T-storm last night

[ginnyinWI]

Yes, in Wisconsin, in January. Today it is going to get up over 60 degrees.

We have two cats who were born and raised in Portland, OR and have found it hard to understand our Midwestern storms. Last night as the wind was blowing, rain pelting against the glass, and the windows rattling, the little one plastered herself next to me in bed, eyes wide. Eventually burrowed way down under the covers just to make sure.

This morning she's completely exhausted, sleeping like a rag in her cat bed. It's a tough life!

[get the red out]

1. Poor babies

My Dog will be beside herself tomorrow when the storms coming up from the south reach us in Kentucky. She HATES thunderstorms, always has. I hope they hit early enough that I can just cuddle her, of course DH is home longer than I am in the morning so he can have cuddle duty once I leave.

[Stinky The Clown]

2. We're supposed to get heavy rain and thunder tomorrow night.

Our Border Collie alpha will fight a grizzly willingly and fiercely, but thunder makes her cower. The other two are more sanguine about the storms.

[2theleft]

3. I don't think they make them for cats

but look up Thunder Shirts for your pups. They are the most amazing things to help dogs with anxiety to storms or other things. My 120 pound baby is scared to death of storms. His shirt helps him relax.

My vet said you can "make your own" as well - it just has to fit snuggly and hug them. She uses an old t-shirt that she ties up on the back in a pinch.

http://www.thundershirt.com/?gclid=CISn05qjjrUCFYLd4AodqSMAlg

[phylny]

6. I can vouch for how well the thundershirt works for our shelter boy

Jack. He is our barometer. He'll jump on my chest way before we hear the first rumble, but he knows it's coming and he's terrified of storms. We put the Thundershirt on him and the panting stops and he's aware of the storm, but not bothered by them.

We're anticipating needing it tomorrow night.

At times, we also use Rescue Remedy, which works very well. We put 5 drops on a piece of bread for him.

http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-information/

[virgdem]

7. FYI They do make them for cats...

I saw an ad in Cat Fancy for Thunder Shirts for Cats.

[Phentex]

9. Anyone ever get one for a big dog?

Iv'e got a big baby on my hands and I'm not sure the largest size would fit him.

[2theleft]

10. My big baby is 120 lbs

the biggest is snug, but it fits.

My vet sells them in their office, so i was able to "try it on" him.

[Phentex]

11. My sister makes weighted blankets for kids...

I need to get her to make one for my fur kid.

[Honeycombe8]

12. You know those velcro torso exercise things for women, to make you sweat...

while you exercise? Well, I used mine to velcro around my Rosie, who is afraid of storms. It didn't seem to calm her down much. It might have a little.

I have doggie sweaters...those are snug. And a doggie coat that velcroes around her midsection...I didn't try that.

I'm not sure why such a thing would work. But I tried my exercise torso thing on her only once, so maybe I haven't given that a hard enuf try.

[2theleft]

13. I think their website says it is like 80ish % effective

in reducing anxiety...

It works for my big guy, he is still aware of the storm, but not terrified and can relax.

My vet says the sooner you can get it on, the better. I.e., if you know a storm is coming vs. waiting for it to start. Have no idea why.

[Honeycombe8]

14. I'll try it again. nt

[Auntie Bush]

4. My dog is scared to death of thunder storms.

She pants, trembles and drools for HOURS after the incident. Last night a neighbor shot off several rounds of rocket fireworks, sounded like gun shots! She trembled and drooled till we went to bed and hid under the covers. That episode lasted from 8:30 to after 11:00. It's a shame they get so scared it's impossible to comfort them...even with a nice comfy warm lap and some happy talk.

[Curmudgeoness]

5. I am (finally) blessed with a tolerant cat.

Not only do storms and wind not bother him, but I have to move him to vacuum the chair he sleeps on. What a pleasure not to have to worry about him.

Sorry your little one had a bad night.

[LisaLynne]

8. My childhood cat would slink ...

down into the basement and then we would know a storm was coming. But ever since then, I've had cats that couldn't care less about storms.

It's so sad when they are scared, though. You can comfort them, but you know cats -- they don't always think we humans know what we're talking about!