Dr Kavita Persad
From midnight “zoomies” to bathroom bodyguards, our pets have plenty of quirks that leave us wondering: why on earth do they do that? If you’ve ever watched your dog suddenly sprint around the house at full speed or wondered why your cat insists on squeezing into a box that is clearly too small, you’re not alone. In this article, I’ll try my best to explain why many of these behaviours seem completely ridiculous to us, even though there is often a perfectly reasonable explanation behind them.
First up: The infamous zoomies…and binkies! One minute, your pet is peacefully relaxing, and the next, it is up and about, racing around the house like it has somewhere important to be. Dogs and cats can experience sudden bursts of energy commonly called “zoomies”. In dogs, the more technical term is called Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs). They are particularly common in puppies, though adults can certainly get them too. Usually, they occur after bathing, playing, periods of excitement or inactivity.
Cats have their own version too, often tearing through the house at random moments, sometimes just before your bedtime. Rabbits have an equally entertaining version known as a “binky”, where a happy rabbit may leap in the air, twist its body and kick its feet out before landing. While these behaviours may look completely chaotic to us, they are generally normal expressions of excitement and energy, so be sure there is a lot of space around when your pet does get them!
Next up: Why does my cat knead me? If your cat rhythmically pushes its paws against you, a blanket or another soft surface, you may have heard this called “making biscuits”. Kittens knead their mother’s abdomen while nursing, which helps stimulate milk flow. Many cats continue this behaviour into adulthood, especially when relaxed and comfortable, so next time your kitty lays its claws on you to knead, just know it’s a sign he or she feels generally safe and content.
Moving on, we have the uncomfortable question: Why do dogs sniff each other’s butts? Certainly, it may not be our idea of a polite greeting in the human world, but in the canine world, sniffing another dog’s rear end is a perfectly normal way of saying hello. Dogs possess an extraordinary sense of smell and scent provides them with a tremendous amount of information about other animals. Think of a quick sniff like a handshake but far more complex and detailed.
Onto the next: Why are cats obsessed with boxes? Cats naturally seek enclosed spaces because they provide security and a good hiding place. Boxes can also make excellent locations to observe (or ambush) the rest of the household, so maybe you should consider this before you next decide to buy your cat a really expensive bed.
And last but not least: Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom? Dogs are social animals and often become strongly attached to their human family. Following you room to room may simply be a part of wanting to remain close to you. Routine and curiosity can also play a role, so naturally the moment you close a door, whatever is going on behind it may become extremely important to your dog.
So, when is “weird” behaviour not funny? Many quirky behaviours are normal, but a sudden change in your pet’s behaviour deserves attention.
Excessive licking, hiding, repeated head-pressing, excessive vocalisation, or significant behavioural changes can sometimes indicate pain, illness or neurological problems.
This is why knowing your pet’s normal habits is so important. You are the one who sees them every day, which means you may be the first to notice when something has changed.
Our pets may never explain why they do everything they do and perhaps that is part of their charm. However, beneath many of their strangest habits are instincts and behaviours that have existed for generations.
Dr Kavita Persad (Hons) is a veterinarian at Luna Light Veterinary Clinic. She is committed to preventive healthcare, client education, and compassionate veterinary medicine.
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