​There's A Reason Your Pet Is Acting Crazy This Week

Mercury is in retrograde once again and it's causing all kinds of commotion - not just for us humans, but for our four-legged friends too.

Yes, that's right, the reason your pet might be acting a little, well, weirder than usual this week is because the stars are misaligned, according to animal wellbeing specialists ITCHpet.com.

Astrologer Jessica Adams explains: "Their quirky goings on might be down to more than just a 'funny five minutes' [...] due to Mercury in retrograde."

Jessica goes on to reveal that we'll experience Mercury Retrograde, "and Mercury Petrograde", three times in 2020 - in February and March, June and July, and October and November.

Mercury in retrograde is actually an optical illusion that makes it appear as though the planet is moving backwards three times a year. When this happens astrologers believe that communication, travel and technology can all be affected, making things that bit harder and creating extra hassle for us all.

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"Mercury is the planet that actually rules pets," Jessica adds. "When it appears to go backwards and forwards, moving in peculiar ways, so does life in general - according to your horoscope.

"This is what's known as Mercury Retrograde. And animals also get affected. If you think your pet's behaving strangely, the answer is in the stars - with astrology at play."

So what unusual behaviours should you watch out for in your own pet?

An Aries dog, Jessica says, will dig floorboards and bite everything in sight, while a Taurus cat will lick empty food bowls.

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"On Mercury Petrograde," Jessica adds, "they'll even lick the fridge."

Meanwhile, a Cancer cat will miss their owners so much during this turbulent astrological time that they may try to get in the bag if they go shopping.

"Don't let them sleep on your face on Mercury Petrograde," Jessica advises.

A Cancer dog, however, may start to lick radiators. "On Mercury Petrograde, they've been known to carry around logs."

"The Virgo dog loves routine," says Jessica, "and will stand on you five minutes before the alarm. On Mercury Petrograde, they'll be an hour out."

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An Aquarius cat loves a gang, Jessica adds, and will try to form one with other cats, the dog, or the goldfish, while a Pisces cat may try and climb in the washing machine.

"Organised Capricorn dogs pack their toys away like professionals. On Mercury Petrograde, they may pack your children's too. Oops."

So have you noticed any weird behaviours from your own pet? We're hoping this unusual phase clears up soon.

Topics: Life News, Astrology, Pets

Aneira Davies

Aneira Davies is a freelance lifestyle journalist with a particular interest in interiors and craft. She has written for the Evening Standard, Prima, House Beautiful and Good Housekeeping.

@aneiradavies