When you are someone who has a pet dog, or dogs, you will undoubtedly know that there are some sounds that they dislike. Unless they are gun dogs, they likely aren’t too keen on the sound of fireworks, or doors being slammed, both of which can cause them to bark, or to hide.
However, what many people who are new to the world of cats don’t realize is that cats are also not too fond of certain noises. Cats can hear across a range of frequencies and, like dogs and humans, some of these can be uncomfortable, scary or even terrifying to them. It’s true that a cat will not start barking if it hears these frequencies but it can easily become distressed and may start to show signs of fear.
Many people wonder why cats have developed a sense of hearing that is so sensitive. The answer is it helps them to detect a wide range of frequencies from low to high; it is an evolutionary adaptation that helps them to detect prey and stay alert to potential predators and dangers that are around them. Cats differ from humans and even dogs in that they can very rarely become accustomed to certain sounds over time, and therefore they can remain incredibly sensitive to specific noises over their lifetime. This heightened sensitivity means that what might be a minor annoyance to you or even your dog could be a source of significant distress for your cat.
So, as a kitty owner, it is best to know which sounds your cat may like or dislike, so you can prevent them from becoming stressed. In this article you will be walked through the top 15 common noises and sounds that domesticated cats tend to hate.
Loud Sudden Noises
Cats are pretty skittish by nature and, according to Best Friends Animal Society, any sudden or unexpected loud noises, such as doors being slammed or heavy objects being dropped can scare them enough for them to take cover. The same often goes for claps of thunder. This is, much like dogs and people, an evolutionary response which is designed to keep them safe, so try to keep your home as noise free as you can. A great way to do this is by putting down carpets, to cushion the sound of dropped objects.
Vacuum Cleaners
Of course, if you put down carpets around your house or apartment, you will have to keep them clean and, the number 1 way to do this is with a vacuum cleaner. For cats, these are the most scary of household appliances. Think about it; they are loud, they move in odd ways and they are intermittent when they appear. The noise of your vacuum is in a range that most, if not all cats, will find uncomfortable. This can cause them to become anxious and to go into hiding.
Hairdryers
Like your vacuum, your hairdryer is also going to create a high-pitched whirring noise that your cat will probably not be too keen on. The sound of your hair dryer can cause a cat to feel trapped and scared, especially if you are using it in the same rooms as them. So, if you can. Try to opt for a low noise hair dryer.
Fireworks
The world over, it is known that fireworks cause distress to livestock, dogs and other pets and cats are no exceptions to this. The loud bangs, the crackling noises and the whistles are loud, unpredictable and can mimic the sound of predators. This can cause your cat to panic, and to go into hiding. Luckily, your vet surgery or pet store will likely have some medications on hand to help ease this anxiety and they will usually be on sale just before firework season starts.
Sirens and Alarms
OK, so a siren or a car alarm are not going to be the favorite noises of most people, especially if it is late at night.
These sounds can be very distressing for cars, and often signal danger. Of course, a person understands what alarms are for, a cat doesn’t. Ergo, the sound of an alarm can prompt a fear response and repeated exposure to sirens and alarms can cause your cat to become chronically stressed.
High-Frequency Sounds
According to the website Catster, cats have a hearing range that extends from 48 Hertz to 85 Hertz, which is beyond the range of human hearing capabilities. Higher frequency sounds, such as those emitted by electronic devices or pest repellents, can be uncomfortable or painful.Cats.So you should aim to minimize exposure to such frequencies if you can.
Hissing
When it comes to cats, the sound of hissing, whether from another cat or an imitation by a human is a sign of threat or aggression. So, they interpret it as a warning of danger or an upcoming attack. This sound can cause them to act defensively and may result in them hissing back, growling, or running away.
Crying Babies
The pitch and tone of a human baby crying is similar to the distress call of other animals. A crying baby can produce a sound that is alarming and uncomfortable for a cat, and since cats cannot understand the cause of the distress, they may react with anxiety or try to distance themselves from your newborn.
Banging Pots and Pans
Very few cats, if any, like the clanging and banging of pots and pans. These sounds are loud and can be sudden and unpredictable, which can cause your cat to respond with fear. Repeated exposure to these noises can make a cat wary of entering your kitchen or staying around when cooking activities are taking place.So, try to feed your cat at a time when there is minimal noise in your kitchen to prevent stress.
Blenders and Food Processors
You may love nothing more than putting on your food processor to mix a smoothie. However, the whirring sounds of food processors and blenders can be upsetting for kitties. The grinding and high-pitched whirring is not only very loud, but it hits a frequency that can actually hurt your cat’s ears.
Shouting or Loud Voices
A cat is naturally inclined to prefer a home that is quiet. Loud shouting or raised voices in their environment can cause them to feel unsafe and threatened. This is more true if the shouting is directed at them or if there is an argument happening nearby. This can cause them to become anxious and to hide. According to The Vets, anxiety in cats can look like them not wanting to interact , hiding and having unsolid leavings in their litter tray. So, if you notice these signs in your cat after an argument in your home, it is likely a stress response.
Thunderstorms
Many cats are terrified of thunderstorms. The rumbling of the thunder combined with the flashing of the lightning can cause a combination of loud sounds and unpredictable changes in the environment, which can prove overwhelming for the average kitty. Therefore, many cats will react to thunderstorms by seeking shelter in a safe, dark place until the storm passes.
Dog Barks
Even if your cat is used to living in a home with your dog, or even multiple dogs, the sound of your pooch having a go at the mailman can prove incredibly distressing for the average cat. A sudden loud bark from a dog can be seen as a threat, especially if the bark is coming from a dog that your cat is not familiar with, such as your next door neighbors dog, or a dog in the street. The intensity and volume of the barking can cause your cat to become defensive, runaway or to exhibit signs of stress.
It should also be noted here that even though your dog and your cat may love each other, in the natural world, there is a chain of command here. A dog is more likely to bark or make noise when it is about to start hunting (think of wolves howling) and a cat is a natural source of prey. So be careful and if you can, try to train your dog to not bark as much.
There is also a difference in the way that these 2 animals communicate. Dogs bark to defend territory, but also to show contentment when playing, which is not what cats do. Ergo, they may interpret any noise that a dog makes as being a threat. So, if you can, try and train Fido to be a bit quieter around your kitty to prevent stress and fights.
Musical Instruments
There are a few musical instruments that produce high-pitched or loud sounds which can hurt your cat’s ears. For instance, if someone in your home plays the drums, the trumpet or the saxophone, it can hurt your cat’s ears. This can result in your cat leaving the room, or showing signs that they are in discomfort when these instruments are played, or if they are on the TV or radio.
Doorbells and Knocking
In modern times, doorbells have evolved into the Ring camera but, it should be noted that certain doorbell sounds or knocking on a door can startle a cat and cause them to become startled. These sounds often mean an unusual person coming into the cat’s territory, or the beginning of an unfamiliar situation, which your cat is not likely to be happy about.
