Thunderstorms Frighten Cats

By: Layla Azzahra

(Andalas University, Depertment of Biology 21)

The rain that falls with the sound of lightning will make the cat feel scared. Animal
behavior researcher, Jild Goldman from California, argues that this is because cats have a sharper
hearing so that cats have a strong instinct to be able to detect the sound of rain falling. When it
rains and makes a rumbling sound accompanied by the noise of thunder, the cat senses that
danger is coming. In addition, the cold temperatures when it rains make the cat cold. So the cat
will show restless behavior and immediately seek shelter such as under the bed.
According to Wonderpolis, cats have a more sensitive sense of hearing than humans. This
is because cats have 32 muscles in each ear. These muscles allow cats to hear sounds from far
away, even if they are very small. Cats hear even better than dogs in the 48 Hz to 85 kHz range,
giving cats one of the widest hearing ranges among mammals. The noise from the rain makes the
cat feel disturbed and threatened, therefore the cat tries to find a place that feels safe and dark,
such as under the mattress. Pike and Herron, an animal behaviorist from Fairfax in Virgiaedua,
agree that some cats have a phobia of thunderstorms. Where this phobia makes the cats
immediately run away to a place that is considered safe, such as under the bed. No wonder the
cat is nicknamed "scaredy-cat" or the coward. According to Dely Efrianto, an office worker, who
also keeps cats, "the cats in his house often show strange behavior when it rains," he said.
Because rain brings water, it's no wonder why cats are getting more and more afraid of
rain. Cat lovers must already know that the thing that cats hate the most is water. That is why we
are quite difficult when it comes to bathing a cat. According to Eve Elektra Cohen, a veterinarian
at Bideawee, there are good reasons why cats are afraid of water. He explained that when a cat
gets wet, its coat becomes heavier, colder, and feels uncomfortable. Because true cats are
animals that like warm and dry places. But you don't need to worry, according to the verst page,
here are tips that you can try when it rains.
1. Make sure your cat stays at home.
When the rain feels like it's about to fall, make sure your cat is at home. This is in order to save
your cat from the cold air out there. In addition, this method can prevent your cat from having a
fever.
2. Don't panic!
As a cat owner, it's good you don't need to feel panic and fear when the thunderstorm comes. If
we feel restless, then the cat will also feel restless. Try to stay calm.
3. Let the cat hide
If your cat has started hiding under your bed, let it be. It can help calm the cat from fear. This is a
cat's natural instinct when they want to seek shelter. Or you can also put a thick blanket in your
cat's place.
4. Natural instincts
Keep in mind that basically, cats do have a reputation as animals that are easily scared and
startled. Some scientists hypothesize that changes in air pressure that signal a change in weather,
as well as cats' highly sensitive hearing, allow cats to know lightning is coming before we know
it's coming.
Fairuz is a junior high school (junior high school) student who keeps cats, he has tried the
tips above, and they are very useful for reducing the fear of cats when it rains. 
Source : https://mimbarsumbar.id/hujan-petir-membuat-kucing-ketakutan/
Name Of Media : Mimbar Sumbar
Date Of Publication : Tuesday, 19 October 2021