Static electricity with my cats - what can I do?

Jbilna

14/02/2018, 07:33

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Hi everyone,

For the past week, every time I stroke my two cats, we both get a static shock! It's reached the point where I can even see blue sparks in the dark. It's actually quite startling.

Néo is particularly prone to it and since he's had a few shocks, he won't let me stroke him anymore; he's now scared of my hand. I'm really worried he'll start associating my touch with being zapped.

Their coats are so static-y! Does anyone know why this is happening? What can I do?

Does this happen with your cats as well?

Have a great day ☀️

Jbilna

Translated from French

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Jbilna

19/02/2018, 07:29

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Yes! Exactly. Sometimes I even hear the two cats giving each other static shocks!

As for Néo, he only has to get up from his cushion and you can hear the electricity crackling! He’s always got quite a charge on him, haha!

Thanks for your message

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Gabyn

17/02/2018, 18:22

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It’s always happened with my short-haired dog in the freezing cold; sometimes when I stroke her, we get a little static shock. It's often because I’m wearing woolly jumpers, or when we're playing on the bed and she’s rolling about—even though the sheets and duvet covers are cotton, we still get zapped from the friction. I’ve just got a long-haired dog, and I don't even need to touch him; when I pass my hand over his back, his fur stands right up because of the static! It’s just like us humans, we get those little shocks when we touch each other sometimes too.

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Goupil70

17/02/2018, 17:39

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Their real names are Sellafield and Dounreay, right?

I don't reckon there's much you can do, to be honest.

Worth mentioning it to the vet just in case it’s masking an underlying issue, but I highly doubt it. 👎👎👎

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Jbilna

14/02/2018, 13:25

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Thanks! I've also been told to try walking barefoot in the garden. But how do you explain one of my cats being 'less staticky'? I stroke both of them, and not always in the same order. The male is a nightmare for it lol!

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Mamiecat

14/02/2018, 07:47

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Hi there,

There’s a very good chance it’s actually you building up the static... and not your cat!

You see, as a cat walks across the floor, they naturally discharge any static build-up.

On the other hand, if you're wearing too many synthetic clothes, or if your feet are insulated from the floor by your shoes... you're generating static electricity that isn't being released. Then, when you touch your cat, you discharge it onto them... and they won't be best pleased!

Before you pet them, try to discharge the static by touching a metal pipe (bare metal)... or a metal radiator... and try to stick to wearing cotton!

Good luck and keep us posted... thanks!

Translated from French

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