A 4.8-magnitude earthquake originating in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, caused disruptions in the Northeast on Friday morning, with tremors felt in Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine. The rarity of earthquakes in the region led to a widespread response on social media, with pet owners sharing videos of their animals’ reactions. In Queens, New York, a cat named Bolita was caught on camera quickly jumping up during the shaking, while in New Jersey, a dog and cat owner shared that their pets were both terrified and seeking comfort after the rattling stopped. A parrot in New Jersey was also shown flapping around its cage during the earthquake, but appeared to have calmed down once its owner returned home.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, owners took to social media to share how their pets were reacting to the unusual event. A dog in New York was seen sitting on a couch in a TikTok video and bolting off when the shaking started. The owner, who was not home at the time, shared that the dog was doing well and had gone to sleep in the bedroom. Similarly, a parrot named Beto in New Jersey was flapping around in its cage but appeared to be fine once its owner returned home and let it out. While most pets seemed to be unsettled by the earthquake, one bunny named Buttercup appeared unfazed by the shaking and continued lounging on the floor.
Following natural disasters, such as earthquakes, pet owners are encouraged to provide comfort and familiarity to their animals. It is advised to avoid tight hugs, as they may cause pets to panic, and instead, restore familiar items such as toys, bedding, or blankets to help ease their stress. Taking dogs on walks in less crowded areas can also help reduce overstimulation. If pets continue to show signs of distress, consulting a veterinarian for guidance on returning them to normal behavior is recommended.
As millions of pet owners shared their experiences on social media following the earthquake, it became evident that animals can be deeply affected by natural disasters. From trembling cats to anxious dogs, pets displayed a range of reactions to the unexpected event. Owners who were away at work during the earthquake had to wait anxiously to return home and comfort their fur babies, highlighting the importance of providing support and stability for animals during times of uncertainty. News outlets like Newsweek have invited readers to share their own funny and heartwarming pet stories to highlight the bond between humans and animals during challenging times.
