If you live in the US, there’s a good chance you’re part of the 68 percent of the population that has at least one pet. Whether it’s a loud but lovable chihuahua or a hermit crab that you found at the beach, it’s probably had a big impact in your life. Especially if it happened to teach you your first lessons about responsibility. But weird pets take things to the next level.
Not only are pets cute, but they’ve all got different personalities! And sometimes you don’t quite know what you’re getting yourself into — especially if you start caring for your pet when they’re just a puppy or kitten.
Even though knowing its breed can often give you a good idea of what a pet’s temperament will be like, genetics are a funny thing. Plus, much like humans, animals and their personalities can change over time.
You may have been tempted to call the vet when you saw your pet’s first quirk, but with time, you just realize that it’s just part of who they are. And it’s an oddity that makes them different from every other animal out there! Who knows where they learned these things from?
Since the internet is overrun by cute furry animals (what a relief!), there are plenty of great stories out there about weird pets who’re oddly adorable. Here are some of the best (and weirdest) stories about dogs, cats, and all the other pets in between.
1. Sleep-Wagging
Dogs are the absolute cutest sleepers around.
Even though it’s a shame that this Very Good Girl keeps waking herself up, at least it’s good to know that she’s having some very good dreams. Dogs wag their tails when they’re excited, but research has shown that the direction of the wag can also indicate whether a pup is happy or sad.
2. Doggy Moonwalk
This one’s especially weird. Hopefully the owner videotaped it!
Maybe this dog knows that the bedroom is a special place, and figured he’d find a different way to enter the room. Or, maybe he’s just a weirdo who’s trying to figure out if he can gracefully walk backward. Wag states that it may have something to do with his joints. Sometimes, it’s more comfortable to walk a different way. It also may indicate that the dog is skittish.
3. The Decorator
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Ever ask your dog how you should set up your room? Next time, maybe you should!
Maybe this pup thinks he’s a master gardener. Or, maybe it just puts him at ease to see the pot empty. The fact that it seems to keep happening is extra funny and shows his persistence. Who knows what may be going through his mind when he makes interior decoration calls like this?
4. Oh, Rats
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Let’s take a break from dog stories for just a second. I know — it’s hard.
One of the stereotypes about babies is that they’ll snatch your glasses right off your face. Many moms may opt for contact lenses for this very reason. But it sounds like the same may be true for rats! If only the rats actually tried to wear them. That’d make for the best pet photo of all time.
5. The Neat Freak
It’s not like cat owners love cleaning the litter box. But it has to be done.
Cats are known for keeping a clean house (aside form the fur balls, of course). Not only do healthy cats groom themselves all the time, but most of them thrive in particularly clean environments. Next time you’re feeling lazy about cleaning their box, think about how you’d feel to have an unclean toilet. The longer it goes without a cleaning, the more likely your cat is going to use something else around the house instead.
6. The Creepy Hamster
A lot of people have hamsters when they’re kids and, usually, they don’t require a ton of maintenance.
That doesn’t mean that hamsters don’t have distinct personalities. This one seems baffled by nudity, which may be understandable if you’re covered in fur. Still, it probably doesn’t make any of the adults around feel good if they have to change clothes in the hamster room. Maybe a privacy shade would be a good investment?
7. The Hunter
Ever see a cat catch a mouse before? It’s a traumatic, yet intriguing process.
But not every house comes equipped with mice (thankfully). That means cats still need something to practice their pounce and attack on. This kitty may not be the best dinner date, but at least he makes dinner somewhat of a learning experience every night. You have to admire his hustle.
8. Speed Racer
Just imagine if a human did this.
Who knows why this kitty is so quick to leave her litter box. Maybe she’s just not too fond of the feeling of litter on her feet. Or maybe she’s extra sensitive to smells. The good news is that she’s going in her box, and getting in some extra exercise in the process! Those are two positive qualities for a cat to have.
9. The Toilet Paper Bandit
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If you’re wondering why you constantly need to buy toilet paper, maybe blame your cat.
There’s a lot of weirdness over this story. Sure, toilet paper can be fun for cats to play with. LoveMeow states that cats often find the texture of toilet paper to be pretty exciting. But this one is taking it to the next level, with the dip and shred. At least she’s having fun.
10. The Late Night Intruder
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Sometimes our weird pets just need to sunbathe outside. Or inspect that random noise.
This is a good reminder to always keep your windows shut and secure. Even though it must have been incredible for those walking by to see a dog on the roof, this literally seems like one of the scariest situations ever. (But since it didn’t happen to me, it’s still a little funny.)
11. The Comfy Pup
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Wait, is this dog me?
When you’re comfortable in bed, any sort of interruption is the worst. So, in a way, I feel for this poor dog who finally found that balance of warmth and comfort, just to have it taken away. A word to Neko’s owners: make sure you have all the blankets you need before she situates herself!
12. CatDog
Maybe we can train all dogs to do this?
Seriously. Just imagine how convenient it’d be if it has been storming all week and your pup doesn’t like to go outside when it’s wet out. All dog owners have had to time outdoor visits before. This is kind of a perfect alternative in which everyone is happy. That is, except for the cat.
13. Thirsty Cat
This is another one we wish would have come with a photo or video.
Instinctually, this makes a lot of sense. Even though thirsty cats will even drink out of puddles outdoors if necessary, VetStreet reports that many cats are prone to be a little nervous around still water. If it’s running, they view it as being fresh. Everyone would choose fresh water over water that’s been sitting out for some time.
14. The Thrillseeking Dog
Sometimes, it’s the little things.
Even if this started out with owners who assumed their pup was just being lazy, it turned into a very cute and very fun tradition between dog and owner. Why step off, or move the bed yourself, when your owner will offer to pull all the weight themselves? This is a bedtime ritual that everyone can appreciate.
15. The People Pleaser
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Dog parks can be a lot of fun if you have a dog who likes other dogs.
But plenty of dogs actually prefer the company of humans. This dog doesn’t even seem to notice that there are plenty of four-legged playmates around. At least the people at the park also love dogs, so this pup’s charming advances will probably yield a ton of pets and ear scratches.
16. Toilet Cat
This little critter disproves the stereotype that cats hate water.
This is like the cat equivalent of dipping your toes into the pool. I, personally, have a ton of questions. For one, did they try to potty train the cat after seeing he had a love for the toilet? It’s so hard to imagine having to fight with your cat for permission to use the bathroom.
17. The Unlikely Friend
Can you imagine the conversations they must be having?
Even though this is cute, the meowing could be the cat’s way to express discomfort, especially if the heater isn’t on all the time. Noises like that could be surprising to anyone. But if the cat isn’t expressing any other signs of tension, it could just be a cute little quirk that signifies winter is coming.
18. Vacuum Dog
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The fact that this one has a video attached is simply the best.
This may not be the most logical way to groom your dog, but if they get some comfort out of it — and it’s not hurting him or his skin — this isn’t the worst way to give a belly rub. The only thing that would be better than this is if the dog actually vacuumed the house himself.
19. Smaller Than She Thinks
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It’s adorable when a dog is unaware of its own size.
Even though there’s a bigger bed right next to her, this pup would rather let her legs dangle off the sides of the smaller dog bed, and leave her butt hanging out unsupported. Yes, it makes her look even cuter than she already is. But this can’t be all that comfortable, right?