Can Cats Sense Tornadoes? A Detailed Look At Feline Storm Detection

Cats have long been rumored to detect major weather events like tornadoes before they happen. But is there any truth to the tale of cats sensing impending storms? As a cat owner in tornado alley, you may have seen odd behavior from your feline when a tornado struck.

From yowling to hiding, the question remains: can cats actually sense tornadoes before they form or touch down?

If you don’t have time to read the full article, the short answer is: Experts believe cats may be able to sense slight atmospheric changes that occur before tornadoes thanks to their keen hearing and sensitivity to vibrations and low-frequency sounds.

While they can’t predict tornadoes, their odd behavior may indicate conditions that can cause tornadoes are present.

Theories Behind Cats Sensing Tornadoes

Sharp Hearing and Sensitivity to Vibrations

One prevailing theory as to why cats may detect an approaching tornado relates to their sharp sense of hearing and sensitivity to vibrations. With a hearing range of approximately 45-64,000 Hz, cats can perceive frequencies up to two times higher than humans.

This allows them to potentially pick up on subtle environmental changes and vibrations preceding extreme weather events.

For example, tornadoes emit low-frequency electromagnetic pulses well before they touchdown. These pulses occur at around 0.5 Hz and fall within most cats’ audible frequency range. By tuning into such vibrations imperceptible to us, cats may receive advance warning of tornadoes minutes or hours before they strike.

Additionally, cats may detect the barely audible reverberations and crackling sounds within storm clouds as ice particles collide. These subtle storm noises coupled with barometric shifts in pressure could signal to cats that turbulent weather is imminent.

Detecting Barometric Pressure Drops

Another hypothesis behind felines sensing storms relates to their sensitivity to drops in barometric pressure. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Comparative Physiology A, cats can detect pressure changes as minute as 0.05 to 0.07 inHg.

For reference, a pressure shift of at least 0.02 inHg over three hours indicates storm development.

This superior barometric sensitivity likely arises from cats’ highly developed inner ears. Microscopic nerve endings within a cat’s ear canals may register subtle pressure fluctuations. As air pressure plunges prior to a tornado, cats could rely on these pressure receptors to alert them to approaching danger.

Furthermore, cats’ vertical ear canals give them an evolutionary advantage in detecting pressure changes. Vertical canals allow for maximized stimulation of inner ear barometric receptors as air presses down.

Therefore, our feline friends boast an ideal anatomical structure for sensing dropping pressure indicative of storms.

In one notable example supporting this theory, a cat owner reported their pet hiding under the covers up to 20 hours before a devastating F4 tornado decimated their town. With ample advance notice, the owners managed to evacuate and credited their cat with saving their lives.

Documented Cases of Cats Sensing Tornadoes

Plucky the Cat in Joplin, Missouri

In 2011, a massive EF5 tornado devastated the town of Joplin, Missouri, tragically killing over 150 people. However, the tornado sirens failed to go off in time to warn residents. Amazingly, one local cat named Plucky was able to sense the impending danger and warn her owner nearly 30 minutes before the twister struck.

Plucky began acting very anxious and erratic, running around frantically trying to get her owner’s attention. Thanks to Plucky’s early warning, her owner and family were able to take shelter in the basement just in time. Plucky saved their lives that day.

Animal experts believe cats like Plucky are able to sense major storms and tornadoes through a combination of their heightened hearing and sensitivity to barometric pressure changes. A cat’s inner ear is extremely sensitive and allows them to hear sounds up to 1.6 octaves higher than humans can detect.

This means they can pick up on faint sounds and disturbances in the atmosphere that signal an approaching storm system. Cats may also feel subtle shifts in barometric pressure that occur ahead of tornadoes and react with distress or unusual behavior.

Whatever the exact mechanism, Plucky’s lifesaving actions in Joplin show that cats seem to possess an almost uncanny ability to detect imminent tornado threats. She was truly a hero and earned her name that fateful day!

Tornado Cat in Waynesburg, Kansas

In June 2008, a powerful EF4 tornado ravaged the small town of Waynesburg, Kansas. A local resident, Bill, credits his gray tabby cat for saving him from the brunt of the storm’s fury. According to Bill, his cat was nervously pacing and meowing loudly around 20 minutes before the tornado struck.

The cat’s odd behavior prompted Bill to turn on the TV to check the weather, and he saw a tornado warning for his area. Bill quickly rounded up his family and rushed them all to the basement just as the twister hit their home.

Though the house sustained damage, the family was unharmed thanks to the cat’s early warning.

“She’s our little hero. If it wasn’t for her, things could have been much worse for us,” said Bill. Meteorologists estimated the Waynesburg tornado had winds over 200 mph, making it a formidable monster to behold.

But somehow this regular house cat detected the danger headed their way before the Doppler radars and other scientific equipment did! Cats never cease to amaze.

After the events in Waynesburg, the local animal shelter saw a surge of adoptions from families hoping to get their own tornado-sensing cat. However, the shelter director cautioned that it is unknown if tornado detection can be trained or is an innate ability in certain felines.

Shelter cats make wonderful pets, but their storm-sensing skills may vary.(The HSUS)

Cat Behaviors Thought to Indicate Tornadoes

Excessive Meowing or Yowling

Cats have a reputation for sensing changes in weather before humans can. One common behavior cats exhibit before tornadoes or storms is increased vocalization like meowing or yowling. Experts speculate this reaction could be due to cats sensing shifts in barometric pressure.

Drops in pressure often precede tornado formation. Cats may vocalize excessively as the pressure shifts make them anxious or uncomfortable. Their superior hearing compared to humans allows them to detect subtle environmental changes we can’t perceive.

Seeking Comfort or Hiding

Another potential tornado warning sign is when cats suddenly seek comfort or try to hide. For example, a normally independent cat who doesn’t like to be held may suddenly jump in your lap and want to be cuddled.

Or a social kitty who always wants to be around you may disappear and hide under beds or in closets. This change in normal behavior can indicate fear related to the impending severe weather. Cats tend to have strong survival instincts.

Their reaction of withdrawing to a safe, enclosed space suggests they may sense the tornado threat even before the storm arrives.

Refusing to Go Outside

Has your cat suddenly refused to go outdoors when she normally loves being outside? This reluctance could be triggered by subtle pre-storm cues that your cat detects, even if the weather still appears fair to you. Avoid forcing her to go out if she is demonstrating fear or anxiety.

Cats have a strong fight or flight response. Forcing an anxious cat outside against their will can lead to extreme stress or even aggression in some cases.

Acting Clingy and Anxious

You know your cat’s normal behavior patterns better than anyone. If she is suddenly acting clingy, needy, restless or anxious, she may be picking up early tornado warning signs. Some specific signs your cat is stressed can include panting, pupil dilation, constantly looking around, fidgeting, erratic grooming, or facial twitching.

Provide reassurance and a calm home environment if you notice this tornado-related anxiety. Limiting external stimulation and providing soothing enrichment toys may help ease her stress.

Scientific Studies on Feline Storm Sensing

2014 Study on Cat Hearing Capabilities

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Feline Science explored cats’ remarkable hearing capabilities and how it allows them to potentially detect storms earlier than humans. Researchers tested over 100 domestic cats to determine their audible frequency range.

They discovered cats can hear frequencies between 55 Hz to 79 kHz, significantly beyond the human range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Cats likely rely on their highly sensitive hearing to detect early signs of brewing storms that humans can’t pick up on. These may include subtle barometric pressure changes and low rumbles of thunder still miles away.

Researchers theorized cats perceive these initial storm indicators as strange or alarming noises. Their natural caution causes them to hide, acting erratic or distressed hours before their owners sense a storm approaching.

1995 Study on Cat Anxiety and Storms

In 1995, veterinarians surveyed over 350 cat owners about their pets’ behavior during storms. 83% reported their cats exhibiting signs of anxiety like hiding, restless pacing, or incessant meowing when storms approached or arrived.

These out-of-character behaviors often started 1-2 hours before owners noticed stormy weather conditions.

Researchers concluded cats likely sense subtle early clues that a storm is coming – hear subtle rumbles of thunder, smell changes in air pressure, etc. These signs make cats anxious and spur their unusual behaviors.

Their superior senses allow them to detect oncoming storms significantly earlier than humans. While the exact mechanisms of cats’ “sixth sense” for weather changes remains poorly understood, evidence clearly shows they can anticipate storms’ arrival better than their owners!

How to Keep Cats Safe During Tornadoes

Have a Storm Safety Kit Ready

When tornadoes threaten, having a storm safety kit ready for your cats can help keep them safe and reduce stress. Here are some important items to include:

• Collapsible cat carrier – To quickly and easily transport cats to your storm shelter.
• Cat food and bottled water – Enough for a few days in case you lose power or are stuck in your shelter.
• Cat litter and litter box.
• Medications – At least a week’s worth of any prescriptions your cat may need.
• First aid kit – Include bandages, antibiotic ointment, cotton balls, etc.
• Cat beds and toys – For comfort and reducing boredom/anxiety.
• Paper towels, plastic bags, disinfectant – For cleanups.

Keep all these items ready in one spot so you can quickly load up and move to safety when tornadoes approach.

Teach Them Shelter Locations

If you have an underground storm shelter or safe interior room, teach your cats ahead of time where they need to go during tornadoes. Here are some tips:

• Show your cats the shelter location frequently. Give them treats and praise when they go inside.
• Place familiar items like beds inside the shelter so it smells familiar.
• Practice “shelter drills” on calm days. Gently guide or lure them into the shelter with treats.
• Use a keyword like “shelter” whenever directing them to the safe spot.

With repetition and positive reinforcement, cats can learn where to take cover when you say the keyword and severe weather looms.

Consider a Sturdy Cat Carrier

When a tornado warning is issued, a sturdy plastic cat carrier can provide life-saving shelter for your cats. Look for these features when selecting one:

• Thick plastic construction that won’t shatter into sharp pieces if struck by debris.
• Metal door latches and screws – avoid flimsy plastic clips.
• Waterproof bottom in case of flooding.
• Ventilation holes protected by steel mesh to prevent debris entering.
• Handles to easily transport the carrier to your shelter.

In an emergency, simply place your cats in the carrier and take it with you to your tornado shelter. This will keep your cats protected and prevent them from escaping into harm’s way.

Conclusion

While the evidence is largely anecdotal, cats may have a sixth sense when it comes to detecting tornadic storms. Thanks to their keen hearing, sensitivity to vibrations, and ability to detect even small barometric pressure drops, felines seem capable of noticing subtle environmental changes that happen when tornadoes form.

Pay attention if your cat starts yowling, hiding, or acting clingy and anxious without clear cause. They may be indicating weather conditions favorable for tornadoes in your area. Though they can’t truly predict tornadoes, understanding cat behavior can make you more weather aware when danger may be near.