Cats have a superior sense of hearing with a frequency range of 45 to 64,000 hertz – way more advanced than dogs or humans. Sounds are greatly magnified in a cat’s ears; they evolved this way to help them detect prey more easily. They therefore also startle easily, and sudden loud noises, like the sound of sirens and vacuum cleaners, could make them jumpy and anxious.
What noises do cats hate?
1. The sound of a blender
Blenders have a loud, shrill sound that is irritating for cats. It is disruptive and unsettling, and even humans do not like it.
2. The sound pots and pans banging together
Pots and pans that accidentally fall or clank together could send your cat running to another room. Some pet owners discipline their cats by banging pots and pans on purpose, on the assumption that they will avoid repeating any bad behavior to avoid the banging noise.
3. The noise of dropping books or heavy objects falling
Falling objects, like books, could startle cats. This will also shake the floor, sending vibrations which could make the cat anxious or stressed.
4. The noise of popping balloons
The popping of balloons is a frightening experience for most cats since they have no idea why balloons explode and make loud noises. These objects could also cause static, which a cat could sense when it accidentally brushes against the balloons.
5. The noise of fireworks
Cats dislike fireworks because of the noise they make as they explode at deafening decibels. Some pets may get spooked and shiver uncontrollably from stress and anxiety. Keep your cats indoors during firework displays to make sure they do not get distressed.
6. The sound of spraying hairspray
The loud, hissing sound is triggering for cats. They associate it with danger so they tend to run away when they hear it.
7. The crinkling sound of plastic bags
This crinkling or hissing sound tends to be associated with a potential threat.
8. The popping sound of bubble wrap
Bubble wrap being popped creates an ear-splitting noise for cats, just like the sound of fireworks. Cats are often startled by this, especially if they walk on bubble wrap themselves and unintentionally pop it.
9. The sound of tin foil
Cats dislike tin or aluminum foil because of its shiny, metallic texture and the crinkling sound that it makes. They are bothered because they do not understand the material and will avoid walking near or on it. Some cats hate even the sight of tin foil, and even more so if it is ripped or torn suddenly.
10. The release valve of an instant pot
The release valve produces a loud, hissing noise when emitting steam from the instant pot. This bothers a cat’s sensitive ears and when it hears the sound, it will jump up instantly and bolt out of the room.
11. The noise of thunderstorms
Thunderstorms produce loud noises along with changes in air pressure. Cats can sense the onset of bad weather thanks to their acquired evolutionary traits. Those that live in areas where it often rains could develop a phobia of thunderstorms due to their noises. Try playing classical music during bad weather to soothe and calm your cat, or try a white noise machine to distract the cat.
12. The sound of a whistling tea kettle
This produces a high-pitched noise that bothers cats and makes them uncomfortable. Such noise is too loud for cats as they have a more advanced sense of hearing than humans.
13. The noise of sirens
The loud and urgent tone of sirens, and their suddennes when police patrol cars speed by, is distressing for cats. When this happens, comfort and pet your cat to keep it calm. If you live in an urban area, you may be able to train your cat to eventually disregard sirens. Reward the cat with treats if a siren goes off, so that it learns to associate the noise with positive things.
14. The noise made by lawnmowers
The sound of a running lawnmower could spook and stress a cat. As it throws up pieces of debris and grass around the yard, this could also alarm some cats. Before you start running a lawnmower, take your cat inside. It is safer for cats not to roam around while a lawnmower is in use.
15. The noise of vacuum cleaners
Cats do not understand the loud, sucking noise of vacuum cleaners, although not all cats react negatively. Your cat may become jumpy and edgy and run from the room.
Conclusion
Certain noises can frighten cats out of their senses. Since they have a superior sense of hearing, sounds are magnified in their ears and could prove too much for them. They do not like the sound of running blenders, banging pots and pans, or the hissing sound of hairspray. They are also frightened by the noises of sirens, thunderstorms, and whistling kettles.
Image: istockphoto.com / Irina Vodneva