According to an article in Time Magazine, they say yes. They researched a man with a hypothesis named H.H.C Dunwoody. With so much craziness in the weather patterns lately – polar vortex 1…2…3… sound familiar anyone? If you live in the midwest of the US, you know what I’m talking about; these new weather terms are part of our daily vernacular this winter season.
In 1883, H.H.C. Dunwoody, an Army first lieutenant was the first to suggest in his book “Weather Proverbs” that animals are a better predictor of weather. He also mentioned other animals like bears, foxes, goats – and of course, our beloved cats. And supposedly, he really focused on cats.
Here’s what he said we should look out for when it comes to our cat’s behavior and how it relates to the weather:
- If a cats sneezes it is a sign that it will rain.
- The cardinal point to which a cat turns and washes her face after rain, will give you the precise direction from which the wind will be blowing…
- Cat snoring equals bad weather. (I must say, one of my cats snores every night, and so I must debunk this one immediately) Perhaps it’s accurate if your cat snores and it’s not typical.
- When your kitty is washing her head, and cleaning behind her ear – it’s going to rain!!
- Expect a big ‘ol Thunderstorm when your cat is lying on is back with its mouth turned up. (I think I have to debunk this one too. The same cat that snores, lays on his back all of the time and we haven’t had a thunderstorm in months, snowstorm – yes, thunderstorm, no.)
- Here’s a good one: When your cat washes his face with his back to “the fire” expect a thaw in winter. This reminds me a bit of groundhogs day, with Punxsutawney Phil. Did he see his shadow this year?
It’s a cute idea to think that our beloved felines are also multi-purpose weather barometers… but I think not. I do however believe that animals have amazing instincts and senses that we, as humans do not possess. If you remember the awful tsunami in Thailand back in 2004, hundred of thousands of human lives were tragically lost, but many animals lives were seemingly mysteriously saved because they had sensed the tsunami and headed for higher ground.
What do you think? Can your cat predict the weather? If so, how does he/she do it? Tell us how in the comments section.
