Can my cat predict the weather?

Our household felines are talented in ways we can hardly imagine. Cats are very sensitive to changes in air pressure and have a sense of smell 40 times more powerful than a human’s. So, it’s easy to see why cats could be walking weather vanes. However, it’s important to understand what’s fact and what’s fiction.

Superstitions

Associating a cat’s actions with weather predictions is nothing new. According to Almanac.com, some countries developed folklore connecting cat behavior with bad weather. In Welsh culture, rain was expected if a cat groomed their ears. Another predictor of rain was a cat scratching curtains, according to Dutch tradition. Over a hundred years ago, some Americans believed that if a cat warmed themself by a fire facing away from the flames, a cold front was coming. Americans of the past also thought that when a cat napped with all legs tucked in (what we now call the ‘cat loaf’ position), turbulent weather was on the way.

Real signals of a cat detecting bad weather

Modern cat experts have researched what cats actually do when stormy weather’s incoming. If your cat is breaking their usual routine, it’s possible they are reacting to signals that the weather is changing. Cat behaviorists at Catster note that your cat could be sensing bad weather if they are retreating to hiding spots at a time of day when they normally wouldn’t. Another indicator is if your cat looks skittish or nervous, or suddenly has a lot of energy. Furthermore, outdoor cats are likely to choose to stay indoors at a time of day when they normally would be outside, according to Cats.com.

However, just because a cat picks up on bad weather heading your way, it doesn’t necessarily mean your cat will visibly react to those signals. According to Catster, some cats are more perturbed by storms than others, so just because a cat senses inclement weather doesn’t mean they will feel bothered by it to the point of displaying anxious behavior.

How do cats ‘sense’ bad weather?

Scientific research reveals why cats have extraordinary sensitivity to changes in weather. Cats.com explains that barometric pressure begins to change hours ahead of a storm, long before humans can tell that bad weather is approaching. Cats are able to distinguish the difference in air pressure because their ears and noses can actually feel the air getting heavier. Meteorologists also monitor barometric pressure to predict bad weather, although they have to rely on instruments rather than instinct. Cats’ strong sense of smell also plays a role. They have “40 times more scent receptors than humans” and can actually smell approaching rain. Experts at Cats.com explain that cats can also smell lightning because it “produces a very characteristic metallic odor, caused by released ozone gas.” Furthermore, cats’ superior hearing also means that they can hear the sounds of distant thunder that humans cannot detect.

No matter the weather or our cats’ response to it, our feline friends continue to delight us with their unique personalities and charm. Check out more blog posts for information on cat behavior, cat health, and entertaining cat news!

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Do you have a cat question you’d like answered in our blog? Email rmniels [at] gmail.com.

Sources:

“Are Our Feline Friends Purr-fect Prognosticators?,” Almanachttps://www.almanac.com/can-cats-predict-weather-changes

“Can Cats Sense Bad Weather?” Cats.com

https://cats.com/can-cats-sense-bad-weather

“Can a cat predict the weather?” Catster

https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/can-cat-predict-weather/

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Meta:

Cats are very sensitive to changes in air pressure and have a sense of smell 40 times more powerful than a human’s. That makes them experts at picking up changes in weather. Learn what your cat’s behavior really indicates about incoming storms. Armarkat provides information for keeping your cat healthy and happy