Step 0: Support a balanced stress response

When a cat feels stressed or unsafe, their nervous system is focused on coping rather than adapting. In this state, even positive environmental changes can be harder to absorb.

Before environmental adjustments and routine changes can have their full effect, some cats benefit from reaching a more stable emotional baseline. This can support exploration, flexibility, and the ability to settle as the home setup improves.

Some families choose supplements to help support a normal stress response

How supplements may be used

• Daily support: a consistent daily amount to help maintain emotional balance
• Situational support: temporary additional support during predictable stressors (e.g. 2 hours before the noise event).

BSAVA Principle:

Emotional regulation & readiness for learning

Step 1: Prevent overwhelming fear during noise events

Goal

Avoid prolonged panic, which prevents recovery and increases future sensitivity.

Exercise: Stay Below Panic Threshold

• Allow your cat to hide or rest
• Accept startle responses, but watch recovery
• Focus on comfort and safety if fear escalates
  

What to aim for

• Your cat chooses a hiding or resting place
• Your cat remains still or settles
• Your cat recovers once the noise passes
  

Signs fear is too intense

• Continuous agitation or pacing
• Attempts to escape or self-injury
• Distress lasting long after the noise ends
  

BSAVA principle:

Threshold management & emotional safety.

Step 2: Create Safe, Predictable Hiding Spaces

Goal

Give your cat control and a way to cope during noise.

Exercise: Set Up Safe Retreats

• Provide covered beds, boxes, or enclosed hiding spots
• Offer quiet rooms away from windows and doors
• Include familiar bedding and scents
• Ensure access to vertical space
  

Never block hiding places or force your cat out.

Hiding is a healthy coping strategy.

BSAVA principle:

Environmental control & perceived safety.

Step 3: Reduce the Impact of the Noise

Goal

Lower sound intensity and unpredictability.

Exercise: Noise Dampening

• Close windows and curtains
• Use steady background sound (TV, fan, white noise, calm music)
• Prepare the environment before noise begins when possible
  

Predictability matters more than silence.

BSAVA principle: Arousal reduction through environmental management.

Lower sensory input helps keep fear manageable.

Step 4: Stay Calm and Neutral During Noise Events

Goal

Avoid increasing fear through human reactions.

Exercise: Calm Availability

• Remain calm and predictable
• Allow your cat to approach you if they choose
• Keep movement, voices, and lighting steady

Avoid

• Forcing contact
• Repeated petting if your cat stays tense
• Loud talking or emotional reactions

Calm availability is more soothing than active reassurance.

BSAVA principle:

Predictable, neutral presence supports emotional safety.

Step 5: Focus on Recovery After the Noise

Goal

Allow stress levels to return to baseline.

Exercise: Post-Noise Decompression

• Provide quiet time in familiar spaces
• Maintain access to hiding and vertical areas
• Resume routines gently
  

Recovery time is essential — stress can accumulate if settling never occurs.

BSAVA principle:

Stress recovery & cumulative load management.

Step 6: Gentle Sound Exposure (Optional and Limited)

Goal

Support tolerance to noise without increasing fear or stress.

Exercise: Optional Low-Level Exposure

• Use recordings at very low volume
• Only play sounds when your cat is relaxed and settled
• Allow your cat to move away, hide, or leave the room at any time
• Keep sessions brief and stop at the first sign of tension
  

Repeated practice is not required and should never be pushed.

Unlike dogs, cats do not always benefit from repeated sound exposure. Many show better improvement through environmental support alone.

BSAVA principle: Cautious, individualised exposure.

In cats, exposure should only occur when the cat is calm, able to disengage, and showing no signs of fear. Environmental management and recovery remain the primary tools.

Step 7: Get Extra Help if Fear Is Severe

Goal

Protect your cat’s welfare and safety when fear exceeds their ability to cope.

Exercise: Know When to Seek Support

Contact your veterinarian if:

• Fear worsens over time
• Panic occurs with even mild noises
• Recovery takes hours or days
• Your cat hurts themselves trying to escape
  

Some cats need additional medical or behavioural support to cope safely with loud noises.