My cat is terrified of thunderstorms and pees. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 4 years old | 0 lbs
My cat has a bad phobia of thunderstorms. 4 years old but started this around 2 years old. she will hunch down during a storm and tuck her tail underneath her and if she moves to a different room she walks slowly as close to the ground as she can get. She will hid in the bathroom and if the storm is bad sometimes she will pee on the floor but won’t move when she does so it gets all over her and the floor. Tried calming callers and sprays and treats and thunder shirt. What should I do
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 17th, 2019
I am sorry to hear about poor Cleo! If you have tried products like Feliway, thundershirts, and calming supplements like Zylkene and Composure then it is time to discuss with Cleo's vet prescription medications available for storm anxiety. You can also attempt behavioral modification by desensitizing her to the sound of storms but this should be done with the help of medication initially. You can read more about this and treatment of noise phobia at https://www.petcoach.co/article/fear-of-thunderstorms-fireworks-and-noise-phobias/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 2nd, 2017
Poor Savannah! That experience sounds very scary for her! You may want to purchase a Feliway pheromone diffuser as this can help reduce fear and anxiety for Savannah. During storms it may also be helpful to turn music or the tv on loudly to block some of the thunderstorm noise. Offering Savannah a very high value treat or toy during storms may also help to distract her. If none of the above help much, I would schedule and appointment for Savannah with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can decide if anti-anxiety medication is needed for the thunderstorm phobia. I hope this issue resolves for Savannah quickly! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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