Cats Panic During Earthquakes! Immediate and Daily Preparations

Humans aren't the only ones startled by earthquake early warning alarms and strong tremors. Cats can also be scared by earthquakes and fall into a state of panic.

It's a natural, instinctive reaction for cats to be scared of earthquakes.However, depending on the owner's actions during an earthquake, a cat's panic can either be alleviated or worsened.

This article will explain in detail why cats are afraid of earthquakes, the correct way to deal with a panicked cat, health changes to watch out for after an earthquake, and disaster preparedness measures that can be taken daily.

Why are cats afraid of earthquakes?

Natural disasters are dangerous for cats, causing them to feel threatened and fearful. Earthquakes, in particular, not only shake the ground but also cause loud rumbling sounds and creaking from the house.

Cats are creatures with highly developed senses, so much so that they are said to possess earthquake prediction abilities. They can quickly detect subtle changes in atmospheric pressure and magnetic fields, as well as ultra-low frequency sounds that humans cannot perceive, and may show "unusual behavior" before and after an earthquake.

Restless and fidgety
Continuously meowing as if trying to convey something
Suddenly running around the house
Wanting to go outside
Fur standing on end
Hiding somewhere and not coming out

These behaviors are the cat's defensive reactions stemming from fear and anxiety.

While abnormal behavior doesn't always indicate an impending earthquake, it could be a sign of illness, so if it persists, it's best to consult a vet.

Signs that your cat is panicking

Cats have a natural instinct to flee when they feel scared.

It's an instinctive reaction for them to be startled by an earthquake and bolt outside in a panic. It's not uncommon for them to get lost or injured as a result.

If you observe the following behaviors, it's a sign that your cat is panicking.

Pupils are widely dilated
Ears are flattened, and they are in a low posture
Curled up tightly and trembling
Meowing intensely, or suddenly stopping and freezing
Becoming aggressive, scratching or biting if you try to touch them
Restlessly running around the house

What to do when your cat is scared of an earthquake

After a major earthquake, aftershocks often follow. To protect your beloved cat, the first thing is for you, the owner, to remain calm.

1. Prevent escape during an earthquake

During an earthquake, it is important to be mindful of your cat's escape. When an earthquake occurs, ensure your own safety first, then prioritize preventing your cat's escape.

Close windows and doors other than the escape route
Put your cat in a cage
Put your cat in a carrier bag
Pick them up and move them to a safe place
Wrap them in a towel or similar item

2. Do not forcibly pull out a hidden cat

Even if your cat is hiding in the shadows and won't come out, don't try to drag them out forcibly. This will only increase their fear and worsen their panic.

Once you've ensured the safety of the area where your cat is (no falling furniture, escape routes aren't blocked), secure the house and let your cat calm down at their own pace.

3. The owner should remain calm

To calm cats scared by earthquakes, a method of "shaking the cat" gained attention on X (formerly Twitter). The idea is that if you pick up and gently sway a cat, they will believe the shaking was caused by the owner and feel relieved.

However, this isn't always an effective method, as some cats prefer to be left alone. Conversely, the owner's actions can sometimes amplify the cat's anxiety, so caution is necessary.

The owner panics, shouts, or runs around
Maintaining a tense atmosphere long after the earthquake
Forcibly pulling out a hidden cat
Attempting to forcefully catch a panicked cat

Cats are highly sensitive to changes in their owner's expressions, voice tone, and the atmosphere of a room. They might become even more frightened not by the earthquake itself, but by the "unusual behavior of their owner."

The important thing is for the owner to maintain a calm demeanor.

Watch your cat closely after an earthquake

Cats have a habit of hiding until they are sure they are safe and secure when they feel scared. They might hide in the shadows and not come out, or refuse to eat.

However, they should calm down within 1-2 days. Place their usual food in their usual spot and quietly observe them.

If you're worried about dehydration, you can add wet food as a topping or give them wet treats.

It's important to respect your cat's pace and interact with them as you normally would, gently calling their name or softly petting them.

Be cautious if these symptoms persist

The fear caused by an earthquake can be a significant source of stress for cats. If any of the following behaviors persist for 2-3 days or more, please consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Becoming aggressive towards the owner
Always clinging tightly
Meowing at night
Loss of appetite
Vomiting or diarrhea symptoms

Earthquake preparedness is the owner's responsibility

Sometimes, it's not possible to protect your cat instantly during an earthquake. It's crucial to prepare in advance to prevent injuries and escapes.

Secure furniture to prevent tipping

During an earthquake, furniture can tip over and dishes can fall. To prevent your cat from panicking due to loud noises, secure furniture.

Tall cat towers, in particular, require attention. They could fall and break a window or block an escape route, so make sure to secure them firmly with a tension-pole type.

Get your cat used to cages and carrier bags

If you habitually make a cage or a hard-sided carrier bag a familiar place for your cat, it becomes a safe evacuation space in an emergency. This can also prevent situations where you can't find where your cat has hidden. Make sure to place it in a safe location where furniture won't fall on it.

Prepare for shelter life with your cat

If you cannot stay in your home, you will need to go to a shelter. When evacuating, "co-evacuation" with your cat is the basic principle.

Whether you can stay in the same room with your cat depends on the shelter. Be sure to check with your nearest shelter about their pet policy.

Also, shelters do not provide cages or cat food. Prepare a minimum supply of food and water for several days, cat litter, and a simple litter box, and keep them ready to be taken out in an emergency.

Getting your cat used to a harness is also a good disaster preparedness measure for living in a shelter.

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Prevent your cat from getting lost on a daily basis

It is common for cats to escape when scared by an earthquake. Also, windows or doors may break, or houses may collapse, unexpectedly separating you from your cat.

In preparation for an emergency, make it a habit to have your cat wear a cat collar. Attaching a lost pet tag or microchip provides even greater peace of mind.

A cat collar serves as an identification for your pet and a clue for searching.It is the owner's responsibility to take measures to prevent your cat from getting lost on a daily basis.

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Summary

"My cat got scared by the earthquake and ran outside." Every time an earthquake occurs, I see posts on Twitter about cats escaping.

Cats are more sensitive to anomalies than their owners and try to escape from the situation. Cats being scared of earthquakes is "instinctive." Therefore, escape prevention measures are essential.

When an earthquake occurs, the owner must act calmly and prioritize preventing the cat's escape and ensuring its safety. And above all, it is crucial to routinely take measures against escapes and earthquakes, such as putting a cat collar, ID tag, or microchip on your cat.

For cats, an earthquake is an unusual situation that makes them feel their life is in danger. Many cats become scared and panic during an earthquake.

Earthquakes can happen at any time. Please review your earthquake preparedness measures so you can protect your cat's life in an emergency.