I’d never really thought about it before, but it’s been so striking recently that I’ve started wondering.
My cat’s moods are quite changeable. Sometimes she’s really affectionate, calm, and always by my side; other times she’s very aloof, restless, and prone to wandering off.
Last week, for example, she was a right handful. Constantly running off, being very fussy with her food, and acting very distant and twitchy. But there was nothing worrying health-wise—she wasn't lethargic or aggressive, and she didn't seem in pain when handled.
For the last few days, Dr Jekyll is back: she’s eating well, sleeping a lot, being super cuddly, and enjoying the garden enthusiastically without trying to escape. Once again, she’s coming when called (at my "in you come, in you come, in you come" signal as I walk calmly behind her—mind you, if she's not in the mood, it can turn into a game of chase around the garden!), or she even comes back in by herself.
The only change has been the weather—shifting from heavy, muggy conditions to a crisp, autumnal feel, without any storms.
So I’m wondering:
Is it just a coincidence?
Is it because other cats aren't out as much in this weather? Fewer birds in the garden?
Does the rain "wash away" scent marks?
Is it the changes in atmospheric pressure or static electricity in the air?
Translated from French
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Oh, I definitely love the rain... or even just a proper grey day. It’s so much more peaceful for me as the owner of a mini whirlwind compared to when the sun's out.
Hi everyone,
I’ve noticed that my cat gets really restless whenever it’s windy, but on the other hand, she’s much more sluggish when it rains – she’s a bit like us, really! She also changes her sleeping spots depending on the season.
Mazzarine,
I’m completely convinced by what you’re saying. What’s more, I’m certain there’s a scientific and rational explanation that hasn’t been found yet, simply because nobody has even bothered looking.
I think that we humans also have this ability within us to varying degrees, but we’ve forgotten it—just like our sense of smell—because it’s seen as too "animal". We prefer using our eyes and ears, and yet olfactory memory, even in humans, is the most resistant to being forgotten...
Natalino,
Yes, I think a neutered cat has a hard time putting up with those that haven’t been "done" (more so than the other way round).
Mazzarine,
I hope you’re not suggesting that Natalino’s cat has predicted a massive storm! If that’s the case, Natalino, I hope you don’t live down in Cornwall (or maybe Devon or Somerset!)
Yes, she was spayed when she was 6 months old. To be fair, I wouldn’t be questioning things so much if she wasn't. But these changes really are so sudden... I do wonder if she might still be sensitive to other cats' hormones, which I think fluctuate depending on the season. I'd also read that they can sense atmospheric pressure (but then again, so can we... I mean, the weather affects our mood, so why shouldn’t it affect theirs?)
Hi there,
A cat’s whiskers might play a part in detecting changes in atmospheric pressure, which could explain certain shifts in their behaviour. However, there haven't been any scientific studies that have proven a definitive link between the weather and changes in how cats act. That said, there are plenty of accounts of animals being able to sense upcoming natural disasters, such as tsunamis or hurricanes.
It’s difficult to say for certain if the weather is the direct cause of your cat’s change in behaviour, but one thing is for sure: animals are incredibly sensitive to physical changes in the environment.
Mazarine
I can't remember if your cat has been spayed or not and I’m too lazy to check back through the posts 😁, because if she hasn't been, then you don't need to look for a weather-related explanation.
Otherwise, I hope nobody thinks I’m being misogynistic (I've probably spelt that wrong...?), but I reckon that even when they’ve been neutered, females are much more changeable than males.
Mind you, I’m biased because of my own girl; I had her spayed when she was 6, so obviously her personality was already set in its ways. I haven't noticed her being any less of a periodic "Little Miss Grumpy" since her op.
But then again, she wouldn't be Yuna otherwise 😁😁
I think the temperature affects their behaviour, but not the actual weather itself...
