Do cats like rain? Where do cats go when it’s raining?

Do cats like rain?

The general consensus amongst cat owners seems to be that most cats don’t like rain. And this is certainly the case in our household. When the rain is pouring outside our two cats curl up and sleep through the dreary weather. Most cats simply don’t like water. A heavy downpour or persistent rain can cause the cat’s fur to become waterlogged. Although the top layer of your cat’s fur is water resistant, if they get soaking wet and all the fur is drenched then they can feel become very uncomfortable. The wet fur becomes heavier and this will compromise your cat’s agility. Being soaked through will cause a loss of body heat and exposure to being cold and wet for a long period of time could potentially result in hypothermia.

Where do cats go when it’s raining?

In our household, if it starts to rain, I call Misty’s name and she bounds to the warm dry indoors at top speed. She always seems to come from a sheltered spot, be it in the shed, under the car or she may be sheltering with our pet sheep, but she certainly isn’t one to dance and embrace the rain. Cats are intelligent, instinctive animals and will know where to seek shelter. An outside cat will be familiar with her territory and will have her ‘go-to’ places when cover is needed. Cats will find shelter under bushes, under cars, they will crawl into small spaces, or shelter under the overhang of buildings.

Can cats sense rain?

Today’s weather forecasts are pretty accurate most of the time, basing their predications and outlooks on complex computerized weather programmes. But before the age of computers people often tuned to nature, and in particular to animals for clues as to how and when the weather would be changing. In 1883, an army lieutenant, H.H.C. Dunwoody, wrote a book about weather predictions, ‘Weather Proverbs’, based on signs from the animal kingdom, and in particular, from cats.

Some of the traditional beliefs about cats and the weather include:

• A cat sneezing is a sign of rain
• Foul weather on the way if cats are snoring
• If a cat washes her head behind her ear, rain is on its way
• Similarly, if a cat washer over both ears, there will be rain
• In winter, if a cat washes her face with her back to the fire, the winter thaw is imminent
• The direction to which a cat turns and washer her face after rain denotes the wind direction
• If a normally lovable cat starts hissing or biting it could mean a bad storm is on its way
• A suddenly frisky cat can mean thunderstorms
• If a cat grooms her coat against the grain, bad weather is on the way.

Although, there is no scientific proof that cats can predict the weather, it certainly doesn’t mean that they can’t sense weather changes. Cats, like most species in the animal kingdom often rely on gut instincts for survival. Some believe that cats, indeed most animals, can hear thunder, smell rain and sense impending storms and weather pressures. Often when natural weather disasters strike, wildlife casualties are often minimal compared to human fatalities. Before hurricanes, animals often hide or move inland to safer areas and people have noted strange behaviour in the animal kingdom before earthquakes and tsunamis. It may be wise to pay attention a little closer to our cats, and pets behaviour, we may learn a thing or two regarding weather predictions.

Why does my cat like being out in the rain?

Of course, there are always cats that defy the rules. While most cats will run to seek shelter, or simply refuse to go out, some are known to be eager to go out into the rain. Despite the wet fur why would these kitties want to venture out? Some potential reasons include:

• Some cats have a natural affinity for water

Certain breeds of cats enjoy the water. Turkish Vans, Bengal and Savannah are some of the breeds that actually enjoy swimming and bathing in water. With this natural affinity for water they are not going to be overly concerned with a shower of rain.

• Urge for hunting

An outside cat spends a great deal of her time hunting. Even though cats were domesticated nearly 10,000 years ago the natural hunting instinct remain a strong urge in cats. It keeps them agile and stimulated and this need may still need to be satisfied despite the weather. The sound of the rain and the reduced visibility may even make it easier for your cat to catch prey. If the weather conditions are simply too dreadful to allow your cat to go outdoors, ensure you set aside some time to play and entertain your cat. Our article ’18 games to play with your cat’ will give you plenty of ideas, many based on satisfying their hunting needs.

• Different senses

Cats have a very well-developed sense of smell and depend on scent extensively as a form of communication. Scent in urine and faeces aid a cat’s communication particularly for marking territory. The scent left can then be interpreted by other cats. This scent alone can communicate to other cats the size, sex and reproductive status of an individual cat. Cats also have scent glands on their feet. They will scratch on posts and trees to keep paws in a good condition but also to leave a scent mark. Cats have a tendency to scratch repeatedly in familiar, known spots. Rain will wash away many scents leaving areas ready for new markings and possible new territory for your cat

• Toileting habits

Many cats do not like using an indoor litter tray and prefer to go outside. If this is the case, then they will still want to go outside despite the weather. It is always advisable to have an indoor littler tray on offer as an alternative, but we all know that cats usually do what pleases them!

• Creatures of habit

Cats enjoy routine and structure to their day. If part of that routine is a daily walk outside, then they will very often still want to go outside even on a wet day. They may well be home sooner than usual, or simply  be outside in a shelter but nevertheless still have the urge to go out.

Should I let my cat out in the rain?

So far, in summary, we have learnt that;

• most, but not all, cats dislike the rain,
• there will be an urge in some cats for continuing their daily routine despite the weather, and that
• long periods of cold and wet fur is not advisable as it could potentially result in hypothermia.

There doesn’t seem to be a one answer fits all. Just like humans, all cats are individual and differ in their needs and preferences. It is up to us, as responsible owners, to make the best decision, balancing their individual preferences whilst, at the same time, keeping them safe.

Other articles you may find of interest

Keeping cats safe in winter – a complete guide

The energetic power of cats and their spiritual meaning

Does the full moon affect my cat?

Should I let my cat outside at night? Indoor or outdoor cat?