How Does Your Cat Act During The Rain?
It is well known that most cats do not like to get wet and, in fact, avoid water as much as possible. It is believed that they do this because they are predisposed to respiratory diseases. But, how does your cat act during the rain?
Don’t forget that your ancestors, the big cats of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, lived in desert places ; in these habitats, water was very rare.
One of the reasons for the aversion to water may be precisely this minimal experience with the liquid element in its origins.
Why do cats fear water?
Cats were domesticated by humans 9,500 years ago. And this training avoided natural situations with water, because they were overprotected from rain or sources of this element indoors.
Also, over time, they saw water as a source of great danger. Among other things, water is the habitat of certain predators in their natural environment, such as crocodiles.
contradictory feelings
The water provokes in the cats a feeling of wonder, curiosity and surprise, distrust and fear. It produces a mixture of attraction and fear.
The good news is that cats can get used to water early on. It is important to carry out this process little by little, with patience and when they are still puppies.
The beginning of this ‘water training’ may be to first wet him with warm water, as the heat comforts them. First with a damp cloth and then with a little water.
These approaches can be psychological preparations. Choose an opportune moment, a space of peace, well-being and tranquility.
Cats Reactions During Rain
It’s true that most cats curl up in a warm, safe place indoors when it rains. However, it also happens that many kittens prefer to go out when it rains.
In this way, they get used to the liquid element doing what they like best: hunting and exploring the environment.
What are the benefits of a cat going out when it rains?
- Maybe he just does it because he wants to urinate or defecate outside when it’s raining. In these cases, they prefer not to hold and withstand a few drops of rain.
- In fact, on rainy days, the streets are usually much emptier and quieter than usual. This scenario, without humans or animals, can be very attractive to go out and enjoy a quiet moment outside.
- The rain cleans both the dirt and the bad odors. Cats may be interested in seeing what’s new outside. Do not forget that these animals are very sensitive to odors and may like to see what has changed in their usual environment.
- In relation to the previous point, the rain also eliminates the territorial marks odors of the dominant cats in the area. This way, places that were previously prohibited for our pet, are no longer. For this reason, they will feel freer to inspect previously prohibited places.
- Rain can be a great ally when hunting. Small animals usually go out to drink water from the small puddles that form with rainwater.
- We must remember that rain attenuates both the smell and the sound emitted by the predator, in this case, the feline. This makes the task of obtaining new prey much easier.
Tips for rainy days
Generally, cats look for a warm, safe place at home before and during a storm. Among other things, because they tend to be restless and need to calm down.
If you know your cat is afraid of lightning and lightning, you should prevent the storm from finding him outside and help him find a place to calm him down.
If the cat has already found shelter, it is better not to take it out, because it has already found the protection it needed for the situation.
In those cases, where the cat may even have a storm phobia, the owner should remain as calm as possible while reassuring the cat. In this way, by keeping calm, you prevent your pet from getting stressed.
