Have you ever noticed your cat dart under the bed or run out of the room when you turn on the vacuum cleaner or blender? Many common household sounds can be upsetting or even frightening to our feline companions. In this post, we’ll explore the mysterious world of sounds cats hate and provide tips for creating a peaceful, low-stress environment for your cat.
As masters of hearing with a complex inner ear structure, cats have extremely sensitive ears that can pick up a wide range of sounds – even frequencies humans can’t detect. This allows them to be excellent hunters, but it also means seemingly innocuous noises in our homes can be jarring. Let’s look at some of the top sounds cats dislike and why.
1. Hissing sounds
Cats have extremely sensitive hearing, making them able to pick up sounds that are inaudible to the human ear. One such noise that cats hate is the hissing sound. To a feline, hissing usually comes from another cat or predator and is a clear sign of danger or threat. The sound can emit frequencies that trigger a cat’s acute sense of hearing and induce stress. So, it’s not a good idea to make hissing sounds if you’re trying to get your cat’s attention; it’ll likely evoke fear rather than compliance.
2. Engine noise
Motorbikes
For cats, loud noises like the revving of a motorbike engine can be an auditory nightmare. Cats can hear sounds at a much higher frequency than humans can, so the loud, abrupt noise can put them on high alert. Such loud sounds can cause what some studies refer to as acoustic stress in felines.
Car engines
Car engines also produce sounds that cats hate, with their deep, rumbling frequencies unsettling for the feline ear. These sounds mimic natural threats in the wild, making them want to retreat to a safe space.
3. Popping noises
The pop of a balloon or the rustle of aluminium foil can produce high-pitched noises that are alarming to cats. Cats have sensitive hearing and their inner ear structure allows them to hear sounds from 48Hz up to 85kHz, making such abrupt noises extremely disturbing. It’s advisable for cat owners to minimise exposure to these sounds where possible.
4. Household appliances
Vacuum cleaners
The vacuum cleaner is one of the primary sources of noise that cats despise. Not only is the sound loud, but vacuums also emit a variety of frequencies that can irritate a cat’s sensitive eardrums. The unpredictability of the device as it rotates and moves around can add to a cat’s anxiety.
Hairdryers and blenders
Other household electronic devices like hairdryers and blenders also make the list of sounds cats hate. Their motors produce high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but alarmingly loud for a cat’s highly sensitive hearing.
5. Loud and sudden sounds
Loud bangs and door slams
Sudden, loud noises such as a door slamming or clapping sounds can be stressful for cats. Their semicircular canals of fluid in the inner ear make them highly responsive to the slightest sound, which is a trait crucial for their natural hunting behaviours but problematic in a noisy household.
Thunder
The unpredictable and loud sounds of thunder can also trigger a cat’s startle reflex, closely tied to their survival instincts. Cats may seek out ‘safe spaces’ around the house to hide from these alarming noises.
6. Humming
Though humming may seem soothing to the human ear, it can actually be unsettling for cats. The droning, monotonous sound resembles a hiss or hum from insects, which can be both prey and a potential threat to cats. This can cause a cat to feel uneasy.
7. High-frequency sounds
Cats are particularly sensitive to high-pitched noises like whistles or doorbells thanks to their specialised cochlea in the middle ear. While these sounds are inaudible to the human ear, they can be agitating for cats. For example, the screeching of brakes or a baby’s high-pitched cry can alarm cats, causing them to seek out quieter spaces.
Why do cats hate certain sounds?
Evolutionary factors
Cats’ aversion to specific sounds can often be traced back to their wild ancestors, where sensitivity to certain frequencies could mean the difference between life and death. Some sounds resemble natural threats in the wild, like the hiss of a snake or the growl of a larger predator.
Physiological reasons
The feline auditory system is complex and sensitive, designed for acute perception of high-frequency sounds. The cochlea plays a pivotal role in this, helping cats distinguish between benign and threatening noises.
How cats respond to sounds they hate
Cats instinctively look for a safe haven during stressful auditory experiences. You can help by creating ‘safe spaces’ around the house where your cat can retreat. Sometimes, cats may exhibit aggression when confronted with disturbing sounds. Behaviour modification techniques like positive reinforcement can help manage this aggression.
Tips for owners
1. The first step is to identify what sets your cat off. Once you know, you can start eliminating or at least dampening these sounds.
2. Simple solutions include closing windows or using headphones.
3. Introduce cat-friendly spaces filled with comforting items like blankets and toys.
Final thoughts
From engine roars to high-pitched whistles, there’s a range of sounds that can unsettle our feline friends. Understanding these sensitivities is key to creating a loving and stress-free environment for them. Let’s be attuned to our cats’ likes and dislikes, protecting them from loud external noises, or ensuring they are in a different room or outside during noisy household chores. After all, a happy cat makes for a happy home.
FAQs
Do all cats react the same way to these sounds?
No, reactions can vary depending on the cat’s personality and past experiences.
What should I do if my cat is showing extreme signs of stress?
Consult your vet for advice tailored to your cat’s specific needs.
Can cats get used to certain sounds over time?
It’s possible, but it varies from cat to cat and requires a gradual approach.
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About the Author
Hi, I’m Dan. I grew up with cats, starting with Tommy, a tabby who was part of our family in the ’80s and early ’90s. I’ve had other pets, from dogs to tropical fish to a corn snake. Now I live with a grumpy cat called Crumble (or Grumble, as I like to call her). Find out more about me here.