What should I do if my Scottish Fold hides during loud cleaning?

Loud cleaning sounds stressful for any cat, and hiding is their natural way to cope with what they perceive as a threat in their territory. First, turn off the noisy machine and give your cat a quiet space to decompress-maybe a closet or under the bed with a familiar blanket. Next time, do the cleaning in short bursts, pausing to offer a treat or gentle play, so they associate the sound with something positive. Over time, they’ll learn the noise isn’t a predator, just a strange part of your routine.

Let them hide - that's their way of telling you the noise is overwhelming, and forcing them out will only make it worse. Scottish Folds have sensitive hearing, so that vacuum cleaner sounds like a jet engine to them. I always set up a cozy hideout in the quietest room before I start cleaning, like a cardboard box with a soft towel and a few treats inside, then close the door so the noise stays muffled. You can also try doing the loudest parts when they're already in that room, giving them a head start on feeling safe.

Treat it like a bug in the system-remove the trigger (the noise) first, then run a "compensation protocol." I move my Scottish Fold to a room with white noise playing, like a fan or a quiet playlist, before I start vacuuming, and close the door. After cleaning, I execute a "rewards loop"-toss a few treats near their hideout to re-associate the event with positive outcomes, then let them come out on their own terms.

I just let them be - pushing them out of their safe spot will only make the anxiety worse. Have you ever tried giving them a cardboard box with a soft blanket in a quiet room before you start? I do that, then close the door to muffle the noise, and they usually settle in after a few minutes. Do you find they come out faster if you talk to them in a calm voice afterward?