Mary Allen
Many cat owners report that their cats appear very restless and sometimes aggressive when the moon is full. Read here whether the phase of the moon really has an influence on cats.
Does the moon affect cat behavior? There are already numerous studies on the influence of the moon on humans. Even if many reports sleeping more restlessly on full moon nights, there has not yet been any verifiable connection between human behavior and the phase of the moon.
However, the influence of the full moon on animals has not yet been researched further. It is known that certain species of insects base their flight behavior on the phase of the moon, that the creatures in the Wadden Sea adapt to the phases of the moon, and that some animals mate more often on full moon nights.
This is How Cats React to the Moon
Cats have very keen senses, picking up sounds and movements that even the most observant of humans cannot hear or see. Many cat owners have reported noticeable behavior during the full moon:
- With increased activity, the cat finds no rest
- Cat meows a lot
- Shorter deep sleep phases
- Increase in turf wars and disputes
- Detached people are on the road longer
- In uncastrated animals: increased sex drive
Die hellen Vollmondnächte können also durchaus auf das Katzenverhalten einwirken, besonders sensible Katzen reagieren empfindlicher darauf als andere.
What to Do if the Cat is Particularly Restless During the Full Moon?
If your cat is one of those animals that are particularly restless on full moon nights and thus robs you of sleep, you can keep the cat busy the day before the full moon. Schedule additional interactive play sessions, introduce her to a new toy and let her chase her kibble instead of just presenting it in the bowl. If you’re lucky, your velvet paw will be really tired in the evening and let you sleep – and if not, just enjoy the full moon together.