Pets actually want you to know what they’re thinking and do their best to clue you in. It just takes some watching. We got a couple of animal lovers to point out some common pet behaviors and what they mean. They guarantee that once you know what your pet is trying to tell you, you and your family will avoid a lot of aggravation and love your pet that much more.
Your cat is pushing his claws into you. It’s certainly not your idea of a good time when your cat gets on you and then rhythmically pushes his front paws into your belly, chest, throat, or any convenient spot while purring like a band saw. He’s “kneading,” what he did as a kitten to let down as much milk as possible into his momma’s nipples so he could have a good long drink. Cats never lose this instinct—it’s their way of expressing contentment. To settle the kneading down, move him to your lap and stroke him gently until he relaxes and goes to sleep.
Your male dog is getting amorous with your kid’s leg. It’s not really about getting some action. He’s trying to broadcast the news that he’s the alpha wolf, at least over this particular pack member. You need to make sure that he knows his place in your family “pack” and that he’s subordinate to every human family member. Get your kid involved in training classes with your dog. And make sure a puppy is neutered when he’s 6 months old. It won’t put an end to dominant behavior (that takes training), but it will help.
Your cat is “missing” the litter box. Cats aren’t being troublemakers (and shouldn’t be punished) when they go outside the litter box. They’re trying to tell you something. Is the litter box in a private location? Do you clean the litter box daily, adding fresh, dry litter and enzymatic odor eaters? (Imagine how you’d feel if your family’s toilet was only flushed once a week.) Is the litter box too small and confined? Are you using scented litter? (Cats’ noses are much more sensitive than ours, and scents can send them away.) If none of these issues seem to be a problem, your cat may have a urinary tract infection and needs to be taken to the vet.
Your puppy is circling the floor. Puppies don’t automatically head to the back door, sit down, and bark to let you know they need to go out. A restless pup that’s circling the floor, head down, sniffing, and possibly whimpering is trying to get your attention and probably needs to go out ASAP. Be on the watch for these signs, especially about 15 minutes after a pup has eaten or when she first wakes up. Or simply make it a habit to take her out at those times.
Your cat arches his back, hisses, and hops sideways, with fur on end. This classic “Halloween cat” posture tells you that your cat is very afraid, and he’s trying to make himself look as huge and scary as possible. Don’t try to touch your cat to reassure him. Instead, look around for what might have scared him, and try to remove the threat.
Your dog is growling and barking in her sleep. She may be trembling or twitching as well. This can be especially disturbing if your dog is a gentle type that never barks or growls when she’s awake. Don’t worry—your dog’s just dreaming. And whether human or dog, having an active dream life is healthy. This is definitely a time to let sleeping dogs lie!
Your cat seems to be loving your petting, then suddenly whips out a paw and claws you. While some cats never get enough stroking and petting, others are easily overstimulated. You’re right that your cat is enjoying your attention (usually even purring), but then it becomes too much. Look for warning signs that she’s had enough—often restlessness and a twitching tip of tail. Then stop petting and allow her to rest in your lap without touching her. It’s especially important to teach this to kids, since a few clawing episodes might make them afraid of a generally loving pet.
Comments from Members
Sophie my cat lets me know when she wants something, by shredding my new couch and loveseat....
My cat,Wiggins is sweet when he wants to be but run amuck crazy fun at other times.He's my baby though no matter how he acts. 
When i come home from work,my declawed cat will come up to my leg and with both paws lean on my leg or knead on me than after i pet her she runs right to her dish. Even if my fiance has already feed her. she is older and more wiser then the other cat we no longer have.
The Other Cat (male black un-neutered) we had began his affection with ripping on the couch and looking at us moving head back and forth as if to play hide and seek,then would run in the kitchen and back again and would want to play right after this. he also loved to chase laser light. He taught us that was his once a day play time rather than allthe toys we bought him.He also had to check out every box we brought in the house. he would sleep in them for hours.
How do you get a pup to stop marking his territory in the house or anything he can lift his leg on especially when you have 2 brothers they are 8 months.
My dog, Josey, does the barking/growling/twitching thing in her sleep. Against my wishes, my husband always wakes her gently by calling her name and telling her it's okay - it was only a dream. I've been griping at him for years about this. Now I can say that I was right...just let her dream!
my dog sammie, it is funny to watch her sleep, she acts like she is almost running in her sleep, like she is chasing after chipmunks.. to funny
Our 8 year old, neutered & declawed, adopted male cat is insane over any plastic bag that lies around. He "chews" at them but never bites off any of it to eat. Could it be the scent of oil in the Plastic? This is a bit of a nuisance since plastic bags of any sort are so useable.
My friend was visiting and petting Bruiser and stopped and Bruiser tried to bite her, he also hits at my son when he doesn't want him to stop....but he is such a big baby to me. Lays down on my and puts his paw up on my face and "pets " me. he is getting to be a big cat.
My beagle corgi mix dreams alot in her sleep--she grumbles, groans, makes a short bark noise and sometimes does a paddling type motion with her front paws. It is funny to see.
I had not Idea why my cat would bite me while I was petting him. Usually I would put him down, but now I understand how over stimulation can make some cats react. Great information, whether you have a cat or dog.
My cat Monkey loves to play with the strangest things. His favorite is a halloween spider ring for kids and bread ties. These favorite items he keeps in his crunchy food bowl when he is not playing with them. He has had the spider ring for 4 years now and never looses it. If I take it out of his bowl he will play with it and when he has finished he picks it up with his teeth and puts it back in his dish. He also chases his tail like a dog in circles and has since he was a baby and it is halarious to watch him.
i have three cats and they r a joy...i have read about the things so knew them but still interesting read
I have an older siamese cat that will miss the cat box once in a while. We clean the cat box daily but he willl still hang his behind out and pee outside the box. We got a huge box - it is like a small bathtub with really high sides. Other than that, he is a great cat. He talks to us all the time. If you ask him a question, he will answer and then continue the conversation He follows me around like a dog. He is very funny. He loves to get under the bedspread during the day and sleep. That is also his hiding place.
It is so kewl beans to watch my 2 dogs have 'doggie dreams'. I wish I knewwhat they were dreaming about.
What about a rabbits actions? We have a dwarf rabbit that is just like a puppy. He lets you pet him, he licks you, he rubs up against you and he come to you for a piece of banana.
we have a dog that barks at the phone or when someone moves in the house, we don't understand why? and he knows who they are, could you tell me why?
I have a Siberian Huskey and she started doing that and I got worried and woke my husband as it was my first dog and he told me she was just dreaming.
I have a Persian female that is so "skiddish" and does not associate with anyone in the house. We have two other cats, a Himilayan and a ??? duno mixed breed. We have had this Persian for a year or so and she has been this way the entire time...she runs, hides and does not allow anyone to even get close to her. She plays with the other cats so I know its not about them. The only time she allows anyone to get close to her is at night when I am getting ready for bed in the bathroom, she will rub against my legs and allow me to bend over and pet her. Then occassionally she will jump up into our bed on my side and nudge me with her head wanting me to pet her. Other than these actions, she stays hidden pretty much. Can you help with any suggetions. Thanks.
I have four cats and everyone of then like to play in water the youngest one witch is a year in a half cries for us to turn the water on in the bathroom sink or tub i have a had time keeping water in the bowl for them to drink someone told me that it ok to let them drink the water from the toilet but my oldest witch is 8yrs old cant stay up there to long to get enough water i dont want to go out to long because i know he needs water can anyone help
I have 3 dogs and a lot of previous observations by everyone is right on. You have to take a little time to know what they're telling you. Every one of my three babies have their own way of telling me they need to go outside or they need water or food. Even two that are brother and sister have their own way of telling me what they want or need. I couldn't ever live without having a dog for unconditional love and being there for you. Don't get me wrong, I like cats too but most that I have had are more independent and not so needy. RoseHouston, TX
My Puggle and Yorkshire Terrier begin to attach each other when someone rings the doorbell or knocks at the front door. All while my long-haired Dachshund watches, as if it was a movie and tries to get out the front door. I've tried refocusing them on food instead when the bell rings, but it hasn't worked. Anyone know any reason why they do this, or what else I can try to get them to stop. I'm almost at the point where I need to put up a no visitors/solicitors sign on the front door. Thanks in advance!
Sorry, that should say "attack each other". Thanks again for any help!
I have 3 dogs 2yorkies they are 3yrs.old. I also have a toy poodle we have had her for 15yrs. lately she has been acting strange walking in clockwise circles for long periods of time. Also he (they are all Males) has been peeing in odd places in the house. We have a doggy door. so I am very confused.
Oh I know when my cat has had enough attention. She's part siamese and moody as heck. She gives a warning, and then starts sniffing really loud. After that, she starts drawing blood...heehee
8/11/09 Hello, can someone please help me figure out what is wrong w/ one of my dogs? Both dogs are shih-tzu's male, they get along great, but the older one 1 1/2 yrs old cries so much it drives us nuts some times the crying becomes such a loud squeling you would think someone was stabbing the poor thing. He has been to the vet, his health is fine, but he sas this terrible behavorial problem, it gets worse when he knows the family is getting ready for work, he even cries when we walk out the room! it seems to me he has some sort of seperation disorder. my younger one 1yrs old is fine, amd I sure hope he doesnt pick up this crying, SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!! thanks! Mosaiclady
