Pets never fail to surprise us with their unique and sometimes downright bizarre behaviors. My old dog, Murray, was a perfect example. When barking or pawing didn't work to grab my attention, he would make vocalizations that sounded eerily like human speech. While I can’t say for sure he was trying to talk, it was one of those unforgettable quirks that made him so special.
It’s fascinating when our furry (or feathery) friends blur the line between human and animal behavior. Yet, trying to explain these extraordinary traits to someone who doesn’t own a pet often earns skeptical looks or dismissive shrugs. For years, I kept Murray’s antics to myself, assuming no one would believe me.
But thanks to a Reddit thread started by user DMLorance in the AskReddit forum, pet owners everywhere finally have a place to share these incredible and hard-to-believe stories. The question posed was simple:
“Pet owners of Reddit: What quirk does your pet (past or present) do that nobody believes when you tell them?”
The responses were as heartwarming as they were entertaining. Here are 16 of the most unbelievable pet quirks shared by Reddit users:
1. The Bedtime Enforcer
“Our family dog had a nightly ritual. Around 10 PM sharp, she’d let out small barks at the living room doorway, signaling it was time for bed. She’d keep at it until I followed her. This tradition continued from my teenage years until her passing at 15. I miss her sassiness every day.” – Shibsmarie
2. The Human Sleeper
“One of my cats insists on sleeping like a person. He lays on my pillow with his head next to mine and snuggles under the blanket. If I stop cuddling him during the night, he’ll nudge me until I hold him closer. It’s adorable and a little weird!” – Dominoodles
3. The Bowl Connoisseur
“My dog absolutely refuses to drink from a standard dog bowl. After a vet visit revealed he was dehydrated, we switched to using one of our soup bowls. That worked perfectly, but if we go back to a regular dog dish, he stops drinking again. Nobody knows why!” – O_Pacaba
4. Handstand Bathroom Breaks
“Our childhood dog had a weak hind leg and would do handstands to pee if he needed to lift that leg. Later, we got a puppy who mimicked this, doing handstands every time he relieved himself—despite having no physical issues. It was hilarious but messy.” – LovelyShananigator
5. The Fetching Feline
“My cat loves playing fetch with his stuffed toys. If I don’t throw them far enough, he gets visibly annoyed and waits for a proper toss—preferably down the stairs for maximum fun.” – Upaupa212
6. The Cat-Speaking Dog
“My poodle mix, Yoda, learned to mimic a cat’s meow on command. It started as a joke, but one day he just did it! He was a truly unique little guy.” – T-Rocks
7. The Story-Loving Dog
“My dog demands I read to him. He’ll rest his head on my book and paw at me until I start reading out loud. Once I do, he just sits there listening, totally content.” – rogettheboat
8. The Rule-Enforcing Dog
“Our dog acts like a hall monitor for the cats. If he sees them misbehaving—like scratching furniture—he’ll bark at them until they stop. It’s like he’s enforcing the house rules!” – ealoft
9. The Sink-Savvy Cat
“My cat figured out how to turn on the bathroom sink by pushing or pulling the faucet handle. I’d often walk in to find the water running, though unfortunately, he never learned to turn it off!” – ashleyracheleee
10. Toy Alarm Systems
“Our dog arranges squeaky toys in doorways and at the top of stairs to act as alarm systems. If moved, he’ll put them back when no one’s looking. It’s like he plans the placement for maximum effectiveness!” – [Deleted]
11. The TV Fanatic
“Our dog loves watching TV. She actively follows the screen, regardless of the show, as if she understands what’s happening.” – crabgal
12. The Workout Helper
“Every time I do push-ups, my dog crawls under me and pushes up against my chest, as if he’s helping me out!” – coturnixxx
13. The Potty-Trained Cat
“We had a cat who taught himself to use a toddler potty. It was a cool trick, though it still needed cleaning. Pretty impressive for a cat, though!” – Fr3aky_Monded
14. The Flying Fetcher
“Our cat, Ninja, earned her name. She’d bring me her toy mouse, then jump to the top of a chair, ready to pounce. I’d throw the toy across the room, and she’d leap mid-air to catch it. She never missed!” – Ashwilliamsboomstick
15. The Lamp Operator
“My cat learned to twist the knob on a lamp with his teeth to turn it on or off. I’m both impressed and mildly concerned.” – Fournote
16. The Musical Parrot
“My parrot didn’t just whistle—he composed his own songs by blending different tunes. They weren’t masterpieces, but they were original!” – JavierLoustanuau
Pets truly have a way of leaving us in awe. From handstand bathroom breaks to bedtime enforcement, their quirks remind us just how unique and lovable they are. Do you have a pet with an unbelievable quirk? Share your story in the comments below!