16 Surprising Facts About Your Pet’s Behavior
Having a pet brings tons of joy and comfort, but their behavior can be full of quirks and mysteries. Ever wonder why your dog circles before lying down, or why your cat’s eyes narrow when they look at you? Pets communicate in unique ways that often leave us guessing, but science and observation have provided fascinating answers to many of their curious actions. Here’s a look at some surprising facts about why pets do what they do—and what it means for you as their human.
1. Cats Blink Slowly to Show Affection
When a cat gives you a long, slow blink, it’s a sign of trust and affection. Known as “cat kisses,” this behavior signals that your feline friend feels safe around you. Slow blinking is a cat’s way of saying “I love you” in cat language. If you return the gesture with a slow blink of your own, many cats will respond by relaxing, showing they understand your affection back.
2. Cats Knead as a Comforting Habit
When a cat presses its paws against a soft surface, often referred to as “kneading,” it’s a soothing behavior that goes back to kittenhood. As kittens, cats knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow, creating a comforting association with the action. Adult cats continue this as a way to relax or show happiness, often when they feel especially cozy or bonded with their human.
3. Dogs Tilt Their Heads to Understand You Better
That adorable head tilt that dogs do when you talk to them isn’t just for show—it helps them hear better and process what you’re saying. By adjusting their head, dogs can align their ears more effectively to pick up sounds. They may also tilt their heads to understand visual cues from your facial expressions, combining sight and sound to figure out what you mean.
4. Cats Bring You “Presents” as Instinctive Gifts
When a cat brings you a “gift” like a mouse or a bird, it’s honoring you with something valuable in its world. Cats are natural hunters, and in the wild, they share their prey with their family. To a cat, bringing a present home is a sign of bonding, showing that you’re part of its pack—even if the gift isn’t exactly welcome.
Follow us for more of these articles.
5. Dogs Circle Before Lying Down for Comfort and Security
Before dogs settle down to rest, they often walk in circles, a behavior that dates back to their wild ancestors. In the wild, circling helps flatten tall grass or check for dangers before lying down. Modern dogs have held onto this habit, as it provides comfort, security, and a familiar routine, even in cozy homes with plush beds.
6. Cats Use Purring as Both a Comfort and Healing Mechanism
A cat’s purr is usually a sign of happiness, but it can also serve a unique purpose for self-healing. The frequency of a cat’s purr has been shown to promote tissue regeneration, reduce pain, and decrease inflammation. When cats are injured or stressed, they may purr to soothe themselves and aid in recovery.
Follow us for more of these articles.
7. Dogs “Smile” When They’re Content and Relaxed
While dogs may not smile exactly like humans, they do show happiness through a relaxed, open-mouthed expression. This “smile” is usually accompanied by soft eyes and a loose posture, indicating they feel safe and comfortable. Dogs often flash this look when they’re playing, lounging, or simply enjoying their favorite person’s company.
8. Dogs Bury Bones as Part of Their Survival Instinct
Burying bones may seem quirky, but it has roots in a dog’s ancestral survival instincts. Wild dogs used to bury leftover food to save it for leaner times, keeping it out of sight from potential scavengers. Today, domestic dogs may still feel the urge to “save” something special, even if food is plentiful, simply out of habit.
Follow us for more of these articles.
9. Cats Love Small Spaces for a Sense of Security
Cats are often found curled up in small, cozy spaces, which may seem odd to humans who prefer roomier spots. Cats feel more secure in small areas where they’re less exposed and can monitor their surroundings. Boxes, bags, and tight corners offer a sense of safety and control, fulfilling a natural desire to feel hidden and protected.
10. Dogs Lick You to Show Affection and Submission
When a dog licks you, it’s often a way to show affection or communicate. Puppies learn to lick their mothers for attention or food, and the habit continues into adulthood. For adult dogs, licking is a gesture of bonding, and it can also be a way to express submission to people or other dogs they respect.
Follow us for more of these articles.
11. Cats Arch Their Backs to Appear Larger
A cat with an arched back and puffed-up fur looks funny but is actually trying to make itself appear bigger. This defensive stance is a way for a cat to scare off potential threats by looking intimidating. It’s usually accompanied by sideways movement and a hiss, all designed to give off a “don’t mess with me” vibe.
12. Dogs Show Jealousy When You Pay Attention to Others
Dogs can feel a form of jealousy, especially when they see their favorite person giving attention to another pet or human. Studies have shown that dogs will try to get between their owner and the “rival” or seek attention in their own way. This behavior is linked to a dog’s pack mentality, where loyalty and closeness with family are essential.
Follow us for more of these articles.
13. Cats Groom Each Other and You to Bond
When cats groom each other, it’s a sign of trust and close friendship. Known as allogrooming, this behavior helps cats bond and strengthens social ties. If your cat starts licking you, it’s treating you as part of its family. Mutual grooming among cats (or cats and humans) is a way to show affection and build a sense of unity.
14. Dogs Follow You Around as Part of Their Pack Instinct
Dogs are pack animals by nature, so they feel happiest when they’re close to their “pack,” which is usually their human family. Following you around is a way for your dog to stay close to its favorite person and stay aware of what you’re doing. This behavior is rooted in loyalty, a quality dogs inherited from their wild ancestors.
Follow us for more of these articles.
15. Cats Meow to Communicate with Humans, Not Other Cats
Interestingly, cats rarely meow to communicate with other cats. Meowing is something cats developed specifically for interacting with humans, learning that this sound gets our attention. Cats will use different tones and pitches of meows to express different needs, from hunger to wanting attention or even just a greeting.
16. Dogs Can Tell Time (Sort Of)
Dogs may not know how to read clocks, but they’re surprisingly good at keeping track of routines. They can sense the passage of time through cues like sunlight, smells, and routine activities. For example, a dog might learn to expect dinner at a certain hour, and can tell when their usual feeding time is near, thanks to these internal cues.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us
