How to understand the weather by a cat? - briefly
Cats often exhibit specific behaviors that can indicate changes in weather. For instance, if a cat is excessively grooming or seems restless, it might be anticipating stormy weather due to sensitivity to barometric pressure changes.
How to understand the weather by a cat? - in detail
Cats are known for their keen senses and ability to detect changes in their environment, including subtle shifts in weather patterns. To understand the weather through a cat's behavior, one must observe several key indicators.
Firstly, cats are highly sensitive to barometric pressure changes. A drop in pressure often precedes a storm or rain, and cats can sense this shift before it is perceptible to humans. If your cat becomes more agitated, restless, or seeks shelter under furniture or in closets, it might be anticipating a change in weather.
Secondly, cats are attuned to temperature fluctuations. During hot summer days, you may notice your cat spending more time near cool surfaces like tile floors or in shaded areas. Conversely, during cold spells, they might prefer warmer spots such as sunlit windowsills or near heating vents. This behavior is their way of regulating body temperature and finding comfort in varying weather conditions.
Thirdly, changes in humidity can also affect a cat's behavior. High humidity levels can make a cat feel uncomfortable, leading them to seek drier areas within the home. If your cat starts spending more time on higher surfaces like tables or counters, it could be their way of avoiding damp floors during periods of high humidity.
Moreover, cats are sensitive to changes in air quality and static electricity. During dry weather, especially before a thunderstorm, the buildup of static electricity can cause a cat's fur to stand on end. This is often accompanied by increased grooming as the cat tries to rid itself of the unpleasant sensation.
Lastly, observing your cat's ears and eyes can provide additional clues about weather changes. Cats may flatten their ears or narrow their eyes during periods of high wind or when a storm is approaching, indicating their discomfort with the changing conditions.
By paying close attention to these subtle behaviors, one can gain insights into the weather patterns that a cat senses but humans might miss. Understanding and interpreting these signals allows us to appreciate the remarkable sensory abilities of our feline companions.