Here is an interesting article written by Stephen Moss and published in The Guardian’s Weatherwatch on April 16th, 2009.

It’s about Cat Tales, weather folklore that is.

“Cats have long been credited with supernatural powers, so it’s hardly surprising that they feature prominently in weather folklore. If a cat’s skin looks bright, it is said to mean that the next day will be fine; while if it wipes its mouth with its feet this is a sure sign of rain – especially if it covers its ears with its paws while doing so. Be sure to watch which direction the cat turns towards while washing its face – this is said to foretell the direction from which the wind will blow.

Rubbing table legs is also meant to indicate a change in the weather, while a sneezing cat is supposed to be a sign of rain. If a cat sits with its back to the fire there will be a hard frost or snow; later on, if it washes its face (again!) then the thaw is on its way. Cats are said to be unlucky aboard ship when they become unusually playful or quarrelsome – they are said to “have a gale of wind in their tail”, which will soon turn into a real gale.

Other beliefs are even more bizarre: an Irish saying holds that putting a cat under the pot will bring bad weather – presumably bad luck to the poor cat. One Victorian folklorist noted “this is sometimes done in jest to prevent a guest from departing”.  ”

Full story in The Guardian.

Photo from Mosaic Cats.