Dear Critter Corner: Loud noises make my cat very nervous and there is going to be construction outside of my home for the next three months. I’m worried she’s going to be stressed out. How can I prepare my cat for this?
Changes in the home environment and nearby outdoor environment can be difficult for cats to adjust to, especially if the changes bring many new loud noises and people. This can be tough to deal with for one day but even more so when it’s over a longer period of time. It’s good that you’re already thinking of how to help keep your cat as stress-free as possible as well as minimize any stress that may be upcoming.
A good starting point would be to determine if there is a room in your home furthest away from the noise or that may be the most insulated to keep noise out. If this also happens to be your cat’s favorite place to relax then that’s even better. You’ll want to set up this area with your cat’s favorite items, food, water, litter boxes, beds, toys, cat trees, etc. Anything that will help make the area comfortable for your cat in case they end up staying there for most of the day to get away from the construction noise. Also consider adding a few hiding areas for your cat, whether cat beds shaped like an igloo or cat trees with a hiding space. Your cat will appreciate the ability to find a secluded spot if she’s feeling nervous.
If the room has a door, you can think about closing it when the construction gets louder or if your cat seems more nervous. This will help buffer some of the noise and also provide your cat with a quieter space to relax in during the noise.
If possible, you can also try leaving the TV or radio on to help drown out some of the noise or try using a white noise machine that can play soothing sounds like rain or waves. This will also help provide your cat with a pleasant distraction from the construction. There are also some calming sprays and cat friendly essential oils that can be used around your living area to help provide aromatherapy for both you and your cat during this time.