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Surveys show that approximately 51% of cats are afraid of vacuum cleaners. Cats are naturally triggered by vacuums because of their loud sound, erratic movements (jerking movement when pushed back and forth) and strange smells they kick up.
How to try to help them overcome their fear of your vacuum especially if they run/hide or even growl:
Desensitize: Gradually expose your cat to the vacuum while it is powered off, moving closer only if they stay calm.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat with their favorite treats when they are in the same room as the vacuum.
Create Safe Zones: Give your cat a designated, elevated, or covered hiding spot. Cats love vertical spots so cat trees are often their best friend.
Consider Quiet Options: Robot vacuums are often quieter because they move slower and produce significantly less noise. Some are very entertained by these vacuums. Their prices have gone down considerably over the years.
On a personal note, ours aren't phased by the vacuum and they have been known to turn the robotic vacuums on in the middle of the middle of the night …UGH LOL.
TGIF Lairians
How to try to help them overcome their fear of your vacuum especially if they run/hide or even growl:
Desensitize: Gradually expose your cat to the vacuum while it is powered off, moving closer only if they stay calm.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat with their favorite treats when they are in the same room as the vacuum.
Create Safe Zones: Give your cat a designated, elevated, or covered hiding spot. Cats love vertical spots so cat trees are often their best friend.
Consider Quiet Options: Robot vacuums are often quieter because they move slower and produce significantly less noise. Some are very entertained by these vacuums. Their prices have gone down considerably over the years.
On a personal note, ours aren't phased by the vacuum and they have been known to turn the robotic vacuums on in the middle of the middle of the night …UGH LOL.
TGIF Lairians
