Cats are known for being particular pets. They have unique behaviors, tastes, and quirks that their owners must accommodate. One such quirk is a cat’s apparent dislike of getting wet – especially in the rain.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Most cats don’t enjoy rain and will seek shelter when it’s pouring outside. However, not all cats are scared of a little rain. Their reaction depends on the individual cat and its experiences.
In this approximately 3,000 word article, we’ll explore why some cats seem to fear rain and wet weather. We’ll look at theories behind feline rain phobias and talk about steps cat owners can take to ease anxiety.
We’ll also highlight signs your cat is stressed by rain and examine whether some cats actually enjoy the rain.
Theories Behind Cats’ Rain Anxiety
Instinctive Desire to Stay Dry
Cats are fastidious groomers who spend up to 50% of their waking hours cleaning themselves. Their coats have special oils that repel water, so getting wet can ruin this delicate balance and leave them feeling unclean. Staying dry is an instinctive feline desire.
As desert-dwelling creatures originally, cats never needed to deal with rain and their bodies aren’t designed for it. When it rains, it likely triggers a cat’s innate drive to seek shelter and avoid the unpleasant wetness.
Negative Past Experiences
If a cat has previously had a scary or stressful encounter with rain, this can cause lasting anxiety about wet weather. For example, a cat who was outside unsheltered in a heavy rainstorm may have felt frightened by thunder, lightning, and loud raindrops.
Or a kitten who fell into a puddle and got completely drenched could develop an aversion to the feeling of being wet. These past negative experiences can ingrain anxious associations with rain in a cat’s mind.
Sensory Overload
The sights, sounds, and sensations of rain create a lot of sensory input for cats. The pitter-patter of raindrops, rumbling thunder, flashes of lightning, strong smells of wet earth, and feeling of moisture can overload a cat’s heightened senses.
With their superior sight, hearing, and smell compared to humans, the stimulation and change in environment that comes with rain may feel stressful and alarming to cats.
In one survey, 89% of cat owners reported their cats had some anxiety and behavior changes during rain (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020). So if your cat hates rain, rest assured she’s not alone!
Being aware of the common reasons behind cats’ rain anxiety can help you make your pet feel safer and more comfortable when showers strike.
Signs Your Cat Is Stressed by Rain
Hiding and Seeking Shelter
When it rains outside, it’s common for cats to seek shelter and hide in enclosed spaces around the home. They may crawl under beds, squeeze into closets, hide in cardboard boxes, or retreat to other sheltered nooks.
According to the ASPCA, this hiding behavior is an indicator that your cat is feeling anxious or stressed by the stormy weather.
Agitation and Restlessness
You may also notice your cat pacing around the house, unable to settle down in one spot for very long when it’s raining. They may seem more alert or on edge than usual. This kind of restless behavior suggests your cat is unnerved by the rain and thunder outside.
Loss of Appetite
Stress can suppress a cat’s normal appetite. So if your furry friend skips meals or shows no interest in their favorite treats during wet weather, it’s likely a sign they are too preoccupied or worried to eat. Make sure fresh water is always available, even if they won’t eat.
Excessive Grooming
Some anxious cats cope with stress by obsessively licking, chewing, or over-grooming themselves. You may notice areas of missing fur or irritated skin if your cat grooms excessively when it rains. Try to mitigate this stress behavior by providing mental stimulation with toys and spending quality calm time together.
| Other Potential Signs | What It Indicates |
| Dilated pupils, flattened ears | Fear, anxiety |
| Aggression, acting out | Displaced stress response |
| Excessive vocalization | Distress calls to humans |
Helping Cats Overcome Rain Phobias
Desensitization Techniques
Gradually exposing cats to rain sounds and environments can help diminish their fears through a process called desensitization. Start by playing audio recordings of light rain at low volumes while engaging in positive activities with your cat like playtime or treats.
Slowly increase the volume over multiple sessions until your cat remains relaxed at high rain sound volumes. You can also place your cat in an enclosed porch area on a dry, covered cat tree during a light rain shower.
Reward calm behavior with treats and affection while outside until your feline feels more comfortable.
Providing Comfort and Reassurance
It’s essential that cat owners provide comfort and reassurance during storms. Designate a “safe space” like a spare closet, bathroom or carrier lined with familiar scented blankets. Allow your cat to retreat when frightened but remain close by to gently stroke or speak reassuringly to them.
Getting on eye level, blinking slowly and distributing calming pheromones can also relax anxious cats. Be patient, let fears run their course rather than trying to force interaction.
Creating a Calm Home Environment
Cats are extremely sensitive to their environment, so creating consistency and minimal chaos at home can prevent weather-related stress. Keep food/litter boxes in their normal spots, open blinds for natural light, play calming music and stick to regular family routines. Providing puzzle feeders, new toys and scratching posts also lets cats indulge natural behaviors that relieve tension.
If storms cause drastic light/noise changes in the home, draw curtains and play ambient sounds to absorb the differences.
Using Pheromones and Medications
Synthetic feline pheromones mimic cats’ natural chemical cues of contentment and security. Diffusers/sprays containing these pheromones ease anxiety during loud storms. The calming effects typically last around one month per refill.
In extreme phobia cases, veterinarians may prescribe anti-anxiety medication to minimize panic reactions in afflicted cats. However, medication can have side effects and should be discussed thoroughly first. Always reward and comfort cats after dosing to associate medication with positive outcomes.
Do Some Cats Actually Like the Rain?
Breeds That Don’t Mind Rain
While most cats prefer to stay dry indoors when it’s raining, some breeds don’t seem to mind getting wet. For example, Maine Coon cats have thick, water-resistant coats that help keep them warm and dry in rainy weather.
Originating from the rainy state of Maine, they are well-equipped for moist conditions. Other breeds like Turkish Vans, Norwegian Forest cats, and American Shorthairs also have weather-resistant coats and may not be too bothered by rain. Of course, individual preferences still apply.
Kittens Are Often Rain-Curious
Kittens tend to be more adventurous and curious than adult cats. During their exploring and playful stage, some kittens seem fascinated by rain and may try to catch raindrops, splash in puddles, or just sit and watch the rainfall. As they get older, most cats grow out of this rain fascination.
For example, your playful 3-month old kitten Mittens might seem thrilled when he sees his first rainfall, meowing excitedly and pawing at the windows. But at age 2, he’s likely to lose interest and prefer lounging on his favorite blanket indoors.
Individual Preferences Exist
While most felines dislike getting wet, some individual adult cats don’t seem to mind rain. For instance, your 8-year old tabby cat Pumpkin might enjoy sitting on the porch watching the rainfall. She may even step out into the drizzle once in awhile.
Every cat has unique personality quirks and preferences!
According to a 2021 survey by Cats Protection organization[1], around 15% of cats enjoyed playing with water to some degree. So even though they are often seen as water-averse creatures, a minority of cats don’t mind getting a little damp.
Conclusion
In the end, reactions to rain will vary cat by cat. While most felines prefer to stay dry indoors, some don’t mind getting their paws wet every now and then. Understanding your own cat’s tolerance for wet weather will help you keep them comfortable and content.
By accommodating anxious cats during storms and Showing patience with rain-lovers who want to play outside, cat owners can make sure their pets stay happy – rain or shine.
