"Where does the expression "It's raining cats and dogs" come from?

Question

and, what does it mean

Answer 1

OK, here's your answer, it's gross, but true . . .

In older times, public sanitation in cities was not what it is now. In other words, they didn't clean the streets and remove the garbage as often as they do now.

So, at times when it would rain heavily, you would see dead small animals being washed down the streets and gutters - rats, cats, dogs, etc. At some point someone connected the heavy rain with the thought that "it's raining cats and dogs" since you saw them coursing down the street only in a heavy - and street and gutter cleansing - rain.

Told you it was icky, but that's what folklorists believe is the origin of this expression.

Answer 2

There are a few real keys to dog training, whether you are trying to train your dog to come when called, sit, stop barking or any other behavior. Understanding their importance is critical to achieving rapid results that are long lasting and help develop the bond between you and your dog. Read more here https://biturl.im/aU7IC

The first is simple; you must win your dogs mind. If you don't achieve this first then you will be struggling the all the way. When I talk about winning your dogs mind what I really mean is that your dog looks to you for all the decisions. Before you do anything else watch one of the amazing video sites that show you the 5 Golden rules to establishing yourself as the pack leader. If you aren't putting these in place then you are setting yourself up to fail. Just at the crucial point where you really want your dog to listen they will go and do their own thing. For sure your dog may play ball occasionally or even most of the time, you may even have a dog that is obedient 99% of the time, however if you want a dog who always listens to you and does as you ask then you need to win your dogs mind.

The second key to success is to motivate your dog. It is really important that you discover what it is that your dog enjoys both in terms of exercise and play but also in terms of a reward. If you can make the experience enjoyable then you will both achieve more and look forward to training.

Some dogs love to fetch, others love agility, and other dogs simply love obedience training, or swimming out into water and retrieve. At least to start with find out what your dogs love is and help them develop this, what I am saying is work with your dog. The other point to recognize is to make training enjoyable reward your dog.

Answer 3

There are many suggestions, but the one I like best is the following:
The phrase is supposed to have originated in England in the 17th century when city streets were filthy and heavy rain would occasionally carry along dead animals.

The idea that seeing dead cats and dogs floating by in storms would cause people to coin this phrase is just about believable. People may not have actually thought the animals had come from the sky, but might have made up the phrase to suit the occasion.

Answer 4

Animalplanet.com offers yet two more possibilities for this colorful expression. It could liken the racket made by a storm to the thunderous noise made by fighting cats and dogs. Or, it may arise from the era of thatched roofs when downpours would bring cats and dogs dozing atop houses down onto the occupants


In nordic countries people used to roof their houses with sod and let the animals live on top of that. when the rains came, the roof got weak and the animals fell through into the house.

Answer 5

The animals used to stay on the old thatch roofs of houses for heat that came from inside. In the rain the roofs got slippery and they would slide off. Hence it's raining cats and dogs.
Sounds weird I know but true.

Answer 6

get ready to be sad on this one....

The saying "It's raining cats and dogs" came from the times before spaying and neutering your animal came along. (stay with me) People would wind up with more animals than they needed when the dogs and cats would breed. So they would sack up the kittens or pups in burlap bags and tie it shut and drop them in the river to drown. People generally did this when it was raining because no one was around, especially children. When the river would 'overflow' the animals may just have a chance to survive. Often people would find these sacks outside their houses of live cats or dogs and take pitty on them. Hence...it's raining cats and dogs!

Answer 7

Most likely from the Midwest, as they are known for their "plain-speaking" One day, a tornado hit the local animal shelter and there after it was raining cats and dogs.

Who would have thought to take the expression as anything but
lit[t]erally"?

Answer 8

It means heavy rain, pouring down.

Answer 9

I think that it comes from tornado conditions where cats and dogs as well as frogs and fish would fall from the sky after being sucked up.