"Hardly Eating, Only Napping After the Ordeal"...Cats Felt 'Fear' During Kumamoto Earthquake

Analysis of Behavior in About 170 Pet Cats Before and After the Earthquake

"Owners Should Monitor Pet Cats' Health Before and After Disasters"

An analysis has suggested that the number of meals and drinks taken by cats may have decreased and their sleep patterns may have changed during the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.

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On September 9, Nikkei reported that Labo, a Japanese health management service provider for cats and dogs, analyzed behavioral data from about 170 local cats before and after the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred on July 28. The analysis revealed changes in the cats’ eating, drinking, and sleeping behaviors.

According to the analysis, the number of meals for cats in Kumamoto Prefecture decreased by 16.9% on the day of the main shock compared to before the earthquake. Water intake frequency also dropped by 13%. Labo researchers analyzed that it may have become difficult to provide regular meals and water due to confusion caused by the earthquake, water supply disruptions, and evacuations, or that food and water intake may have decreased due to stress.

Changes were also observed in sleep patterns. The frequency of sleeping for relatively long periods decreased by 12% on the day of the main shock, while the frequency of short naps increased by 17% the following day. The time cats spent resting without sleeping but barely moving also increased by over 20% from the day of the main shock to the next day.

The time spent grooming decreased by 22% on the day of the main shock, but remained more than 10% above normal for several days thereafter. The time spent walking or running increased by 23% the day after the main shock.

Researchers at Labo noted, "It is possible that behaviors to self-soothe or remain vigilant persisted due to stress and fear from aftershocks," advising, "When cats try to return to ordinary life after a major disaster, it is important to pay attention to whether they can sleep comfortably, drink water, and urinate as usual."

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