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”.

Finally, a word of warning: not every unusual reaction from a cat is weather-related. As one proverb notes: “Cats with their tails up and hair apparently electrified indicates approaching wind – or a dog”.