Your Pet’s Behavior – Explained!

We like to think we know our pets well. We know what food they love, their favorite treats, what kind of toys they will and won’t play with; and yet, sometimes we can’t help but look and them and wonder, ‘WHY?’.

While some things will always remain a mystery, we’ve collected some answers for you which may help explain some of the ‘why’ in your pets’ behavior.

Cats

Why does my cat love sitting in boxes so much? 

For a cat, boxes are all about security. They can be enclosed while still being able to see out and stalk their ‘prey’ (most likely your feet!). In a new environment, or when something is scary, your cat may retreat to a box or a little hidey-hole so they don’t feel so exposed and vulnerable.

Another reason your cat may show interest in boxes and bags is that these things usually come out of nowhere and are new! Cats are curious by nature, and a new thing must be explored.

Why does my cat go crazy at night?

One reason is that cats are just naturally more active at dawn and dusk. In the wild, this is when their prey (mice and other rodents) is most available, and the cat’s internal rhythm tells them it’s time to hunt!
Additionally, cats don’t sleep through the night like humans. Your cat is most likely napping on and off throughout the day, so when you are ready to crawl into bed, they might just be waking up!

Dogs

Why does my dog turn in a circle before laying down?

Your dog’s wild ancestors didn’t have big cushy doggy beds to lay in; turning in circles would have been a way to tamp down vegetation into a bed while allowing them to scare off any critters hiding in the vegetation or lurking nearby.

Wild canines in colder climates may have turned in circles before bed to create a tighter ‘tuck’ when they laid down for the evening. The tighter the ‘tuck’, the less body heat is likely to escape in the evening.

Why does my dog lick me?   

Affection is the most common reason. As puppies, they are groomed and shown affection by their mothers with licking. When your dog is happy with you, they will repeat this behavior to show how much they love you!

Licking can also be a way of getting your attention. When your dog licks you, you look at it, pet it, laugh, smile, say ‘no’, etc. However you react, you’re paying attention.

Rabbits

Why does my rabbit run around like crazy sometimes?

Rabbits are prey animals, so they are extremely dependent on knowing exactly what is around them at all times. If you moved a chair, dropped some shopping bags on the floor, or moved their cage, your rabbit may feel the need to do a few laps of the room in order to reacquaint themselves with the layout.

Gerbils/Hamsters/Guinea pigs

How do I know if my small pet is happy?
Gerbils and Guinea pigs have been known to relax their bodies a little and even make little purring or rumbling sounds when they are happy, just like cats do!
Hamsters and mice are less obvious. Recent studies have show that hamsters require an enriching cage environment in order to be content. Providing toys and activities in their living environment will help your rodent live a happy, fluffy life!