# Pet peculiarities **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 10, 2018, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772 "2018-10-10T19:42:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2018, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/21 "2018-10-11T15:19:39Z")
> [@TRC4941](#): > > Two of the boxers we had/have been obsessed with a stuffed monkey toy. When you throw it or drop it, it makes a monkey noise. It seems to me that they think it’s alive and it’s crying. Both were/are neutered males and have never been around newborn puppies or anything like that. When Mr. Monkey makes the noise they pick it up very gently and carry it around and whine the whole time. They’ve never tried to destroy it like other stuffed toys. They’re very gentle and concerned almost like they feel they have to take care of it. Dino was the first boxer that had Mr. Monkey. He actually had another similar toy - a stuffed guitar that played a song when it was jostled around. He did the same thing with that. Dino died 5 years ago and I couldn’t bear to get rid Mr. Monkey so I put him in a closet. The other day, I walked into the room and there was Romeo with Mr. Monkey in his mouth! Mr. Monkey’s monkey sounds are barely audible now and very garbled, but Romeo has been concerned since the moment he found it. Whining and carrying it around. I’ll find him sleeping with it under his chin. It’s baffling to me - I want to know what he’s thinking. How very odd - I have a boxer whose favorite toy is the same thing, and he treats it exactly as you described! ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2018, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/22 "2018-10-11T15:25:39Z")
My dog won’t eat out of his bowl at my shop. It’s an identical bowl to the one at home, but he insists that I dump his food on to the floor. If I don’t he’ll stand at the bowl and very softly grrr at it. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Ecks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bcef8e/32.png) [@Johnny\_Ecks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Ecks)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2018, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/23 "2018-10-11T15:58:44Z")
My cat has a few idiosyncrasies, but her latest behavior has me a little worried. When I use the bathroom in the morning and at night, she stands on the sink and demands a little glass of water. We would have lovely conversations about it. Please can I have some water? No, you’ll just knock it over. But I’m thirsty. I promise I won’t. You have water downstairs. This water is so much better. I won’t knock it over. You promise? I promise. –Gives water, she knocks it over, then looks at me– What? You knew I was going to do it. Now, however, things have changed. She always drinks, about half a dixie cup each time. She seems to love it. Most cats I’ve had didn’t seem to drink that much, and certainly didn’t make a big deal of it. It’s strange. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2018, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/24 "2018-10-11T16:01:48Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > How very odd - I have a boxer whose favorite toy is the same thing, and he treats it exactly as you described! Do you think they feel like they’re taking care of it because it’s crying? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2018, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/25 "2018-10-11T16:24:25Z")
My male Siamese actually uses the toilet. Not everytime. It kinda freaks some people out. He really wants to turn water on in the sinks. I dread the day he is successful in that endeavour. Both cats are very vocal and demanding. Sometimes I think they double team me just for jollies. I am so owned by them. It’s kinda sad.😉 ---
**Author:** ![Hermione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/cdc98d/32.png) [@Hermione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermione)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2018, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/26 "2018-10-11T16:35:35Z")
My one furnephew Emmett (a Chorkie) likes to burrow under blankets/throws/coats that are left on chairs. I guess it makes him feel safe. (He’s a quiet, docile little guy, not like my other furnephew George–some kind of terrier mix with a Napoleon complex.) And when he’s got a squeaky toy, he doesn’t usually like to play fetch or tug-of-war with it…he just likes to sit and squeak it. I guess he likes the noise. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2018, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/27 "2018-10-11T17:14:38Z")
> [@Cardigan](#): > > Any of you have unusual games or activities your pets are obsessed by? The Daily Jeep Ride. The crew starts up as the sun gets low, and its an absolute Dog Riot if they don’t get their daily ride/run in the Jeep. I’ll take them out and they will run a mile or so, then prowl around in the rocks and bushes for mice and critters. I’ve become a slave to these hounds. But its good for them. The vet says they are in excellent shape. Pictures and vids here: [bob smith | Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/155285423@N02/) ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2018, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/28 "2018-10-11T17:27:32Z")
Leet the Wonder Dog[sup]TM[/sup] has a nice bowl of fresh water available in the kitchen 24/7. He won’t touch it. He wants to jump into the bath tub in the master bath room, and Sit and cock his head adorably so I will turn on the tap and he can slurp vast quantities and gasp and belch and slobber water all over the vicinity. I’ve tried putting his water dish in the tub - no good, has to be fresh. It works for him - he isn’t dehydrated, judging from the 40-50 times he goes winky-dink in the course of an hour’s walk, but it is a little eccentric. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Hopeful\_Crow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/da6949/32.png) [@Hopeful\_Crow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hopeful_Crow)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2018, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/29 "2018-10-11T20:08:21Z")
Noir Kitty loves to chase treats. I’ll sit in my rocking chair and throw one into the dining room and he charges after it. Then I’ll turn and throw one into the front room. He happily gallops around the corner, into that room, hot on its trail. This is repeated between rooms until the small amount he’s allowed is gone. Then I say, “That’s it, all gone,” and he goes into search mode for ones that he didn’t immediately find before. It’s funny, when I say that, he never looks at me as if to say, “Are you sure? Come on, give me a few more.” He just starts looking for the strays. I love the way his feet sound on the floor as he charges around and he seems to have such a good time doing this that I wish I could throw treats (actually dry cat kibble) until he’s exhausted. However, too many get him constipated. I wish I could find some that are somewhat soft and don’t cost a whole lot. I’ve never seen a cat who loves to play with his tail like he does. He’ll roll around and grab it, then let it slide through his paws, whereupon he’ll hiss at it as it twitches and grab it again. He often does this when he wants attention, looking every once in a while to see if we’re watching. Funny, funny kitty! ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2018, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/30 "2018-10-11T20:14:41Z")
Our cat figured out that doorknobs opened doors. He’d bat at them to get into a room. Luckily, he didn’t have opposable thumbs, so couldn’t to open them. ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2018, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/31 "2018-10-12T01:09:41Z")
I can’t believe I forgot this one… You know how when cats get really happy, they rub their faces against something to simulate being scritched? Our girl cat will often flop down on her back, indicating that she needs a belly rub. When we get her going, she’ll look for something to rub her face on. Usually, the nearest object is her hind foot. So she hugs her hind leg with her front paws, and rubs her face all over her foot. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2018, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/32 "2018-10-12T01:16:32Z")
Have you ever been figure 8-ed by 2 hungry Siamese. I have to stand still and fix the food bowls or I’ll faceplant on the floor from the cats going in and out of my legs. It’s the closest I get to a love hug from these 2. ---
**Author:** ![rat\_avatar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rat_avatar/32/255_2.png) [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2018, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/33 "2018-10-12T01:39:00Z")
My husky is ignores all traffic, bicycles etc… Except for she will get super excited and try to chase one super specific dumptruck from one company [Salmon Bay Sand and Gravel](http://teamsters174.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_0057-1024x683.jpg) I have bought toys with similar colors to see if that was it, but she just has no interest if it is another color etc… ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2018, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/34 "2018-10-12T02:20:59Z")
My cat Luci does this thing where she’ll carry one of her toys around the house and cry like a baby. (Usually a stuffed animal). I’ve tried filming her doing this, but every time she sees me, she stops, unfortunately. ☹ It’s the most adorable thing. ---
**Author:** ![Hermione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/cdc98d/32.png) [@Hermione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermione)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2018, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/35 "2018-10-12T03:58:34Z")
One thing I forgot to mention about furnephew Emmett… He rarely barks–in fact, in the two years my sister and brother-in-law have had him, I can count on one hand the times I’ve heard him actually bark. (Again, unlike George, who’s a bark machine.) Instead, he’ll make little snorty-snuffly-squeaky noises when he’s up close to you/being petted. Sometimes, he sounds a little like BB-8. The aforementioned George gets rambunctious in the evenings, usually after the evening walk. (At least, that’s how he is when I’m over there and I walk them.) Despite being fixed, he still tries to perform lewd acts on my arm/leg. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2018, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/36 "2018-10-12T04:13:26Z")
Something weird just happened. My cats were on a high bookcase. They get up there for reasons unknown to me. I sat in my chair and I heard a tiny commotion up there. Before I could turn around (thank god) a cat came flying through the air, landing on the back of my chair and down to my thigh and on to the floor and like smoke she was gone up the stairs. The male then flew down to the floor and up the stairs. Clearly something scared them. They never go upstairs unless I am up there. I am waiting on them to come back. It would be fruitless to look for them. I think they are in my bedroom on my armoir, I heard something hit the floor. I can’t figure out what spooked them. There is nothing up on the shelf. It’s quiet outside. The tv’s on but muted. I am home alone. This is one of those peculiar cat things that we are not meant to know, I guess. Shit like this happens all the time with cats. Usually dogs ( my dogs ) are easily understood. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2018, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/37 "2018-10-12T05:31:21Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Have you ever been figure 8-ed by 2 hungry Siamese. I think I saw that on a porn site one time. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2018, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/38 "2018-10-12T13:24:10Z")
> [@TRC4941](#): > > Do you think they feel like they’re taking care of it because it’s crying? That’s my best guess. Perhaps the pitch of that particular stuffed animal cry sets of a protective instinct. Or maybe single, male boxers just like monkeys. I won’t judge… ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2018, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/39 "2018-10-12T14:14:54Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > That’s my best guess. Perhaps the pitch of that particular stuffed animal cry sets of a protective instinct. Or maybe single, male boxers just like monkeys. I won’t judge… There’s nothing like a boxer…🙂 ---
**Author:** ![amaguri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/49beb7/32.png) [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2018, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772/40 "2018-10-12T14:51:27Z")
Our dog is getting very nervous in his old age and won’t eat unless someone is sitting with him He also doesn’t seem to like certain surfaces or doorways, I can’t quite figure it out but he will walk the “long way” around the house to avoid walking on the tile in the foyer [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-peculiarities/822772.md?page=3)