it with the Hideaway and a Den Blanket is 30% off. Or start with the free Storm Plan.
General information only, not veterinary advice.