Do Moon Phases Affect Cats? Full Moon and Cat Behaviors Explained And What Should I Do?

Did you know that when the moon is full, there’s a much higher chance of cat scratching or other violent outbursts?

When the moon is full and bright, cats exhibit strange behavior. They may start hunting at night, and they are often found lying under trees when there are no predators nearby.

This article explores the strange effects of the full moon on cats and their owners.

The Effect the Moon Has on the Earth

I hate to turn this into a moon lecture, but the moon has some fascinating affects on planet Earth.

Did you know, for instance, that the gravitational attraction of the Moon is what generates ocean waves and determines the timing of high and low tides?

This is a potent statement. That it has no impact at all, even an invisible one, is certainly something to ponder.

Does the full moon affect my cat?

This appears to be the case based on our observations. Of course, we just have our own experience to go on, but the synchronicities appeared to call for some more research.

Even more surprisingly, it appears that Misty isn’t the only cat to act out of character, eccentrically, and defiantly, when there’s a full moon in the sky.

Cat owners have a lot to say about the full moon and their pets’ odd behavior, and they have a lot of questions and articles to ask and blogs to write.

How Do Cats Act When It’s a Full Moon?

Since I can remember, there are a few things to watch out for when the moon is full, and I’ll list the most prevalent ones:

• I’ve been keeping busier hours than normal.
• More carefree than normal.
• Cat is purring louder than usual.
• Raising the fur on their tails and backs (as cats do when they feel threatened).
• Finding a safe haven or hiding spot in your regular residence.

Now I’ve talked to many cat owners about this, and I know that my cats act up when there is a full moon out, but I’m still not sure.

Since I am by nature a skeptic, I need convincing arguments to accept them. Until now, I haven’t seen conclusive evidence linking the full moon with my cats’ unpredictable behavior.

The risk of harm is 23% higher during a full moon, according to a research conducted by Colorado State University (source), providing “proof” that a full moon affects the behavior of cats and other pets.

That’s a significant increase in the number of unexpected trips to the animal hospital. I mean, that big of a number makes me question if there could be any truth to this.

No increased hostility or injuries associated with fighting were seen, the study concluded. As a matter of fact, it’s probably because of the full moon’s influence, which encourage cats to go hunting and get them into trouble.

Cat behaviour during full moon

Veterinarians and cat owners alike have noticed that their feline friends act naughtier around the full moon. Cat owners typically see the following behavioral changes during the full moon:

• These felines are more reclusive than average
• Restlessness
• Growth in childlike mischeviousness
• Hanging around with Other Cats
• Louder and more meowing

There is an upsurge in the number of patients admitted to animal hospitals around the time of the full moon, according to a number of different studies and data.

There was a 23% rise in clinic visits for cats and a 28% increase for canines, according to one research that relied on anecdotes rather than hard data.

Research conducted at the University of Colorado’s College of Veterinary Medicine found that full moons were associated with a 30% increase in injury risk for cats.

It is unclear if this was because cats were more likely to venture outside at night when the moon was bright, increasing the danger of damage to them, or whether the moon itself had some sort of impact.

It has been theorized that feline and other animal circadian rhythms are affected by the moon. The term “circadian rhythm” is used to describe the 24-hour cycle of changes in a person’s physical, mental, and behavioral states.

The heart rate, sleep schedule, hormones, temperature, and blood pressure of animals, plants, and most other forms of life all fluctuate on a daily basis, in accordance with a 24-hour cycle.

Some scientists believe that cats and dogs—and perhaps humans—exhibit altered behavior when the moon influences earthly variables like gravity and nighttime light.

Is Your Cat Meowing During a Full Moon?

Meowing more than usual is a frequent full moon habit. There is a common belief that, like werewolves or even house dogs, cats will make unusually loud noises when the moon is out.

For my part, I’ve done some investigating and read arguments for and against this. It is believed by some pet owners that their canine and feline companions are more vocal under a full moon.

However, skeptics insist it’s just a coincidence. Even while I couldn’t discover any research linking the two, I can’t say that the pet owners who report this phenomenon are mistaken.

Does the full moon have an effect on humans?

Few scientific research have yielded definitive results in favor of this viewpoint.

But midwives say they’re busier around the full moon, hospital emergency rooms see more patients, and I wonder how many of us have restless nights around this time.

Prisons report an uptick in inmate violence, while psychiatric hospital admissions and reports of other human suffering rise.

Numerous myths and stories, spanning numerous cultures and many centuries, center on the power of the full moon.

When you gaze up in the night sky and see a beautiful full moon, you can’t help but experience a sense of wonder and enchantment.

It’s conceivable that it’s all a coincidence; at this point, we really don’t know. It’s hardly surprising that animal behavior has shifted in light of all these coincidental human events.

What You Can Do If Your Cat Is Affected by a Full Moon

As far as I’m aware, and based on what I’ve read, there is nothing you can do to mitigate the impacts of the full moon.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t recommend letting them go. Keep your cat inside where you can keep an eye on it during the full moon since, as I mentioned before, the incidence of injuries rises at this time.

It’s possible that they’re scurrying all over the place and creating a lot of racket. But that’s far preferable than the alternative, which is to go hunting with a bloodlust and risk getting into trouble.

If they are becoming too much of a nuisance and you must let them out, at least provide them with identification (a tag with their name and number) and a luminous collar.

Other phases of the moon and possible effect on cats

One part of the moon’s cycle is the full moon, but there are other phases as well. Numerous astrologers have proposed explanations for why your cat and other pets could act differently during different moon phases.

New Moon

The first phase of the moon is called a “new moon.” A solar eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are in perfect alignment such that the Sun and Earth seem to be on opposing sides of the moon.

The moon will be completely obscured from view, save in the form of a silhouette during a solar eclipse, for the entire 29.5 days that this phase lasts.

The period of the new moon is ideal for setting goals and focusing one’s attention only on the natural world. It’s as if cats have an innate understanding of how important it is to slow down and chill down during this time.

Super Moon

The phrase “super moon” is used to describe a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest to Earth in its orbit. Cats use their heightened senses to avoid potential threats and remain in areas where they feel comfortable.

Waning Moon

After full moon and before new moon, the moon is said to be waning because its visible surface area is getting smaller. This is when the animals’ true nesting instincts kick in, and they begin to actively seek for prey, assemble materials for nests, and start settling in.

Waxing Moon

When the moon’s luminous area grows from new moon to full moon, we say that the moon is waxing, the opposite of a waning moon. Animals often slow down at this phase, sleeping more and eating less.

Blue Moon

A occurrence of this kind happens just once every three years. It happens when a month has two full moons. It’s like having a second full moon to enjoy your cat’s extra playful antics and rounds of hide-and-seek!

Black Cats and Full Moons – Superstition or Real?

Black cats have traditionally been the subject of superstition. For example, if one crosses your path, it’s a sign of impending misfortune and you should try to avoid it at all costs. Alternatively, bad luck is on the way if a black cat seems to be following you.

Sure, you’ve heard those, and probably a lot more, right?

No, I’m not the superstitious type. There’s no way a black cat crossing my path or following me means bad luck.

It stands to reason that those inclined toward superstition would link the occurrence of both a black cat and a full moon and draw irrational conclusions as a result.

It makes no sense to assume that black cats are any more vulnerable to the full moon than other cats.

Therefore, do we really need to consider the moon when considering our cat’s needs and behaviours?

Do we really need to be concerned with the stories of moon madness, lunar lunacies, and strange animal behavior? As we learn more, our relationships with our cats and other pets strengthen. Perhaps if we notice a trend occurring during full moons or any of the other lunar phases, we can learn to respect and marvel at nature.

What Does All of This Mean for You and Your Cat Next Full Moon?

Really, this is fascinating. Researching it more and talking about it with other pet owners has been interesting, but as I’ve already mentioned, there isn’t much you can do besides containing your cats.

Do you have any anecdotes of how a full moon influenced your cat? If so, I’d love to hear them in the comments section.

Prefer to watch videos? Here you go

Watch video here

Conclusion

So, as you know, your cat may display certain behaviors during each phase of the moon, which you can observe from their normal activities, such as sleeping and eating.

For example, a full moon is linked to increased energy and aggression, while a waning moon causes lethargy and depression.

On the other hand, a new moon brings sleepiness and less energy. In addition, a new moon is said to bring increased awareness of the spiritual realm, while the dark moon brings on introspection.

source https://catshint.com/do-moon-phases-affect-cats-full-moon-and-cat-behaviors-explained/