From the Research
Storm phobia in cats can be effectively managed through a combination of environmental modifications, behavior training, and medication, with gabapentin and alprazolam being suitable options for reducing anxiety and fear responses, as evidenced by a recent study 1. To manage storm phobia in cats, it is essential to create a safe and comfortable environment. This can be achieved by:
- Providing a quiet, enclosed area with familiar bedding and toys
- Using a pheromone diffuser like Feliway to mimic natural feline pheromones and promote relaxation 2
- Playing recorded storm sounds at low volumes while the cat is calm, gradually increasing the volume over weeks to help desensitize them to the sounds For severe cases, medications such as:
- Alprazolam (0.125-0.25 mg per cat as needed)
- Gabapentin (50-100 mg per cat 1-2 hours before storms)
- Trazodone (25-50 mg per cat) may be prescribed by a veterinarian 3, 1 It is crucial to maintain a calm demeanor during storms, as cats can sense their owner's anxiety, and never punish a frightened cat, as this can worsen their fear 4. For persistent or severe phobia, consulting with a veterinary behaviorist can help develop a customized treatment plan tailored to the cat's specific needs 5, 4.