šŖ Why Cats Make Biscuits and Other Cute Pet Habits šŖ
š WILL WE SEE YOU AT THE REPTILE EXPO? šĀ See More Below
We Adore our Pets' Little Quirks. But here are the reasons behind their cute behaviours.Ā Ā
š± Cats
Is your cat getting ready to open a biscuit shop?
You may think your cat is getting ready to open a biscuit shop! That rhythmic paw-pushing often refered to as "making biscuits" is actually from kittenhood. Nursing kittens knead their mother's belly to help milk flow,Ā and as anĀ adult, it reminds them of comfort and safety. There's a practical side too: cats have scent glands in their paw pads, so every knead marks the spot as theirs.
Why don't cats get along with the neighbours' cat?
Here's the thing about cats: they are very independent. Every cat defends their own patch. If a strange cat wanders into even the tamest cat's garden, they are rarely met with a friendly meow. And when they do get used to the neighbour's cat, it's usual that they will 'tollerate' them, rather than become friends. Even if you bring another cat home, it takes time for them to accept them as part of the family.
Why do cats "gift" you mice or birds?
As kittens, mother cats often bring prey back to teach kittens how to hunt to survive. In their minds, they're helping us - after all, they've never actually seen us catch a mouse.Ā
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Why do cats squeeze into boxes and small spaces?
Cats love to fold themselves into any small space. It's part survival instinct (fewer directions a predator can attack from) plus it's very cosy. Apparently, cats will happily sit inside a square of tape stuck to the floor ā though to be honest, we've never actually tried this one.
š¶ Dogs
Why do dogs tilt their head when you talk to them?
That head tilt isn't just adorable ā there's a reason behind it. Tilting helps a dog pinpoint exactly where a sound is coming from, while also being remarkably tuned in to human faces, so a head tilt isĀ "concentrating very hard." All we see is "cute little pup".
Why do dogs howl at sirens?
Have you ever noticed how dogs sometimes howl at a noise? Often long siren sounds remind them of a distant pack howl, and therefore they are simply answering.
Why do dogs get "Zoomies"?
Vets have an official name for it: FRAP (Frenetic Random Activity Periods). This activity is a sudden release of pent-up energy or excitement, and it often happens after a bath, after doing their business, or after waking. Harmless and completely normal but again very cute.
š° Rabbits & small pets
Why do rabbits thump their back feet?
In the wild, a thump is an alarm bell for the rest of the warren. It shouts "danger". If your house rabbit thumps at the hoover, they're not overreacting they're warning others of a potentially dangerous hoover!Ā
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Why do guinea pigs "popcorn"? If you've ever seen a guinea pig leap straight up mid-run, twist included, that's popcorning. Pure excitement, most common in young guinea pigs or ones who've recently settled into a space where they feel safe. A popcorning guinea pig is a happy guinea pig and it's the cutest thing to see.
Why do hamsters stuff their cheeks even when they're not hungry? Simply put, it's their shopping basket. Hamsters forage far from their burrow, so cramming food into their cheek pouches to carry it home ā rather than eating out in the open where they're vulnerable. It's a matter of survival and means they can eat comfortably when they back to the safety of their home.Ā
Worth knowing: these are all normal, healthy behaviours ā but context matters. A cat suddenly hiding after a run-in with a rival, a dog howling non-stop and unable to settle, or a rabbit that stops thumping and goes unusually still are the kind of changes worth a second look.
If anything about your pet's little quirks has you wondering "cuteā¦ or should I be concerned?" ā get in touch / or book a check-up. We're always happy to help.
PHOTO COMPETITION 2026
DONT'T FORGET. We are now accepting photos for the 2026 photo competition. Send your photos to info@palmerstownvets.ieĀ
REPTILE EXPO IRELAND
Just a reminder about the Reptile Expo soonĀ
27th September 2026
With just over a month to go, we are getting ready for the Expo. It'll be a great day out for all Reptile Lovers and our very own vet, Filipe Martinho will be a speaker on the day! Tickets are only ā¬15 with discounts for kids. We hope to see you there.Ā
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No question is ever too big or too small when it comes to your pet's health ā that's what we're here for. If you have concerns about your cat, dog or exotic pet, we are here to help.
Call 01 623 7044
š Book a check-up or chat with our team
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All the best, The Team Palmerstown Vets
Palmerstown Veterinary Hospital 01 623 70 44
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