It's raining Cat's & Dog's - Discuss / explain ?

Answer 1

In medieval times it was normal to keep livestock in the house. Of course, there were no ceilings and the roofs were made of thatch.

It was not unusual for some of the animals (ie cats and dogs) to live up in the roof. The problem was that when it rained, the thatch became wet and the animals used to slip off. So. "Raining cats and dogs" became a saying.

Also of course, the floors were basically compacted earth, which if it rained could easily become mud, so the floors were frequently covered in straw (thresh). To stop the thresh from being carried outside through the door, a bar was put across the bottom of the door to keep the thresh in.

This of course became the 'Threshold' of the house.

Fascinating curios of history.

Answer 2

I've heard it said that the expression comes from the days of old when all the family and the animals lived in one big barn like building which had a thatched roof. The Cats and the dogs would often sleep up in the thatch for warmth. But when it rained very hard it would wash them out of the roof. So hence the saying 'It's raining cats and dogs'

Answer 3

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

I would like to know where there this term also came from.

Iv heard the term its raining men and its usually to suggest a fantasy come true for gay poeple where theres lots of men around.

May be this same logic applies to people who like cats and dogs.

I think it generally means that it is raining very intensly but why are the most common pets used as an analogy, may be they are fast and heavy like the rain.

If it really were raining cats and dogs then we surely will get hurt. I hope this literally doesnt happen.

Answer 5

Cats and dogs are supposed to fight . Therefore if it's raining the elements are having an argument about what is right. Do we rain or do we not.

Answer 6

It does come from the fact that animals were washed off roofes by heavy rain. Back in the 17th century drainage was poor, and cats and dogs were seen to fall off thatched roofes and very often drown in the gutter.....and we complain about flooded roads!!!!

Answer 7

It must have been raining Cats and Dogs today because I stepped in a poodle

Answer 8

In 16th. century England, the dogs & cats would sleep in the thatched roofs of the house to keep warm. When it rained heavily, they would fall out of the thatched roof.

Answer 9

Because other animals don't make as much noise or are to heavy to be held in the air until it starts raining.

And remember that sometimes it is:
"......raining men.......hallelujah!"

Answer 10

The thatched roof answer is correct as to where the expression came from