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Do you know what noises cats hate? Turns out, they’re very sensitive to sound and can be easily disturbed by noises that we may not even notice. In this article, we’ll discuss the different noises that cats find annoying and provide tips on how to avoid frightening your cat. We’ll also explore why cats react so negatively to these noises and what you can do to make sure your cat stays calm and content.
How sensitive are the cats’ ears?
Cats have excellent hearing and can detect a much wider range of frequencies than humans. Sounds that are above the range of 20,000 hertz are called ultrasonic, and humans are not able to hear them.
Cats have superior hearing than people and even dogs. Cats can hear up to 60,000 hertz, which means they have the ability to detect high-frequency sounds. Bats, mice, and other rodents produce ultrasonic sounds, and this hearing ability helps the cats to be good hunters.
There are a number of noises cats hate, including the sound of meowing by a human, the sound of dogs barking, and the sound of high-pitched noises like squeaky toys. While humans may find these noises annoying, they can be truly torturous for cats. As a result, it’s important to be aware of the noises that your cat hates and to try to avoid making them.
What Noises Do Cats Hate?
Cats hate noises that are sudden, high-pitched, and repetitive. Some of the noises cats hate include:
1) Sirens
The sound of a siren is actually quite similar to the sound of a cat’s scream. So when cats hear sirens, they may think that another cat is in danger. As a result, they may become agitated and try to hide. If you have a cat, it’s important to be aware of this reaction and take steps to comfort your pet during an emergency.
2) Babies Crying
While most people think of cats as being calm and serene creatures, the truth is that they are actually quite sensitive to noise. In fact, research has shown that noises like babies crying can cause stress and anxiety in cats. In some cases, this can even lead to aggression. So if you’ve ever wondered why your cat always seems to be hissing at the sound of a baby crying, now you know!
3) Dogs Barking
It is incredibly annoying and even painful for a cat to hear a dog barking, especially if it’s close by. The sound of dogs barking is really loud and overwhelming for them. It sounds even louder to a cat than it does to us. Dogs bark in short, sharp bursts, which can also be distressing for a cat. So if you have a dog that likes to bark, try to keep it away from your cat as much as possible to avoid stressing them out.
4) Vacuum Cleaners
One of the most common noises cats hate is the sound of a vacuum cleaner. The high-pitched whine of the motor is enough to send most cats running for cover. What’s more, the vacuum cleaner’s journey across the floor can be quite unsettling for a cat. The sudden appearance of a large, noisy machine can be quite frightening. As a result, it’s not surprising that cats hate the sound of vacuum cleaners.
5) Fireworks
For many cats, the sound of fireworks is so overwhelming that they will try to hide or escape from it. As a result, it’s important to keep your cat indoors during fireworks displays. Otherwise, they may become so frightened that they could hurt themselves. So if you’re planning on setting off fireworks, make sure to keep your feline friend safe by keeping them indoors.
6) Thunderstorms
The noise that cats hate the most is the sound of thunder during a storm. While the exact reason for this aversion is unknown, it may be due to the fact that thunder is a very loud noise. Cats have sensitive hearing, and the sound of thunder may be simply too overwhelming for them. As a result, many cats will hide during a storm, seeking out a quiet place where they can feel safe and secure.
7) Loud Music
Whether it’s blaring from a car stereo or cranked up in an apartment, loud music can send cats running for the hills. The problem is that cats have much sharper hearing than humans, and noises that don’t bother us can be incredibly painful for them. So next time you’re listening to music, make sure to keep the volume down low – your cat will thank you for it.
8) Blenders
While each cat has its own unique preferences, there are some noises that are universally disliked by cats, chief among these is the sound of a blender. The high-pitched whine of a blender is similar to the sound of a cat’s nails on a chalkboard, and it can quickly send even the most even-tempered feline running for the hills. If you’re looking to give your cat a case of the heebie-jeebies, all you need to do is fire up the blender.
9) Balloons Popping
Among the noises cats hate is the sound of balloons popping. The sudden, loud noise can be incredibly jarring to a cat’s sensitive ears and may even cause them to run away in fear. If you’re planning on having a party with balloons, it’s best to keep your feline friend far away from the action. Otherwise, you may end up with a very unhappy kitty on your hands.
10) Plastic Bag Rustle
One of the noises cats hate the most is the sound of a plastic bag rustling. The high-pitched frequency of the noise is massive for cats, and it can cause them to flee in fear. If you’re looking to keep your cat calm, avoid making any sudden movements with a plastic bag. Instead, let your cat approach the bag on their own terms and give them plenty of time to adjust to the noise before opening it up.
11) Yelling
Belting out a tune in the shower or cheering on your favorite team may be cathartic, but it’s important to remember that not everyone enjoys loud noises. In fact, many animals are terrified of loud noises, including our furry feline friends. While different cats have different tolerances for noise, most felines hate the sound of yelling.
When cats hear raised voices, their natural instinct is to flee. After all, in the wild, loud noises often indicate danger. As domesticated animals, cats can’t just run away from the source of the noise, which can leave them feeling frightened and stressed. So next time you find yourself getting angry, try to take a deep breath and count to ten. Your cat will certainly appreciate it.
12) Tea Kettle Whistle
If you’ve ever tried to get your cat’s attention while a tea kettle is whistling, you know that they don’t seem to like the sound. In fact, there are a number of noises that cats hate, and the tea kettle whistle is just one of them. The high-pitched sound is truly frightening for cats and might drive them to flee in terror. If you’re looking to keep your cat calm, it’s best to avoid using a tea kettle altogether.
13) Phone Ringing
To a cat, the high-pitched ringtone is reminiscent of the cries of a prey animal, and it can trigger their natural hunting instinct. As a result, many cats become agitated when they hear a phone ringing and may start to stalk or chase the device. In some cases, this can lead to a scratched screen or chewed wires. If you have a cat and want to avoid these issues, it’s best to keep your phone on silent when you’re not using it.
14) Lawnmowers
Lawnmowers are particularly troublesome for cats, as the loud engine and blade noises can be quite unsettling. As a result, cats will often try to avoid the areas where lawnmowers are being used. In some cases, this can lead to problem behaviors like urinating outside of the litter box.
If you have a cat and a lawnmower, it’s important to take steps to minimize the stress that your cat may feel. For example, you can try mowing when your cat is asleep or not at home. You may also want to consider investing in a quiet lawnmower that won’t disturb your feline friend.
15) Spraying Aerosols
Cats have incredibly sensitive hearing, and noises that seem innocuous to us can be incredibly loud and jarring to them. One of the noises cats hate the most is the sound of spraying aerosols. To a cat, the sharp hiss of the aerosol can be incredibly painful and may even cause permanent damage to their hearing. If you need to use an aerosol around your cat, be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area and give them plenty of warning before you start spraying.
16) Doorbell
For many cats, the doorbell is a sign that someone is coming into their territory, and they can react with fear or aggression. In addition, the loud sound of a doorbell can be painful for cats’ sensitive ears. As a result, it’s best to keep your cat away from the door when someone is expected to arrive. If you have a visitor who is particularly fond of cats, you may want to let them know in advance so they can be prepared for a potentially grumpy greeting.
17) Fluorescent Lightbulbs
Fluorescent bulbs produce a high-pitched hum that can be very irritating to cats. In fact, some cats will go to great lengths to avoid the sound, including hiding under furniture or trying to cover their ears with their paws. If you have a fluorescent light in your home, you may want to consider switching to a bulb that produces less noise. LED bulbs are a good option, as they emit a softer light and don’t produce the same high-pitched hum as fluorescent bulbs.
18) Aluminum Foil
One noise that is particularly objectionable to cats is the crinkling of aluminum foil. For some reason, the sound of crumpling foil is enough to drive even the calmest cat insane. Scientists believe that this reaction is due to a feline’s acute sense of hearing. So, if you’re looking to irritate your feline friend, all you need to do is break out the aluminum foil.
19) Polyester Jacket Rubbing Against Something
One sound that is particularly abhorrent to many cats is the noise of a polyester jacket rubbing against something. The high-pitched screech can be painful for their sensitive ears, causing them to run for cover. If you’re looking to keep your cat calm and relaxed, it’s best to avoid this particular noise.
20) Loud Engines
Most cats are afraid of noises made by loud engines like garbage trucks, lawnmowers, and vacuum cleaners. These noises are so loud that they can hurt a cat’s sensitive ears. In addition, the vibrations from these noises can be felt by a cat through the ground. This can be very scary for a cat, especially if it has never experienced such a noise before. Some cats will try to hide from these noises, while others will become agitated and start to pace or meow loudly.
If your cat is afraid of loud noises, try to provide it with a safe place to hide, such as a quiet room or a closet. You can also put on some soft music to help drown out the noise.
21) Cutlery or Pots Banging
Cats are generally tranquil creatures. However, there are a few noises that they really hate. The sound of cutlery or pots banging is one of them. You have no clue that the food you are enjoying with the noise of cutlery is how much hard on your feline friend. The sharp, clanging noise is enough to send even the most laid-back cat running for cover. If you’re looking to keep your cat calm, it’s best to avoid making this particular noise.
22) Dropping Objects on the Floor
Cat’s sensitive ears are designed to pick up on even the slightest of sounds. To a cat, the sound of an object hitting the floor can be incredibly loud and jarring. As a result, it’s not uncommon for cats to run away or hide when they hear this type of noise. If you live with a cat, you can help to reduce their stress levels by avoiding dropped objects and making sure that any noises you do make are as quiet as possible.
23) Bubble wrap Popping
If you think your cat enjoys the sound of bubble wrap popping, think again. The sound of bubble wrap popping is particularly distressing because it is such a sudden and loud noise. So next time you’re tempted to pop some bubble wrap for fun, remember that your feline friend probably isn’t enjoying it nearly as much as you are.
24) Motorbikes
If you’ve ever been woken up by a blasting stereo next door, you know how unpleasant it can be to have your peaceful slumber disturbed by a loud noise. Now imagine how your cat must feel when confronted with one of its least favorite noises: the sound of a revving motorcycle engine. To our feline friends, the high-pitched whine of a motorcycle engine is nothing short of torture.
25) Drilling
One of the noises cats hate the most is the sound of drilling. The high-pitched whine of a drill can be extremely irritating for cats, and it can even cause them pain. If you need to do some drilling in your home, it’s important to take steps to protect your cat’s ears. Try turning on a sound machine to help drown out the noise. You should also provide your cat with a safe place to hide if the noise is too overwhelming. By taking these precautions, you can help your cat stay calm and avoid any potential distress.
26) Loud Footsteps
Whether it’s the sound of you walking across the hardwood floors or your shoes clomping on the pavement, cats don’t like it when noises are too loud. Loud noises startle cats and make them feel like they’re in danger. If you want to keep your cat happy, it’s best to avoid making too much noise.
27) Traffic
The constant honking of horns, screeching of tires, and rumble of engines can be extremely irritating to cats, causing them to pace anxiously or hide under furniture. If you live in a busy area, try to keep your cat indoors during peak traffic hours to minimize stress.
28) Packing Tape
Packing Tape is one of the noises that can be particularly troublesome for cats. The sound is high-pitched and jarring, and it can cause cats to feel anxious and unsettled. If you’re planning on moving or doing some other activity that involves packing tape, it’s best to keep your cat away from the area where the noise will be taking place. This will help to reduce your cat’s stress levels and make the experience more tolerable for everyone involved.
29) Microwave Oven
If you’ve ever been startled by the beep of a microwave oven, you’re not alone. Turns out, those noises are just as annoying to our feline friends. So next time you heat up your leftovers, be sure to give your kitty a heads up. Otherwise, you might just find her giving you a disapproving stare.
30) Dishwasher
The high-pitched whirring of the motor and the sound of dishes clattering can be painfully jarring to a cat’s delicate ears. Moreover, the sound of a dishwasher often indicates that there will be more noise to come, as people begin to move about and open doors. For these reasons, it’s best to keep your cat away from the kitchen when the dishwasher is running.
31) Washing Machine
The repetitive thundering noise of the washing machines can be incredibly jarring to cats’ sensitive ears, and it can even cause them physical pain. As a result, washing machines are often one of the main reasons why cats run away from home. If you have a cat, it’s important to be aware of this issue and take steps to minimize the noise your washing machine makes. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a very unhappy cat on your hands.
32) Computer Mouse
One thing that many cats dislike is the noise of a computer mouse. There are a few reasons why cats hate this particular noise. First, it is high-pitched and shrill, which can be unsettling for sensitive ears. Secondly, the sound is repetitive and can be quite monotonous. Finally, the clicking of a mouse can be similar to the sound of nails on a chalkboard – enough to send even the most even-tempered cat running for cover. So if you want to keep your feline friend happy, it’s best to keep the computer mouse quiet.
33) Computer Keyboard
The sound of a computer keyboard can be exceptionally bothersome to cats. Keyboards produce a high-pitched, repetitive clicking noise that can be very annoying to cats. Moreover, the movement of the keys can create a lot of visual stimulation for cats, which can be overwhelming for them. As a result, it’s not surprising that many cats prefer to avoid the noise of a keyboard.
34) Opening a Tin Can
If you’ve ever been scolded by your cat for opening a tin can, you’re not alone. Many cats dislike the sound of a can opener, and will often go to great lengths to avoid it. But why do cats hate the noise of a can opener?
There are a few theories. One is that the sound is similar to that of a wild cat’s claws scraping against a tree or rock. This would explain why indoor cats are particularly bothered by the noise – it’s an instinctive response to what they perceive as a threat. Another theory is that the sound is simply too loud and jarring for sensitive cat ears. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that opening a tin can is not one of your cat’s favorite noises.
35) Squealing Tires
Whether it’s from a car speeding around a corner or a bike skidding to a stop. The high-pitched noise of squeals of tires is incredibly jarring to cats, and it can even cause them stress. By being considerate of their sensitive ears, you can help to make your feline friend feel more comfortable.
36) Doors Slamming
Door slamming is one of the noises that can unsettle your cat. When a door slams shut, it makes a sudden, loud noise that can startle even the most laid-back cat. Additionally, the vibrations from a door slamming can be unpleasant for cats. If you have a cat, try to close doors gently to avoid startling or upsetting them.
37) Plates Breaking
One of the most despised noises is the sound of plates breaking. This can be particularly problematic if you have a cat that likes to lounge on the kitchen counter. So if you have a party or other event, be sure to keep your feline friend far away when doing dishes if you have clumsy fingers.
38) Running Water
Cats are sensitive to loud high-pitched noises, and the sound of flowing water may be quite unpleasant for them. In fact, many cats will only drink from a dripping faucet or a still bowl of water. So if you’re having trouble getting your cat to drink enough water, try turning off the tap.
39) Hair Dryer
One common noise cats hate is the sound of a hair dryer. The high-pitched whirring noise can be especially irritating to cats, causing them to run away or hide. In some cases, the noise may even trigger a cat’s natural hunting instincts, leading them to try and catch the noise-maker.
If you need to use a hair dryer around your cat, it’s best to do so gradually, letting them get used to the noise over time. You should also keep the dryer on a low setting, as this will help to minimize the amount of noise it makes. With a little patience, you can safely use a hair dryer around your cat without upsetting them.
40) Mouth Clicking
One of the noises cats hate is the sound of a mouth clicking. For some reason, this noise sends cats into a frenzied state, and they will do anything to get away from it. Fortunately, there are a few ways to use this to your advantage. If your cat is being particularly vocal, try clicking your tongue a few times. You may not enjoy the sound, but your cat will definitely appreciate the silence.
41) Squeaky Toys
Cats hate the noise of squeaky toys. The high-pitched sound is very annoying to them, and they will usually try to avoid it. So find toys for your cat that don’t make too much noise. In case, if you have brought one already, you can try to get your cat used to the noise by playing it for short periods of time and gradually increasing the duration. Finally, you can try to mask the noise with another sound, such as music or TV. By using one or more of these strategies, you can help your cat to tolerate the noise of squeaky toys.
42) A blast of Cold Air
One of the most disliked noises by cats is the blast of cold air from a fridge or freezer. This can startle them and even hurt their ears. So if you want to keep your cat happy, try to avoid making such noise in front of your kittie and move her to another place.
43) Human Meow
Cats communicate with each other through a variety of noises, including meowing, purring, and hissing. However, when cats hear meow coming from a human’s mouth, it can be confusing and frustrating. It is one of the things cats hate most. As a result, they may try to avoid the noise by hiding or simply walking away. So if you’re trying to get your cat’s attention, it’s best to stick with a more traditional noise like clapping or calling their name.
Conclusion
While cats may seem like they hate all noises, there are a few specific sounds that really bother them. These noises can range from the sound of plates breaking to running water, and each cat will have their own set of noises that send them into a frenzy. Fortunately, by knowing what these noises are, you can take steps to avoid them or at least minimize their impact. In the end, it’s all about making sure your cat is as happy and comfortable as possible. Thanks for reading!
