Does the full moon really affect cat behavior: a scientific perspective

Does the full moon affect cat behavior? This question remains unanswered, but there are some interesting observations.

According to veterinary expert Maya Platisa, many owners believe that during the full moon, their pets become more aggressive or, conversely, avoid communication. Despite the lack of indisputable evidence, studies show that during this natural phenomenon, the number of emergency calls to veterinary clinics increases.

One study, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, analyzed 11,940 cases of visits to clinics in the state of Colorado. Among the striking results is an increase in the number of visits with cats by 23% and with dogs by 28% during the full moon. Scientists cannot explain this pattern, noting that “there are indirect factors.”

Experts note that before the advent of electricity, moonlight was actively used by people for nighttime activities, which caused increased activity and, possibly, increased risks. For example, in 2018, a greater number of accidents were recorded during the full moon.

The psychological aspect also plays an important role. If the owner believes that the moon affects the behavior of his cat, he begins to pay more attention to any changes in the animal’s mood.

“The moon may seem to be to blame, but in fact it all depends on the owner’s observation of the cat’s mood,” experts emphasize.

The pandemic has added new factors to this atmosphere. People spent more time at home and, accordingly, began to observe their pets more carefully, which led to the recording of nuances that could have previously gone unnoticed.

Earlier, scientists discussed the potential role of cats as assistants in Alzheimer’s disease treatment, and studies have also been conducted on the topic of why cats dislike water so much. Meanwhile, a shocking discovery has become known – cats can understand human language.