Can cats sense earthquakes or other natural disasters? I’ve always heard people say that pets, and cats, in particular, can sense natural disasters such as earthquakes.
Now, I don’t live in an area that’s prone to earthquakes, so it’s not something I’m concerned about and I don’t expect to see my cat tipping me off that one is imminent – but I find this a fascinating topic.
Looking into the connection between animals and sensing earthquakes, it’s something that dates back to early B.C. which is pretty crazy.
Let’s take a look at exactly how cats are aware an earthquake is coming, the signs to look out for, and more.
How Can Cats Sense Earthquakes?
The truth is that no one knows exactly why or how cats can sense an earthquake or any other natural disasters. It’s a bit of a mystery.
The easy answer is that they are some kind of spiritual guardians, looking out for us with psychic powers beyond our understanding.
The more scientific and rational answer is that cats are much more sensitive to vibrations and they can detect tremors long before we can and this causes them to act out.
There is also some speculation that cats have a sensitivity to the Earth’s magnetic fields which change when an earthquake is happening, or about to happen.
I think both of these are very plausible. And while a cat wouldn’t know what these changes mean, the feelings would stimulate some sort of flight or fight response which in turn raises awareness for us.
How Do Cats Behave When Sensing an Earthquake?
In the video below you can see how the cats in an cattery react when an earthquake is about to happen in Japan.
There is a mix of reactions but you can clearly see the cats can sense an earthquake is about to happen and they don’t like it!.
It seems like the cats on the floor are affected the most, probably as it’s easier for them to feel the vibrations that we can’t see or feel yet.
The cats in the cat trees perk up and raise their ears, they also clearly know something unusual is about to happen.
It’s a mix of confusion and panic. A few of the cats start to run around looking for somewhere safe to hide, and just trying to escape the feeling that the floor is moving!
I’ve also spoken to someone who experienced a small earthquake in the UK and they said their cat, who is normally very quiet, was meowing and pacing around about 20-30 seconds before the earthquake hit.
What to Do with Cat In An Earthquake?
I hope you never find yourself in a situation where you and your cat, and anyone else in your home for that matter, are experiencing an earthquake.
It’s always good to be prepared for the worst however and know what to do should it happen.
As you could see from the video above, cats are understandably freaked out when there is an earthquake pending or happening.
The best thing you can do is grab your cat and find somewhere safe to wait out the shaking. Under a table, a door frame, something like this that will shield you from any loose debris that might fall from above.
If your cat is really freaking out and becoming very distressed it is best to let them go so they can find somewhere they feel safe. It’s up to you to judge just how stressed they are by you holding them and if this is a better idea.
If they are calm and happy to be protected by you then just hold them close and cover them against potential harm.
It’s easier said than done, but the goal is to try and stay as calm as possible and just wait it out while being in the safest possible place.
Have you and your cat ever experienced an earthquake? I hope not, but if you have maybe you can share how your cat acted and how long before you they knew something was up? Thanks.
