Why do my cats run like hell when I pick up a broom?

[Ohio Dem]

I've never, EVER hit any of my cats with a broom, or anything else. I've never even threatened them with a broom. Sometimes I clap at them when they start clawing at the new couch (it doesn't work - I have to go get them), but that's as harsh as I've ever gotten.

I know that people would "shoo" cats from the house with a broom in the past, but my cats have never experienced that. Is it genetic memory?

I'm at a loss. They don't run when I pick up a shovel, a rake, or a mattock, and compared to a broom, they could do real damage. If I pick up a broom, though, they scatter. Any thoughts?

[LaurenG]

1. Mine too and don't pull out the vacuum because that's even worse.

I had a cat years ago who hated our hammer, he would hiss and bat at it.

[Ohio Dem]

11. I can see that though.

Vacumes make noise. But a broom?

[DebJ]

2. Does it have nylon bristles? Maybe the sound bothers them.

[Ohio Dem]

10. It doesn't have to make any noise.

Just moving a broom out of the way sends them stcattering.

[amyrose2712]

3. Really, my Itchy(King Kat) just punches it as it passes him. :)

The late Mr. Scratchy was scared of his own shadow and ran to hide under the bed if i just TOUCHED the broom or vacuum.

[snagglepuss]

4. Maybe brooms look like angry animals ie animals bristling with anger.

[Gormy Cuss]

5. Maybe it's because they don't like the noise it makes.

Cats in general don't like anything that crinkles, water kettles heating, and noises like that. I think it's because they interpret the sound as a hiss -- cats hate snakes. One theory on why they were domesticated is that the humans realized they were great early warning systems against poisonous snakes in the house.

[Liberal_in_LA]

6. lol. Funny post. My cats run also...not like hell, but they get out of there

[madmom]

7. That's interesting from the noise..hissing perspective. My cat runs

like hell when I get a plastic grocery sack (I use them when I clean litter box)He hides under the bed till everything is put away.

[murielm99]

8. Funny thing, mine hides too.

My cat and dog both hate the vacuum cleaner as well. I can understand that. It makes noise.

I used to have a cat who attacked the broom and tried to ride the vacuum cleaner. I had to put him in the bathroom and close the door when I cleaned.

[Phentex]

9. They have all seen The Wizard of Oz...

you can't fool them.

[kentauros]

12. My cat is weirder than y'all's then.

Because he comes over to me when I pick up the (nylon) broom, expecting me to brush him with it. I think he likes how it feels on his face ;)

[whistler162]

13. They don't like your flying when you go out together?

[Gormy Cuss]

14. They don't want to get caught in the contrail

when you fly away on it.

[applegrove]

15. When housekeeping is vacuuming the apartment next door to my parents my cat will

get on the top of the couch and cower.

[betharina]

16. my dog does as well!

she is terrified of the broom. so much so, i can just say the word. i have NEVER used the broom for anything but sweeping around her, but she is just that afraid of it. and just to add, we have had her since she was a pup from a very good breeder.