If a cat doesn't make it home in time during a thunderstorm, that's no reason to panic.
An expert gives tips on what to look out for.
Hamburg – cats don't give a damn about the weather forecast.
They want to get out, even if rain or a storm is forecast.
Many owners then ask themselves whether they should let their cat outside at all.
But it also happens that a cat is already outside and cannot make it home in time during a thunderstorm.
But that's no reason to panic.
An expert reveals what you should consider when your cat is outside during a thunderstorm.
Cat outside in a thunderstorm - no need to panic
+
If a cat is outside during a thunderstorm, it will look for shelter.
(icon picture)
© agefotostock/Imago
Cat owners may be familiar with the situation: a thunderstorm is brewing and the velvet paw hasn't returned from her round yet.
Understandably, many owners are very concerned and may even panic.
But according to the pet expert Sarah Ross from the animal protection association Vier Pfoten there is no reason to do so.
She told the "Stuttgarter Nachrichten" that cats usually notice when a thunderstorm is coming and look for shelter if they can't make it home in time.
In particular, outdoor cats who know their area well would know exactly where to hide: for example under balconies, in dense hedges, under canopies or in barns.
But: If the cat doesn't come home within 24 to 48 hours after the thunderstorm, you should urgently start looking for it.
Maybe she has a problem or has been locked in her shelter somewhere.
Cat outside in a thunderstorm - when should the animal better stay at home?
A small rain shower or normal thunderstorm are harmless for cats and usually do not pose a problem. But if a storm with heavy rain, hail and storm is forecast, the pet expert advises not letting the cat out.
It can be dangerous for cats, especially in strong winds, for example when roof tiles, branches and objects fly through the air and injure them.
If a lot of rain falls in a short period of time, flooding can also occur.
Here it is better to be cautious and wait out the storm before allowing the cat outside again.
Cat is afraid of thunderstorms - this is how you can calm them down
Many cats are afraid of thunderstorms when there is lightning and loud thunder outside.
If you want to calm your cat in this situation, it's best to stay calm yourself and, according to pet expert Ross, listen to the cat's needs.
Some cats crawl into a hiding place, frightened, while others want to be close to their human.
If the cat hides, it should be respected and best left alone.
Under no circumstances should you pull such a timid animal out of its hiding place.
The cat will come out on its own when it feels safe again.
List of rubrics: © agefotostock/Imago
