What cats are afraid of: 6 things that scare them and how to calm them down

Feline fear

It has happened to all of us who have cats at home at some point: suddenly, our feline goes on the alert, his back bristles and he runs away in panic… But from what?

The funny thing is that there is often no visible danger. But to a cat, any noise, movement or change can be a threat. Their survival instinct is always on, even in the comfort of home.

If you want to better understand your kitty and help them feel more confident, here are the 6 things cats are most afraid of and how you can help them overcome their fears.

Loud sounds: a cat’s worst enemy

Cats have much more sensitive hearing than us. They can detect sounds we don’t even perceive and react instinctively with fear to unexpected loud noises, such as:

🔹 Fireworks and thunderstorms: Sudden explosions can cause extreme panic.
🔹 Vacuum cleaners and household appliances: The noise and vibration terrifies them.
🔹 Shouting and arguing: A noisy environment stresses them out and causes them to seek refuge.

How to help them?

• Anticipate: If you know there will be a storm or fireworks, create a safe shelter with blankets and toys.
• Soothing music: There are special playlists for cats to help them calm down.
• Don’t force them out: If your cat hides, respect their space until they feel safe.

Strangers: the fear of the unpredictable

Many cats are territorial and distrustful, so the arrival of visitors can make them anxious. Sudden movements or attempts to pet them immediately make them feel invaded.

How to help them?

• Give him time: Don’t force your cat to come closer, let him decide when to investigate.
• Instruct your visitors: Ask them to ignore the cat at first and avoid sudden movements.
• Reward curiosity: If your cat is encouraged to come closer, give him a treat or a cuddle.

Changes at home: new furniture, moves and altered routines

Cats are creatures of habit. Any change in their environment can be a source of stress, whether it’s a move, a relocation of furniture or even a change in their litter box.

Examples of changes that may scare you:

• Move their food or bedding from one place to another.
• Changing litter or food brands.
• Introducing new furniture or decorations.

How to help them?

• Introduce changes gradually. Let your cat gradually explore any new objects.
• Maintain routines. Feeding and playing with him at the same time every day gives him security.
• Use pheromones. Feline pheromone diffusers are available to help reduce stress.

Strong or unfamiliar smells

Cats’ sense of smell is their main tool for recognising the world, so some strong smells may frighten or discomfort them.

🔹 Perfumes and strong cleaning products.
🔹 Citrus fruits, vinegar and spices such as pepper.
🔹Smells of other animals (such as unfamiliar dogs).

How to help them?

• Avoid products with strong smells in your space.
• If you wear clothes with new smells, let your cat smell them before you get too close.

Water and slippery surfaces

Although not all cats hate water, most are repulsed by it because it soaks their fur and impairs their mobility. In addition, wet or slippery surfaces can cause them to lose their balance.

How to help them?

• If you need to bathe him, do so gently and use a wet cloth rather than submerging him.
• Place mats in slippery areas to make him feel safer when walking.
• Never force him into the water. This will only increase their fear.

Other animals: dogs, unknown cats or unseen predators

Cats are hunters, but also prey in the wild. Therefore, they may be fearful of larger, unfamiliar animals or animals that invade their territory.

Even if there are no other animals in the house, some cats may be frightened by reflections in mirrors or moving shadows.

How to help them?

• Do controlled introductions when introducing a new animal into the home.
• If he sees something in the mirror and gets scared, don’t force him to look at it. Eventually he will get used to it.
• Reinforce his confidence with games and scratching posts where he can release his energy.

Understand their fears to make them feel safe and secure.

Cats may seem brave and mysterious, but deep down, they are sensitive creatures who need to feel safe in their environment.

If you know your cat’s fears and help them manage them, you will strengthen your bond with them and make their lives happier and calmer.