Why does my pet follow me? Common quirky behaviours explained

Does your cat like to curl up in the sink like an adorable fluffy potato? Or perhaps your dog earnestly tries to be your Plus One for bathroom visits?

Ask any pet owner and they’ll likely be able to reel off a few of the endearing quirks of their fluffy family members.

In this article, we’ll take a dive into some of the charmingly weird habits of our canine and feline companions to learn what’s normal and what might warrant a check-in with your friendly vet!

Understanding why pets do curious things

A pet’s individual behaviours will be shaped by multiple factors, including their:

• natural instincts
• genetics
• prior experiences
• current environment
• general health

Instinctual behaviours include activities like zoomies or circling before lying down, while genetics can prompt an increased likelihood of breed-associated behaviours such as retrieving or herding in dogs. Plus, some individuals just seem to be a little goofier than others!

Being generally sociable little creatures, our pets are also more likely to repeat a quirky behaviour if they have previously received positive attention for having performed it. This can be an obvious reward, such as praise, food, petting or play, but can also include a more subtle positive response from you, such as a smile or laugh.

Lastly, pets can demonstrate odd behaviours due to medical problems, such as general illnesses or mental health issues.

Common quirky behaviours in dogs

There is a wide and wonderful variety of wacky dog behaviours out there. Some of the more commonly seen quirky canine habits include:

The zoomies

The zoomies, technically known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are sudden bursts of activity where a dog suddenly starts racing around at top speed (plus or minus some furniture parkour). This appears to help them release pent-up physical energy, stress or excitement. In other words, they’re just “blowing off some steam”!

However, if your dog seems obsessive about circling or pacing (or a similar activity such as tail chasing), it could also indicate a neurological (brain) problem or a mental health issue such as canine compulsive disorder.

Following owners to the bathroom

Dogs are curious and social pack animals, so it’s natural for them to want to follow you around to see what you’re up to. Many owners enjoy the company, and this “velcro dog” behaviour is OK provided that your dog can also calmly cope with being left alone when required.

However, if your dog shows signs of distress (such as destructive behaviour, howling or barking, attempts to escape, or house soiling) when they’re separated from you, it could indicate separation anxiety.

Eating grass

If your dog routinely eats grass, but they seem otherwise well with a good appetite, healthy body condition, and normal stools, they probably just enjoy the taste of grass or are instinctually seeking a bit more fibre.

However, if your pet is obsessively eating large amounts of grass, or they’re showing other signs of unwellness (such as poor body condition, weight loss, vomiting or abnormal poos), they could have a gastrointestinal problem, an insufficient diet, or another health issue causing nausea.

Common quirky behaviours in cats

While we generally think of cats as being a little more dignified and reserved, many cats enjoy dabbling in a few delightfully weird behaviours too. Some common quirky feline habits include:

Hiding in small places

In the wild, cats need to steer clear of larger predators, so will hide or rest in enclosed spaces for safety. While many domestic cats still like to enjoy “a bit of quiet time” in a secluded den-like space (such as in a cupboard, or under a bed), if your cat has started spending an unusual amount of time hiding away, it could indicate anxiety, stress, or a medical issue causing pain or general unwellness.

Related:

• Separation anxiety in dogs: How to help your pup stay calm
• Do cats get lonely when left alone? signs and solutions

Chasing lights

Chasing moving lights or a laser pointer can be a fun way for your cat to satisfy their natural hunting instincts and expend some energy. However, it’s safest to only use laser pointers in moderation to avoid overstimulation or physical injuries and ensure that you engineer a distinct endpoint to each session (such as providing your cat with a victory treat or toy to grab). Otherwise, these games can trigger frustration, redirected aggression, anxiety or obsessive behaviours like scratching furniture or barking non-stop.

Additionally, never shine a laser pointer into your cat’s eyes, as this can cause eye damage.

Drinking from places other than the water bowl

Even when provided with a bowl of water, some cats still prefer to drink from odd places, such as a running tap or the shower recess. This may be because your cat doesn’t like the material or shape of their bowl, doesn’t like a conjoined food and water bowl, their water isn’t fresh enough, or they just prefer to drink moving water.

However, if you have noticed your cat drinking more than usual, it could indicate an underlying health issue, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.

How to respond to unusual pet behaviours

If your pet is displaying odd behaviour, the first thing to consider is, “Is this behaviour a problem for my pet?”. As above, while many quirky pet behaviours are normal(ish), others may indicate an underlying issue, particularly if they have developed suddenly, appear intense or obsessive, or could be harmful to your pet. If you suspect something’s not right or you’re unsure, check with your vet.

If your pet’s weird behaviour isn’t harmful, seems to entertain them, and you’re fine with it too, then enjoy!

However, if your pet’s behaviour isn’t harmful but is annoying to you (such as them following you into the bathroom when you just want a bit of privacy for a “number two”), you can gently discourage the behaviour by:

• Encouraging them towards an appealing alternative (e.g. offering them a chew treat outside the bathroom), and then calmly rewarding them when they’ve performed the desirable behaviour
• Not “rewarding” the annoying behaviour with attention
• Ensuring they are generally being offered sufficient daily physical exercise and mental stimulation (dogs and cats)
• Avoiding punishing your pet, as this can just cause anxiety in the long run

If you’re still having issues, have a chat with your vet – they can offer tailored advice or refer you to a qualified veterinary behaviourist or trainer.

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27 May 2026