The expression “ it ’s raining cats and dog ” intend that it ’s raining super hard . When you think about it , it ’s an odd formulation . I mean , sure , some cad love the rainwater — butcats and waterhaven’t classically been the best of friends . And it ’s just anoddsaying . Why do we even say it , and where did the expression come from ?
There ’s actually no individual known root of the phrase . Instead , there are several theories around why this idiom came about , and if you think the expression is unknown , wait until you find out the possible origins !
Theory #1: Norse Mythology
One potential backstory is that it ’s root in Norse mythology . Because of the tie-up betweenblack catsand witches or all things “ evil , ” cats became a planetary house of storms . And Odin ’s wolves , Geri and Freki , came to correspond the wind . As a result , “ rain cats and dogs ” could have come to stand for tempestuous and long-winded atmospheric condition .
Theory #2: Flooded Streets
A kind of morbid theory hail from the fact that European street would flood pretty on a regular basis during storm in the 17th century . The water would slosh around and carry with it net ton of debris , including beat animals , like computed axial tomography and dogs .
Irish poet Johnathon Swift even wrote a poem in 1710 calledA Description of a City Showerabout these deluge . In it , he mentioned “ drowned puppies ” and “ stagnant cats , ” which might be where “ raining qat and dog-iron ” arrive from .
Theory #3: Similar Words
The phrasal idiom “ cats and dogs ” could have come from other Logos that vocalize alike . One possibility is the old English “ catadupe , ” which means waterfall . Another is the Greek phrase “ cata doxa , ” which translates to “ contrary to belief . ” Either of these could have evolved into the verbal expression we use today .
Debunked Theory #4: Cats and Dogs Washed Down Roofs
A theory that has long been altercate because it does n’t make a whole lot of sense is the idea that roam cat and dogs would seek protection at the top of thatch roof . When it rained , they ’d be washed down the sides of the roof along with the pee and fall onto the street . Hence , “ rain CAT and dogs . ”
The intellect people say this probably is n’t the dependable origin of the expression is because animals just do n’t conceal out at the crank top of roofs , and emphatically not during pitiable weather . They ’re more likely toseek shelterunder bushes , houses , or anywhere it ’s warm and dry .
Rainy Day Dog Tips
Even though no one have a go at it the real base of this expression , we do know one affair for certain : some khat and dogs actually like the rainfall . But if your dog does n’t there might be some a explanation .
Scents are really amplify , and the water can lave far-off smells closer to your pup , which is like a party for their nose . But that ’s only one of the rationality it gets them frisky .
When Dogs Don’t Like the Rain
Some dogs absolutely loathe rain . possibly it ’s the feeling of the piddle droplets , the thunder , or even the barometrical imperativeness alteration . If that sound like your whelp , all is n’t fall behind . There are a few direction you canprep for rainy daysto make your doggo more comfy next clip it drizzles .
Rainy Weather Precations for Pups
If you ’re planning on taking your puppy out for a stroll while it ’s splash out , you ’ll want to take someprecautionsto keep them dependable . And post - walk , definitelydry their paws offto forbid any annoyance or a barm contagion from commence .
“Raining Cats & Dogs” Meaning
Next time you use the expression “ raining hombre and dogs , ” you ’ll have a better idea of where the set phrase came from . And if it is coming down out there , do n’t be surprised if your canine tooth or feline companion still desire to point out on a walk . Some pets just love the wet stuff , whereas others want nothing to do with it . work out with your positron emission tomography ’s comfort level to keep them secure and well-chosen .