This Is Why Your Pet Keeps Following You To The Bathroom – Weird Pet Behaviors, Explained
Pets have a unique way of keeping us on our toes. Even though we welcome them into our homes and hearts, their quirky behaviors can still catch us off guard. While each pet has its own personality, many of their strange habits are surprisingly widespread—and other pet owners know exactly what you mean.
If you’ve ever caught your furry companion acting in a way that left you wondering, “What was that all about?”—you’re definitely not alone. Let’s explore some of these puzzling behaviors that might just start to add up.
Why Cats Knead On You
One clear sign your cat truly loves you is when they knead their paws on any part of your body. This instinct dates back to kittenhood, when they would knead their mother to encourage milk flow.
As they mature, this habit continues, with cats pressing their paws on you to express affection. Although it can occasionally feel a bit uncomfortable if they're not careful, rather than scolding them, try placing a blanket between you and your cat so they can knead as much as they like.
Guinea Pig Teeth Chattering
When a guinea pig begins chattering its teeth—much like how humans do when they're cold—it’s typically a strong sign of distress. This noise signals irritation or anger, so if you’re the cause of their discomfort, it’s wise to step back and give them some space immediately.
Failing to heed this warning can provoke defensive actions, and the guinea pig might even bite to defend itself from the source of its stress.
Why Dogs Walk In A Circle Before Lying Down
If your dog twirls around in circles before lying down, you're in familiar company. This odd behavior stems from an ancient instinct passed down from their wild ancestors. In the past, dogs would spin to flatten tall grass, making a more comfortable and secure spot to rest.
Circling also helped them scout for hidden threats like snakes, insects, or small critters—and to mark their territory. Though today’s dogs no longer need to worry about those dangers, this ingrained habit still persists.
Why Dogs Roll Around In The Grass
While it might seem strange to see your dog rolling around in the grass as if they're just passing time, there's more to this behavior than meets the eye. This habit is inherited from their distant relatives, the wolves.
In the wild, wolves roll in unfamiliar scents, but dogs usually do it to mask or remove unwanted odors. Sometimes, rolling can also help relieve an itch or indicate a possible skin issue that might need attention.
Why Dogs Sit/Lay On Your Feet
Though having your dog settle on your feet might not be the most comfortable for you, this behavior has deep roots in their pack instincts. Historically, this practice helped dogs stay warm and protect both themselves and their pack leader. When your dog rests on your feet, it often signals submission, indicating they recognize you as the leader.
Beyond that, it can also reveal emotional needs. Dogs dealing with separation anxiety may do this to feel safe and maintain close contact. Sometimes, it's even their way of marking you as their own.
Cats Eating Grass
If you've ever spotted outdoor cats—or let your own roam outside occasionally—you might have noticed them nibbling on grass. This behavior is completely natural. Grass juice contains folic acid, a vital nutrient that supports a cat’s overall health. When a cat starts grazing, it could be their way of making up for a nutritional gap in their diet.
Grass can also aid in digestion, acting as a natural laxative or helping them vomit if needed. While there’s nothing harmful about the occasional grass snack, it shouldn’t be something they rely on regularly.
Dogs Sticking The Head Out Of Car Windows
Whether they're big or small, many dogs love sticking their heads out the car window during a ride. While the rush of wind and visual stimulation might play a role, the main reason is likely the scents.
The more air that flows over the olfactory membranes in their noses, the more smells they can detect—and for a dog, that’s a thrilling experience. Although it may seem harmless, allowing your dog to ride with its head out the window can actually increase the risk of ear infections.
Guinea Pigs Jumping
A common and adorable behavior in guinea pigs is when they suddenly leap into the air, dash around, change direction, and jump again—an action known as "popcorning." It's not just cute; it’s also a clear sign that your guinea pig is feeling happy, energetic, or playful.
This joyful hopping is most often seen in younger guinea pigs, who can achieve surprisingly high jumps. However, adult guinea pigs may still popcorn too, even if their hops aren’t quite as high.
Hedgehog Quills Coming Off
If you see quills falling out of your young hedgehog, there's no need to worry—this is completely normal. Much like children losing their baby teeth, young hedgehogs shed their baby quills.
During this time, they might be a bit grumpy, so it’s important to handle them gently and with extra care. However, if an adult hedgehog starts losing quills, it could indicate serious stress or illness and should be checked out.
Hedgehogs Anointing Themselves
If you catch a hedgehog licking something intensely and then rubbing its quills with its tongue, it's engaging in a behavior called "self-anointing." When a hedgehog encounters a new and intriguing scent, it will lick it repeatedly until the scent creates a frothy mixture in its mouth.
The hedgehog then spreads this froth over its quills, effectively anointing itself with the new scent. It's a unique behavior that you don’t often see in other animals!
Why Your Hamster Is Bumping Into Things
If you've noticed your hamster bumping its sides or hips against objects, don't worry—it’s not clumsy or unwell. In fact, it's marking its territory.
Hamsters have scent glands located in those areas that release a unique scent other hamsters can detect. While the exact location of these glands can vary by species, this behavior simply signals to others that the space belongs to them!
Why Cats Always Land On Their Feet
One of the most common-known facts about felines is that they have the incredible ability to always land on their feet. Cats are extremely flexible creatures and are also born with 30 vertebrae and a vestibular system that allows them to know where they are in relation to the ground at all times.
Of course, even though they almost always land on their feet, this doesn't make them impervious to fall-related injuries. The height of the fall can result in broken legs or other serious injuries.
Cats Opening Their Mouth Halfway
When a cat makes a weird face with its mouth open, it's called the Flehmen response. It might look like your cat is about to snarl, but it’s actually just reacting to certain smells.
Cats use pheromones—special scent hormones—to communicate, mark territory, or show their gender. When your cat makes that face, it means it’s picking up on these scents and analyzing them using a special organ connected to its nose.
Rabbits Spreading Out Their Droppings
If you notice that your rabbit's droppings aren't in a pile, but are scattered all around, this means that they are marking their territory. They usually do this either when they are placed in a new environment or if another rabbit is introduced into their area.
This practice can be both temporary or ongoing. However, if a rabbit is continuously leaving its droppings in piles, it can be an indicator that it needs more litter box training.
Why Cats Lick Their Owners
When cats lick themselves or their kittens, it's usually for grooming. But when your cat licks you, it’s typically a sign of affection.
Kittens lick to comfort themselves, and adult cats do it for a similar reason—kind of like a hug in human terms. It’s their way of showing that you’re important to them and part of their family. Cats also release pheromones when they lick, so they might also be marking you as their territory.
Rabbits Grunting
If your rabbit is grunting at you, it usually means they're upset or feel threatened. If you’re not careful, that grunt could turn into a bite. Rabbits might do this when they’re annoyed, especially if you’re cleaning their cage or moving their things around.
That’s because rabbits are creatures of habit. They like their space just the way it is, and they can get frustrated if they can’t get to their cage or feel like their territory is being disturbed.
Dog's Smelling All Over Each Other
If you've ever seen two dogs meet—whether it’s the first time or the hundredth—you’ve probably noticed them sniffing each other, especially around the rear. As strange as it seems, this behavior is kind of like a handshake for humans, but it goes even deeper.
Dogs (and cats) have a special part in their nose called Jacob’s organ. It helps them filter out regular smells and focus on specific scents coming from the other animal. This scent gives them all kinds of information, like whether the other dog is male or female, how they’re feeling, and more.
Following You Into The Bathroom
Pets that love their owners tend to follow them everywhere, even places that you don't necessarily need them, such as the bathroom. If you have pets, you know that unless you close the door, you can bet your pet is going to follow you into the bathroom.
If your dog follows you into the bathroom, it's most likely due to pack mentality, and they'll feel vulnerable if left alone. If your cat follows you, it's usually because they feel the need to know everything that's going on in their territory.
Why Dogs Lick Your Face
Although not everyone finds it as enjoyable as others, when a dog licks your face, it's a sign that they consider you their friend. In a sense, it's a gesture of peace, and they're suppressing any aggression.
It also makes your dog happy, as licking helps them to release endorphins, otherwise known as "feel good" hormones. However, if you don't want a dog licking all over your face, don't push them away. Turn your head to the side and yawn. They'll get the message.
Why Cats Scratch At Everything
While it can be incredibly annoying when your cats ruin things by scratching at them, it doesn't mean that they're a bad cat. Cats do this to express excitement, stretch their claws and paws, remove a dead outer layer of their claws, or to mark their territory.
Also, it's important to remember that scratching shouldn't be discouraged. Instead, teach them where it's okay to scratch by purchasing them scratching boards or train them to know which places are off-limits.
Rabbits Flopping On Their Side
To some people, watching their rabbit suddenly flop down on their side can be concerning. Some believe that their rabbit is experiencing a seizure or may be trying to demonstrate to their owner that something is wrong.
Yet, flopping is usually the sign of a content rabbit. They will also look very relaxed, their legs won't be moving, and their eyes will be closed. Flopping is a totally natural behavior and you should be happy to see it.
Why Cats Hide In Boxes
More often than not, if you have a cat and leave an empty box lying around, it will most likely become their new favorite toy/place to hide. This goes for suitcases, laundry baskets, or any other container with an opening.
As it turns out, hiding is instinctual cats, as they love a good place where they feel they can't be snuck up on from the side or behind. In the wild, cats specifically look for small spaces to hide, so in the home, boxes and other objects work just fine.
Why Cats Rub Their Head Against You
Cats have a funny habit of rubbing or bumping their head against people. Although it can feel good for humans too, it feels especially good for cats who use it as a way to mark their ownership over someone. They can also do it as a form of greeting or gathering information about someone.
It can also be a sign that they want to be pet since most cats prefer to be scratched or pet on their heads. if you see them rubbing their heads on other objects like furniture, they're most likely spreading their scent.
Hamsters Constantly Chewing
Some people might think that if their hamster is constantly chewing on things that it might be feeling anxious or is somehow in pain. However, this is perfectly normal behavior that they do in order to grind/file down their teeth.
Their front teeth are always growing, so they need to be filed down to the length they prefer daily. Because of this, it's important that you provide them with things to chew on such as blocks of wood or crunchy food.
Why Dogs Howl Along To Music
If you've ever seen a dog howl along to music, unfortunately, it's not because it's their favorite song. It's ancestral dog behavior and is a practice commonly seen in wild wolves who howl to each other to communicate.
Impressively, dogs also have a sense of pitch, and when multiple dogs join in, they will all howl at a different note. However, music also has the power to influence a dog's mood. Fast and loud music like heavy metal can agitate them, whereas classical music has the ability to soothe them.
Why A Guinea Pig Freezes
If you've ever seen a guinea pig stop whatever it's doing and go completely motionless, this is known as freezing. Guinea pigs tend to do this when they sense danger, hear an unfamiliar sound, or are introduced to something new in their environment.
This is a natural reaction which they do in order to make themselves appear to be invisible or warn others in the group that there's danger. Often, freezing is accompanied by a short vibrating sound.
Why Cats Bring You "Presents"
Although not everyone appreciates when their cat leaves them dead birds or mice on the doorstep or inside the house, they're definitely not trying to annoy you. What they're really doing is sharing their bounty with you as a sign of respect and affection.
Cats also bring their young dead prey to show them how to hunt, so this could also mean they're trying to teach you how to hunt for yourself. If your cat is constantly bringing you these gifts, it might be a good idea to buy them toys to stimulate them instead.
Why Dogs Steal Socks
For anyone who has a dog, they most likely also have a lot of single socks because the dog stole them. Stealing socks can be a learned behavior that your dog does when they want attention.
They know if you see them stealing or have a sock in their mouth, you'll most likely run after them, therefore giving them attention. However, since most socks are also designed to be comfortable, dogs can like the texture in their mouth and use it as a replacement for a toy.
