As a cat parent, you might have noticed your cat showing signs of anxiety and distress around your washing machine. They start meowing, yelling, and jumping around nonstop. So, is it really true that washing machines scare cats?
Yes, washing machines do scare cats, but only when turned on. Not only the sound it makes is scary, but also the view of the sudden movement of the machine is scary!
Read on to know more!
Why Are Cats Scared Of Washing Machines?
The strange and loud noise that the washing machine does, makes cats afraid of it. This noise is much more terrifying because it appears out of nowhere and from a silent environment.
I believe cats are only terrified of washing machines when they are switched on, not always. Because they abruptly start generating noise when they are turned on, which is unpredictable.
Some of the old and unsteady washing machines start moving from their place when they are turned on, which terrifies me myself. So, it can be very scary for any cat as well.
What Can You Do To Help?
Most often due to the sudden, loud noise they generate, washing machines can be a bit scary. Your poor cat can become frightened by this. So, given below are a few tips that you can follow.
Opt for a Modern Noise-Free Washing Machine
I advise you to purchase a modern washing machine that is silent if you want to let your cat in the laundry room or close to the washing machine without worrying. Numerous innovative, efficient machines have been created thanks to technological developments.
Run Your Washing Machine During the Day
Another thing I do is run my washing machine during the day. Since there will also be other noises, the noise won’t sound very loud at that time. Your cat will be able to sleep soundly both during the day and at night!
Switch the Sleeping Locations
There is another thing I do to prevent my cat from being alarmed if I am forced to use the washing machine at night.
Consider switching your cat’s sleeping location by giving them somewhere even cozier to stay for a few days. Note that I don’t recommend this as a permanent solution, as your cat may end up being spoiled.
In fact, you can make a laundry room comfy for your cat to live in if it is a good-sized and properly-designed space. I’ve seen a lot of plans where your furry buddy can live in the laundry room without worrying about anything, not even the noise of the washing machine!
What Are Cats Scared Of?
Cats have odd reactions to particular situations and become easily frightened. As cat parents determine whether anything in your home needs to be changed or if your cat is being bothered by anything.
The following list includes some items that frighten cats.
1. Loud Noises
Extreme noises that occur out of a sudden, scare your sleepy cats. Cats are peace-loving creatures who love to sleep all day. They experience the same level of fear as us when they are abruptly awakened by these loud noises.
Since washing machines make such loud noises they usually scare them off. Therefore, I advise keeping your cats away from such noisy areas.
2. Other Dogs and Cats
Cats can be scared of dogs from other areas as they attack them. Not just dogs, they can be scared of other cats as well. They can get into a fight if they cross territories.
These animals may stress out your pets. I advise you to offer your kitty a secure space where they may stay away from other animals.
3. Water
Not all cats are afraid of the water. There aren’t many cats I’ve encountered who enjoy playing in the water, though! However, it is something that scares off a lot of cats.
I’ve seen people spray cats with water to chase them away. You may also be aware of how much cats hate bathing in water—nevertheless, some cats like taking baths.
4. Balloons
Cats may mistake balloons for terrifying monsters. Perhaps the air within the balloon that causes it to fly about the room is why it appears frightening.
Although popping a balloon may be enjoyable for us, the cats find it to be pretty scary. The loud noise that a balloon makes when it bursts can terrify them. If their pointed nails touch the balloon, it might also happen without their knowledge.
5. Touching their Tummy
Cats are fiercely possessive of their body parts, and they detest having their stomachs touched or rubbed. Except for their tummy, they enjoy being patted.
If I get even slightly close to my cat’s belly area, he bites or scratches me. But he loves getting his massages under the chin and on his head and asks for more. Only when your cat trusts you fully, will he allow you to rub his tummy.
Final Thoughts
Cats can get scared of unusual things and yet have their reasons behind it. They are used to habits and dislike any changes in their routine or daily life.
They love to stay in a calm and peaceful place as they love to sleep all day. Hence keep them somewhere where it is quiet, away from noises like the washing machines, to let them sleep soundly.
Also, if your cat loves to stay awake at night and you don’t want to leave him out, let him in a room where he can have a view of the outside to his satisfaction. Do not keep him in a locked room with no open places.
Related Questions
Can you keep a cat in a laundry room?
Yes, of course, you can keep a cat in your laundry room. But make sure it is spacious enough for your cat to stay and has all requirements arranged there. It shouldn’t be a locked room that is fully dark. Also, make sure that the washing machine sounds don’t scare your cats.
There are various designs available for your laundry room nowadays, with a comfortable place for your cat to stay. These rooms are designed in such a way that it looks structured and is noise-free too.
Can cats be noise-phobic?
They can be afraid of a variety of minute noises, making them noise-phobic. This can arise if you have protected your cat way too much! Even a small, insignificant sound, such as footsteps, can scare them.
This occurs because your cats may have grown up in a completely silent environment, making any disturbance frighten them. To prevent this, I suggest that you familiarise your cat with the sounds in your home so that they can live in peace even in the future.
Other reasons may also make them noise-phobic. I suggest you give your vet a visit if your cat is suddenly afraid of noises.
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