Normal Pet Behavior: Complete Guide to Understanding Your Pet’s Actions

Adult dogs: 12-14 hours daily, including
overnight sleep and naps.
Puppies: 18-20 hours daily (growing
requires lots of rest).
Adult cats: 12-16 hours daily, often in
short bursts.
Kittens & senior cats: Up to 20 hours
daily.
Significant increases or decreases in sleep patterns,
especially if sudden, warrant a veterinary check.

Yes, occasional grass eating is normal for many dogs.
Theories include: dietary fiber supplementation,
instinctive behavior from wild ancestors, or simply
because they like the taste. However,
excessive grass eating or eating followed
by vomiting should be discussed with your veterinarian, as
it could indicate gastrointestinal issues. Ensure the
grass hasn’t been treated with pesticides or herbicides.

Kneading (sometimes called “making biscuits”) is a normal
feline behavior with several possible explanations:
remnant nursing behavior from kittenhood (kneading
stimulates milk flow), marking you with scent glands in
their paws, preparing a comfortable resting spot, or
expressing contentment. It’s generally a sign your cat
feels safe and comfortable with you. If the claws are
painful, gently redirect to a soft blanket.

Yes, this is a normal instinctive behavior inherited from
wild ancestors. In the wild, circling would flatten grass
or leaves to create a more comfortable sleeping spot,
check for threats, and potentially disturb insects or
snakes. Some dogs also scratch at their bedding before
lying down. While normal,
excessive circling that prevents settling
or seems compulsive could indicate discomfort or
neurological issues.

This is normal hunting behavior with several possible
interpretations: your cat may be “teaching” you to hunt
(as they would with kittens), sharing their “catch” with
family members, or presenting a gift. While unsettling for
owners, it’s a natural feline behavior. To reduce this,
keep cats indoors during dawn/dusk (peak hunting times),
provide plenty of interactive play to satisfy hunting
instincts, and consider a bell collar if they go outside
(though effectiveness varies).

Absolutely! Sniffing is how dogs gather information about
their environment. A dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to
100,000 times more acute than humans’. Sniffing provides
mental stimulation, reduces stress, and allows dogs to
“read” the canine neighborhood news (who’s been there,
their health status, reproductive status, etc.). Allow
sniffing time on walks – it’s more enriching than constant
forward movement. Consider dedicating some walks
specifically as “sniffaris” where your dog sets the pace.

This behavior, often called “midnight zoomies” or
“frapping” (Frenetic Random Activity Periods), is normal,
especially in younger cats. Cats are crepuscular (most
active at dawn and dusk), so evening energy bursts are
natural. It could also be pent-up energy from inactivity
during the day. To manage: provide vigorous play sessions
before bedtime, use food puzzles to simulate hunting, and
ensure your cat has vertical spaces to climb. If the
behavior is new in an older cat, consult your vet.

Some licking is normal canine behavior – it can be a sign
of affection, a submissive gesture, a way to solicit
attention, or simply because they like the taste of your
skin. However,
excessive licking (obsessive, can’t be
distracted, focused on one area) could indicate anxiety,
pain, or other issues. If licking seems compulsive or is
directed at objects/furniture/their own body to the point
of causing irritation, consult your veterinarian.

This chattering or “clicking” sound is a normal
hunting-related behavior. Several theories exist: it may
be an expression of frustration at not being able to reach
the prey, an instinctive jaw movement practice for the
killing bite, or an attempt to mimic bird sounds. It’s
completely normal and doesn’t indicate your cat is
distressed (though they may be frustrated). Providing
interactive toys that simulate hunting can help satisfy
this instinct.

While marking (urine spraying for cats, urine marking for
dogs) is reduced by spaying/neutering, it’s not always
eliminated. Some marking is normal territorial behavior,
especially with environmental stressors (new pets, changes
in routine, outdoor animals nearby). However,
new marking behavior in a previously
non-marking pet, especially if accompanied by other
changes, should prompt a veterinary visit to rule out
medical issues like urinary tract infections.

Normal play: Loose, wiggly body; role
reversals (taking turns being “on top”); play bows; soft
mouthing without pressure; self-handicapping
(larger/stronger animal moderates force); frequent
pauses.
Concerning/aggressive: Stiff body; hard
staring; deep growling (not play growls); snapping with
contact; continued pursuit when other animal tries to
disengage; raised hackles in context of tense
interaction.
When in doubt, separate the animals and consult a
professional.

Some changes are normal with aging: sleeping more, being
less active, having less patience, or being more vocal
(especially at night in cats). However,
sudden or severe changes are NOT normal
aging and often indicate medical issues. These include:
confusion/disorientation, house soiling, significant
aggression changes, excessive vocalization, or repetitive
behaviors. Always have senior pets evaluated by a
veterinarian for behavior changes – they’re often
treatable medical problems, not “just old age.”