Animal behavior experts are advising pet owners to keep sensitive animals indoors during the upcoming solar eclipse to protect them from unnecessary stress.
Saskia Arndt, a professor of animal behavior at Utrecht University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, explains that while domestic animals will not gaze at the sky, the drop in daylight triggers natural responses linked to their internal biological clocks.
Behavioral shifts during the eclipse
Most daytime animals naturally shift toward resting routines as light levels fade, while nocturnal creatures often become active. During previous eclipses, researchers noticed that birds typically stop singing and settle into calm behaviors as the sky darkens.
To study this effect further, researchers from the University of Groningen are using automated audio recording boxes across the country to track bird sounds during the event.
Led by astronomer Theo Jurriens, the project relies on artificial intelligence to monitor changes in bird behavior and identify specific species automatically.
Human reaction poses biggest distraction
Studies conducted at American zoos found that some animals, including primates and flamingos, displayed signs of agitation during past eclipses. However, experts note that this distress may stem from human excitement and crowd noise rather than the astronomical event itself.
Arndt notes that domestic pets often pick up on human excitement without understanding the cause, which can lead to confusion and anxiety.
Pet owners planning to watch the eclipse in crowded public spots should leave dogs at home, while owners of sensitive cats may want to keep them inside until the event finishes.
The advice comes as residents across the city prepare for the event, with local stores experiencing high demand for protective viewing equipment, according to recent reports on eclipse glasses availability.
