RIYADH — As missile interceptions and air-raid sirens echo across the Saudi capital, residents are navigating more than just their own concerns—they are also working hard to keep their pets safe and calm.

Following a series of recent cross-border attacks by the Houthi militia targeting infrastructure like Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, pet owners have taken to sharing advice on how to manage their animals' anxiety during stressful moments.

Mai Sulieman, a Riyadh resident and owner of three rescue cats, recalled how her pets reacted to the unfamiliar noises of missile interceptions overhead.

"It took around two hours to calm them down," Sulieman said. "I wasn’t afraid of the sounds or alarms going off on my phone, but they don’t understand like humans do; they are naturally afraid of any new loud noises, and even the shaking of the windows or walls."

She described how one of her young cats reacted with shock, her fur standing on end. After spending an hour in a closet reassuring and petting them, the cats eventually settled. "I think they just needed to feel safe, to know that I was safe, and then they settled," she added.

The Science Behind Animal Anxiety

According to veterinary experts, an animal's reaction to conflict-related noise is rooted in biology. Dr. Mohamed Adel Moussa, a senior veterinary surgeon at North Paws Veterinary Center in Riyadh, explained that unusual external stimuli trigger a pet's "fight-or-flight" instinct.

"In comparison to humans, they process these emotions quite fast. This means their actions can be unpredictable to their owners," Moussa noted.

Animals such as cats and dogs possess a hearing range far broader than that of humans. While the average human hearing limit caps at 20 kHz, cats can detect high-frequency noises up to 85 kHz. This acute sensitivity allows pets to detect low-frequency ground vibrations and high-pitched sounds long before their owners notice them, giving them an early warning sign to prepare.

However, this also means sudden loud alarms or explosions can quickly overwhelm them, driving them into a state of panic. Common physical and behavioral signs of acute stress include:

Vocalizations: Continuous howling or meowing to get attention.
Restlessness: Moving around faster than usual or tensing muscles to raise body temperature.
Avoidance behavior: Hiding in closets or trying to escape the area.

Expert Advice for Pet Owners

To help pets weather stressful situations, Dr. Moussa recommends proactive measures:

Establish a Safe Space: Create a dedicated comfort zone for your pet equipped with their favorite belongings—such as a specific corner of the couch or a quiet room.
Stay Calm and Reassuring: If you notice behavioral changes, calmly guide your pet to their safe spot. Maintain physical or eye contact and speak softly to divert their focus.
Manage Your Own Emotions: Pets look to their owners as protectors and can easily sense human distress. It is vital to remain composed.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: While most pets recover quickly once comforted, a small percentage may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If symptoms persist, consulting a family veterinarian for professional guidance or medication may be necessary.
Ultimately, Dr. Moussa emphasizes that pets look to their human family to make sense of the world. During turbulent times, a pet parent's primary role is to provide unwavering care, love, and reassurance.

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