December 5, 2025, 5:31 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Many people complain about restless sleep during a full moon. But what about pets like dogs and cats? Do the moon phases also affect their behavior? Or should you even consider the moon’s position when brushing your cat or trimming your dog’s nails? PETBOOK author Philine Ebert has explored this question for you.
More Than Just Superstition?
This might sound like superstition or something spiritual to some. But if the moon has the power to control tides like ebb and flow, why shouldn’t it also influence the lives of humans and animals? Not only do people complain about sleepless nights during a full moon, but even insects, fish, or migratory birds react to the change in moon phases.
In agriculture, favorable days for livestock turnout, hoof care, barn changes, herd integration, parasite treatment, castration, or weaning calves are still determined by moon calendars or the “Hundred-Year Calendar,” which also considers the weather.
Although moon calendars have been used for a long time and in many cultures, there is still no scientifically proven evidence that the moon truly influences animals, humans, or plants.
What Influence Do the Moon Phases Have on Animals?
The classic example everyone thinks of is the wailing cat on the wall or the howling wolf on a bright, full-moon night. But the moon and its light intensity also affect animals, as shown by clear behavioral changes such as restlessness, increased activity, altered mating behavior, or a changed sleep-wake rhythm. Moonlight is also why bats and predators are less active during a full moon.
Many pet owners, trainers, or handlers also report a positive influence of the moon on their pets. There are remarkable effects in many areas. Breeders, for instance, consider the moon phases when mating their animals. Many hunters plan their hunts based on the moon’s brightness.
During a full moon, special energies are released in the body, which is why cats show increased activity or dogs bark more and are more restless at night than usual. This phenomenon can be observed on about three full moon days a month.
Also interesting: Why Animals Keep Dying in Chimneys and What Can Be Done
What Is a Moon Calendar?
Since the early Middle Ages, there have been daily recommendations based on the current position of the moon for various areas of life. Depending on its position, it is said to influence life on Earth.
A moon calendar, also called Lunar or Monthly Rule, shows daily which tasks or activities are particularly suitable for that day and where the best results can be achieved. According to ancient tradition, the moon phases have a significant influence on agriculture, gardening, plants, animals, and humans. Whether a day is suitable for repotting, harvesting, hunting, grooming, or cutting hair depends not only on the respective moon phase but also on its position in the zodiac sign.
How Does a Moon Calendar Work?
Since the 19th century, there have been astrological moon calendars in which the four moon phases (new moon, waxing moon, full moon, and waning moon) are assigned to the twelve zodiac signs based on the four elements: fire, earth, water, and air. These have an additional influence on the respective moon phase depending on their position. Each day is thus aligned with the current position of the moon and the zodiac sign it is in.
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Favorable Days for Pet Health and Care
If you want to use the natural rhythm of the moon, you can align your pet’s health and care with the moon phases:
- Getting a pet or moving/adjusting: During a new moon
- Coat and nail care: During a waning moon, coat and nails grow back slower and denser, and the coat shines more beautifully (this is mainly reported by dog groomers).
- Medical procedures: Animal naturopaths or veterinarians plan the moon phases for scheduled surgeries, as wound healing or bleeding tendencies can also be related. Medically necessary treatments or emergencies should not be delayed because of this.
- Deworming: favorable during a waning moon
- Cleaning pet cages: during a waning moon
- Utilizing the body’s natural strength: during a full moon. The organism can now draw more on its reserves.
- Detoxifying and cleansing: during a waning moon. Some pet owners even follow the moon calendar for giving supplements or specific feeds.
Moon Calendar for Pets – Myth or Added Value?
Although there is still no scientific evidence that the moon phases also affect our pets, the power of the moon can also be used for them. If a cat or dog is sensitive to the moon phases, owners can adjust and support their pets. And if the moon calendar also positively impacts health and care, it’s a great experience. Why not give it a try!