Many of the old sayings using animals to predict the weather are folklore , but not all. It's still unknown how animals can predict the weather, but limited research and acute observations have proved the animal kingdom's ability to notice changes before we do. Through their highly developed sense of hearing, smell and awareness of changes in atmospheric conditions, animals do appear to have a sixth sense that does allow them to predict certain weather conditions, earthquakes and tsunamis. Lying cows are one of the most well-known natural weather indicators. If a cow lies in a field, it means rain is on the way, because cows sense the moisture  in the air and are making sure hay have somewhere dry to lie down. Fish are known to eat more before a storm. Some say cats increase their grooming  activities when extra static electricity  is in the air, and horses are known to run fast before a violent storm or when windy conditions are coming.  Meteorologist Randy Rauch of WTSP-TV in Clearwater confirms that animals can serve as severe weather barometers . "It's actually been long believed that animals have a sixth sense when it comes to severe weather," Rauch said. " It's long been talked about in folklore. You'll hear all kinds of stories that dogs, cats, cows, crickets---all have some sort of knowing power before severe weather."  That theory was put to the test during the massive tsunami in 2004. It has been said that the actions of animals were one of the main reasons that residents in the area knew to take cover. "Many of the elephants scattered to higher places 5 to 10 minutes before the first wave hit the shoreline," Rauch said. "This has been a long story with animals in the wild and somehow knowing that weather or some kind of terrible event is going to occur." Why does a cow lie in a field when rain is on the way?
To avoid being blown away. To avoid becoming wet through. To save a dry place on the ground. To protect its stomach from suffering.