Jakarta, ThedailyID — Cats are often believed to have strong instincts that allow them to sense earthquakes before humans notice them.
Stories from pet owners describe cats behaving unusually hours before an earthquake. However, scientific evidence supporting their ability to predict earthquakes remains limited and disputed.
So, can cats really detect earthquakes before they happen?
There is no clear scientific consensus. Some studies and observations have reported unusual animal behavior before earthquakes, while other researchers consider the evidence anecdotal.
German scientist Helmut Tributsch was among those who believed cats could sense earthquakes. According to Catster, he proposed that cats might detect ions produced by friction between tectonic plates.
Another example came from U.S. geologist Jim Berkland. He reportedly predicted two earthquakes in California after noticing an increase in missing-pet advertisements in local newspapers.
However, the Seismological Society of America has challenged claims about animals sensing earthquakes. It has described such accounts as anecdotal evidence rather than proof of a reliable prediction ability.
Some studies have observed unusual behavior in cats before earthquakes. However, the behavior varies between animals, as does the distance from the earthquake’s epicenter.
Cat owners have reported behaviors such as excessive meowing, whining, anxiety, fear, and confusion. Some cats have also reportedly run away to find safer locations, sometimes taking their kittens with them.
Cats are not the only animals linked to possible earthquake detection. Other species have also been associated with unusual behavior before seismic activity.
1. Dogs
Dogs have highly sensitive senses and can detect high-frequency sounds and subtle vibrations. According to Times of India, this may cause some dogs to behave unusually before an earthquake.
They may bark excessively or try to escape. Some reports describe these behaviors appearing hours or even days before an earthquake.
2. Frogs
Frogs have also attracted attention in research on earthquake-related animal behavior.
A 2009 study in Italy observed a colony of frogs leaving their habitat five days before a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck L’Aquila.
3. Rats
Rats were also reportedly seen behaving unusually before the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake.
Local residents reported seeing rats leave buildings and move toward open areas several hours before people felt the earthquake.
4. Birds
Birds have long been suspected of sensing changes associated with seismic activity.
Species such as sparrows, pigeons, and swallows are believed to be sensitive to subtle changes in Earth’s magnetic field and low-frequency vibrations.
5. Cows
Cows have also been linked to unusual behavior before earthquakes.
Farmers have reported cattle becoming restless, stopping eating, or gathering differently several hours before an earthquake.
Despite these reports, the ability of cats and other animals to predict earthquakes remains unsupported by strong scientific evidence. Their unusual behavior may provide an interesting observation, but it should not replace official earthquake monitoring and warning systems.
