As a pet owner, you may be curious about what your furry friend gets up to when you’re not home.
While you may not be able to witness it firsthand, understanding their behaviors can offer valuable insights into their well-being and help you cater to their needs.
In this article, we will explore why it is important to know what your pet does when you’re not home and highlight some exciting behaviors you may discover.
Why Is It Important To Know What Your Pet Does When You’re Not Home?
- Security: By understanding your pet’s actions when you’re away, you can ensure their safety and eliminate any potential hazards within your home.
- Separation Anxiety: Some pets may experience separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior.
Knowing their actions can help you address and alleviate this anxiety.
- Health and Well-being: Monitoring your pet’s activities when you’re not around can give you insights into their eating, drinking, and bathroom habits, helping you spot any potential health issues.
- Behavioral Concerns: If your pet is exhibiting any unusual behaviors, such as excessive scratching, chewing, or hiding, knowing what they do when you’re not home can provide important clues to address these concerns.
- Enrichment Opportunities: Understanding how your pet spends their time alone can help you provide appropriate toys, activities, and stimulation to keep them mentally and physically engaged.
Knowing what your pet does when you’re not home can lead to a better understanding of their needs, establishing a stronger bond and ensuring their overall well-being.
1. Coming In Like A Wrecking Ball
When you leave your pet alone at home, you may assume they spend their time lounging or napping.
However, you might be surprised to learn that some pets have a knack for causing chaos and destruction in your absence.
Imagine coming home to find your furniture rearranged, cushions tossed around, or even holes dug in your backyard.
This behavior is particularly common among high-energy breeds or pets who suffer from separation anxiety.
So, why do pets come in like a wrecking ball?
First and foremost, it’s important to note that this behavior is not intended to be malicious.
Pets that engage in destructive behavior when left alone are often trying to burn off excess energy or cope with their anxiety.
It’s their way of entertaining themselves or relieving stress during your absence.
If you have a dog that comes in like a wrecking ball, it may be a sign that they need more physical and mental stimulation.
Consider providing them additional exercise before leaving the house or investing in puzzles and interactive toys to keep their minds occupied.
If your pet’s destructive behavior continues despite these efforts, seeking guidance from a professional trainer or animal behaviorist may be helpful.
In conclusion, coming home to a wrecked living room or a backyard in disarray is not uncommon for pet owners.
2. Doing Leg Day
You may think your pet spends their days lounging around or napping, but they have a few surprising activities they engage in when you’re not home.
One of these is doing leg day.
Yes, you read that right – your furry friend may be getting in a workout while you’re away!
Like humans, pets need regular exercise to stay healthy and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Dogs, in particular, have a lot of energy that needs to be burned off. So, when you’re not home to take them for a walk or play with them, they find their way to stay active.
You might notice that when you come home, your pet’s toys are scattered all over the place, or their scratching post has been vigorously used.
These are signs that your pet has been engaging in some leg day exercises.
They might be running around the house, jumping on and off furniture, or chasing their tail.
Engaging in such activities helps your pet release pent-up energy, keep their muscles strong, and maintain a healthy weight.
It also provides mental stimulation and prevents boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior when left unchecked.
To support your pet’s leg day routine, make sure they have plenty of toys to play with and safe spaces where they can jump and climb.
Consider providing a scratching post or a cat tree and interactive dog toys for your feline friends.
If you have a backyard, create an obstacle course for them to enjoy and run around.
However, it’s important to note that not all pets engage in leg day exercises.
Some might be more laid-back or have health issues that prevent them from being as active.
Understanding your pet’s individual needs and limitations is crucial in providing them with a fulfilling and appropriate exercise routine.
3. Secretly Getting Along With Their Siblings
When you’re not home, you might assume that your pets spend their time alone, perhaps even ignoring each other.
However, a surprising and heartwarming behavior that pets often engage in is secretly getting along with their siblings.
Yes, even if they sometimes have their squabbles and disagreements, pets can form strong bonds with their fellow furry companions.
Pets, particularly dogs and cats, are social creatures by nature.
They crave companionship and interaction with others, including their siblings.
When left alone, they may seek comfort and entertainment by spending time with their siblings, forming a silent bond that only they understand.
You might catch them cuddling together, grooming, or simply sitting side by side, enjoying each other’s presence.
These moments of camaraderie provide comfort and companionship to your pets and help them feel secure and loved.
Secretly getting along with their siblings also has psychological benefits for your pets.
It helps reduce stress and anxiety, especially when they’re separated from their human parents.
The presence of a sibling can provide a sense of familiarity and stability, making their alone time more bearable.
If you have multiple pets, fostering a healthy sibling relationship is essential by providing them with opportunities to bond.
This can include supervised playtime, shared toys, and comfortable resting areas where they can be together.
Creating a peaceful and harmonious environment will encourage your pets to develop strong relationships and enjoy each other’s company.
4. Secretly Attacking Their Siblings
When you’re not home, you might assume that your pets spend their time alone, perhaps even ignoring each other.
However, a surprising and sometimes mischievous behavior that pets often engage in is secretly attacking their siblings.
Pets, especially cats, are known for their playful nature, and when left to their own devices, they may use this time to engage in playful and sometimes mock-aggressive interactions with their siblings.
This can include pouncing on each other, chasing one another around the house, and even playfully swatting and nipping at each other.
While they may appear to be fighting, these interactions are often harmless and part of their instincts.
It’s their way of engaging in mock hunts and practicing their agility and coordination skills.
However, it’s important to note that not all sibling interactions may be playful.
Some pets may have genuine disagreements or territorial issues with their siblings, leading to more aggressive behaviors.
In such cases, it’s essential to intervene and provide appropriate training and guidance to ensure a harmonious environment for all pets involved.
As a pet owner, monitoring your pet’s behavior and intervening if necessary to prevent any harm or potential escalation of aggression is crucial.
Providing engaging toys, regular playtime, and plenty of mental and physical stimulation can help redirect their energy into more positive activities.
5. Just Rolling Around
When you’re not home, you might assume that your pets spend their time alone, perhaps even ignoring each other.
However, a surprising and sometimes mischievous behavior that pets often engage in is just rolling around.
Pets, especially cats, are known for their playful nature, and when left to their own devices, they may use this time to engage in some carefree and fun activities.
One of these activities is simply rolling around on the floor or carpet without any apparent reason.
It’s as if they’re having their own little dance party or enjoying a spontaneous yoga session.
Rolling around provides pets with several benefits.
First, it allows them to stretch their muscles and relieve any tension or stiffness.
It’s a way for them to release pent-up energy and maintain their flexibility.
Additionally, rolling around can also serve as a form of self-grooming.
By rubbing against different surfaces, they can clean and groom themselves, removing any loose fur or debris.
Furthermore, rolling around can also be a sign of contentment and relaxation.
It’s a way for pets to express their comfort and happiness in their environment.
When they feel safe and secure, they may choose to indulge in this carefree activity.
While it may seem simple and harmless, it’s always important to ensure that your pets have a safe and comfortable space to roll around.
Clearing the area of any sharp objects or potential hazards can prevent any accidents or injuries.
Providing soft and clean surfaces for them to roll on, such as a plush rug or a cushioned bed, can also enhance their rolling experience.
6. Having Sweet Dreams
When your pets are alone at home, their behavior may surprise you.
One adorable activity that they engage in is having sweet dreams.
Just like humans, pets dream while they sleep, and their dreams can be quite entertaining to watch.
During their naptime, pets often enter a state known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.
This is when their brains become highly active and they experience vivid dreams.
You may notice their paws twitching their eyes rushing, or even hear them make cute little noises as they chase squirrels or play with their favorite toys in their dreams.
Having sweet dreams is not only amusing to observe, but it also serves an essential purpose for pets.
REM sleep helps them process and consolidate memories, learn new skills, and release stress or anxiety.
It’s their way of recharging and preparing for their next adventure when you return home.
Creating a peaceful environment for your pets’ naptime can enhance their ability to have sweet dreams.
Ensure they have a quiet and comfortable space to sleep in, away from noise or distractions.
A cozy bed or a soft blanket can also help them feel secure and encourage deep sleep.
While it may be tempting to wake them up to see what they’re dreaming about, it’s best to let sleeping pets lie.
Interrupting their dreams can disrupt their sleep cycle and leave them feeling groggy or disoriented.
So, the next time you come home and find your pets peacefully sleeping, remember that they’ve been off on their own little dream adventures.
It’s a heartwarming reminder of their joy in our lives, even when we’re not around.
7. Gutting Their Toys
When your pets are alone at home, their mischievous side may come out, and one of their favorite activities is gutting their toys.
While it may not be the most pleasant sight for us, it’s a natural behavior for them.
Pets have an instinctual drive to chew, and when they don’t have their owners around to play with, their toys become the perfect outlet for this behavior.
Whether it’s a stuffed animal, a squeaky toy, or a chew bone, they’ll find great joy in tearing it apart.
Gutting their toys serves several purposes for our furry friends.
Firstly, it helps to satisfy their natural chewing instinct and keeps their teeth strong and healthy.
Just like humans, pets benefit from regular dental care, and chewing on toys can help remove plaque and keep their gums healthy.
Secondly, gutting their toys provides mental stimulation.
Pets need activities that engage their minds and keep them entertained, especially when they’re home alone.
Disassembling their toys gives them a challenge and a sense of accomplishment.
Lastly, gutting their toys can be a way for pets to release stress or pent-up energy.
It allows them to channel their energy into a constructive activity and provides a form of physical exercise.
To ensure your pet’s safety when gutting their toys, it’s essential to choose durable toys made specifically for chewing.
Avoid toys with small parts that can be easily swallowed or cause choking hazards.
Additionally, regularly inspect their toys for any signs of damage or wear and replace them if necessary.
This will help prevent your pet from accidentally ingesting any pieces that could harm them.
While coming home to a toy massacre may be disheartening, remember that it’s just a sign of your pet’s instincts and their way of keeping themselves occupied.
Providing them with appropriate toys and regular playtime can help redirect their energy and prevent excessive destruction.
8. Practicing Parkour
When your pets are left alone at home, they may find ways to entertain themselves, and one of their surprising activities is practicing parkour.
Parkour, also known as urban gymnastics, involves moving through an environment by using acrobatic jumps, flips, and moves.
While it may seem unlikely, many pets, especially cats, have an innate ability to navigate and explore their surroundings in unique and agile ways.
Pets that practice parkour often use furniture as their obstacle course, jumping from one surface to another with grace and precision.
They may effortlessly leap from the couch to the coffee table or climb bookshelves like seasoned climbers.
It’s an impressive display of athleticism and agility that can be entertaining and sometimes even awe-inspiring.
Practicing parkour provides pets with physical exercise and mental stimulation.
It allows them to exert energy and challenge themselves mentally, keeping them engaged and entertained while you’re away.
It also offers an opportunity for them to sharpen their coordination, balance, and reflexes, which are essential skills for their overall well-being.
While some pets may naturally be inclined towards parkour, ensuring their safety is crucial.
Ensure your furniture is stable and won’t be easily toppled over by their agile movements.
Remove any items that could be potentially dangerous or fragile.
Providing designated areas where they can safely practice their parkour skills, such as cat trees or scratching posts, can also help redirect their energy and protect your furniture.
9. Freaking Out
When you leave your pets at home, it’s natural for them to have moments of stress or anxiety.
This can manifest in various ways, and one common behavior is “freaking out.”
Pets may start pacing around the house, meowing or barking excessively, or even scratching at doors and windows in an attempt to escape.
They may also show signs of destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture or scratching at walls.
These actions are often a result of their separation anxiety and their need for reassurance and comfort.
It’s important to understand that these behaviors do not reflect your pet’s personality or training.
Instead, they are a normal response to being left alone.
To help alleviate their anxiety, there are a few things you can do:
- Create a safe and comforting environment: Make sure your pet has access to their favorite toys, bedding, and a cozy space where they can retreat to when they feel anxious.
- Provide mental stimulation: Leave puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys that can keep your pet engaged and distracted from their anxiety.
- Consider using pheromone products: Certain pheromone products, like sprays or diffusers, can help create a sense of calmness and reduce anxiety in pets.
- Gradually increase alone time: If your pet’s anxiety is severe, you can work on gradually increasing the time they spend alone. Start with short periods and slowly build up over time, rewarding them for their calm behavior.
- Consult a professional: If your pet’s anxiety persists or worsens, it may be beneficial to seek advice from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist who can provide further guidance and assistance.
10. Stealing Treats
While you’re away, your pet may indulge in some sneaky behavior, and one of the most common offenses is treating themselves to your snacks.
Whether it’s a piece of chocolate, a cookie, or a slice of pizza, our furry friends are not immune to the allure of delicious treats.
Pets have a keen sense of smell and can detect the tempting aroma of food, even if it’s hidden away.
They may use their clever paws or agile mouth to access their desired treats.
It’s not uncommon to come home to find an empty treat bag or evidence of snacking like crumbs or wrappers scattered around.
While it may be amusing to imagine our pets enjoying a secret feast, it’s essential to be mindful of their health and safety.
Some human foods, like chocolate or grapes, can be toxic to pets and can lead to serious health complications.
It’s crucial to secure your treats and keep them out of reach to prevent potentially dangerous situations.
To deter your pet from pilfering your goodies, there are a few measures you can take.
Consider investing in pet-proof containers or cabinets to store your snacks securely.
You can also use training techniques to teach your pet to stay away from areas where you keep your treats.
Another option is to provide your pet with their own tasty and healthy treats so they don’t need to seek out yours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our pets have a secret world of activities they engage in when we’re not home.
From napping in our favorite spots to engaging in mischievous behaviors, each pet has its own unique way of coping with their solitude.
Understanding these behaviors can help us provide a more enriching and comfortable environment for our furry friends.
By addressing their mental and physical stimulation needs, creating a safe and comforting space, and seeking professional help when necessary, we can ensure that our pets are happy and content even when we’re away.
Remember, our pets rely on us for love, care, and attention, and it’s our responsibility to make their time alone as stress-free as possible.
So, the next time you leave your pet at home, rest assured that they’ll have their own little adventures until you return.
Related Articles: How Do Cats Maintain Homeostasis
10 signs your rabbit feels safe around you.
The Powerful Ways Pets Impact Our Mental Health
How Pets Have Changed Over The Last 100 Years
The Amazing Ways Pets Have Adapted To City Life