Dammit

[I_UndergroundPanther]

A storm started and it's thundering ,

Othello is freaking out.
Just put his thundershirt on and he's still hiding in the cabinets.

Poor baby. Don't know how to help him now.

Any suggestions y'all?

[wryter2000]

1. Holding him?

He might find that reassuring. Later on, you might ask the vet if there's something to give him. You can have it on hand for storms.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

10. I went in the bathroom

Opened the cabinet

Pet him gently and he came out. Picked him up and pressed him.
He stayed out. But on a chair under the table.
Ran back into the bathroom in the shower behind the curtain. I pet him told him Panthers here and it's almost dinnertime honey,he walked out went back under the table until I put his food into his bowl.

He ate some than sat on my lap!!
Than a boom back under the table.

Now he's on my lap a few booms and he's still sitting here!
He's such a brave kitty and I am so proud of him!

[SheltieLover]

2. Yes

If you can get him out, hug him to you, pressing firmly, but gently on his sides.

Works like Temple Grandin's cattle press to deescalate persons with autism.

You might also look into Rescue Remedy (Bach) or FES 5-Flower remedy. Both the same, imo.

Most rescues use one or the other to help calm traumatized rescues.

[elleng]

4. ;-)

'Works like Temple Grandin's cattle press to deescalate persons with autism.'

[hlthe2b]

3. Many animals respond to calming music, even while thunder is in the background & dark

My last dog was inconsolable but found her way to my shower/bathtub in an interior bathroom and with the lights off eventually would self-calm.

Cats and other pets likely will respond similarly.

[LakeArenal]

6. I heard rock music is better.

My vet prescribed something like (I kid you not) Quietall for anxiety. It works best if you give it a couple days before something like fireworks. But I found it useful in storms especially if storms are predicted over several days.

[BigmanPigman]

5. I'd get some doggie CBD.

You won't have it for tonight but it is a good idea for the future.

[wnylib]

7. If I remember right, Othello is your cat?

If so, try spraying some Felliway in his hideout to calm him there, and in another spot outside of his hideaway where he normally feels comfortable so he will feel calm in a place without hiding.

My cat used to crawl into her cat tunnel, which she had dragged behind the couch, and not come out until rain passed. Did not have to be a thunderstorm. Thunder does not frighten her, but rain does.

Also, my cat understands a few words, so I used them in a calming voice, with gestures. "Ember here, wnylib here." (She knows my name.) "It's all right." Coaxed her out with a treat, then held her securely, saying, "Good girl. It's all right" Sprayed some Felliway.

We've had plenty of practice. Rain every day for 3 weeks now. She no longer hides in the tunnel behind the couch. She sticks close to me and gives a few wary, attentive looks toward the window, but stays fairly calm now.

ON EDIT: If Othello is not a cat, forget everthing I wrote. LOL.

[niyad]

9. Othello is a gorgeous cat!

[Ziggysmom]

11. I've had great results with Feliway, too. It was also helpful when introducing a new kitty in

our home. Relaxes them before vet visits as well.

[wnylib]

12. It was my cat's vet who introduced

Feliway to me. Ember (the cat) gets very anxious at the vet's and won't let them touch her. But Feliway calms her down.

Same with brushing or combing her at home. She hates it and used to hiss at me and slap the brush out of my hand. But if I first spray the area with Feliway, she stays calm enough for me to do at least a quick brushing.

She is very affectionate, but has a strong sense of her rights regarding personal body space. She loves having her head and behind her ears petted and scratched, but nowhere else on her body. She wants to be the one to initiate affection. But she demands that people respect her limits and boundaries.

[niyad]

8. there is a wonderful product at petco called "quiet moments". Soft, star-shaped treats that one

can mix into wet food, or give by hand if your cat allows that. Works in about 20 minutes, so you do need a bit of advance warning. I have found it very helpful,

Please give Othello a hug and kiss from me when he comes out.