Every single morning, I wake up to my cat chirping in my face until I start petting him. He’ll then relax for a while, and as long as I keep petting, he’ll keep purring. The second I stop, however, his paws are on my face and he’s meowing again demanding breakfast. If I’m in the kitchen cooking, he wants to be as close as possible, usually sitting on the coffee machine watching closely as I chop veggies or measure ingredients. He is incredibly nosey.

But apparently, he’s not alone! This trend on TikTok featuring nosey animals has been going viral for weeks now. It seems like every single pet owner out there has countless photos and videos in their camera roll featuring their fur babies peeking out windows, sticking their heads in places they shouldn’t be and standing by the door looking a little bit too much like a human.  

Whether your pet is allowed outdoors or will live out all of their days inside, it’s likely that they love looking out the windows. I can’t really blame them, because I love doing the same thing too! But if you’re curious why they’re so drawn to keeping an eye on what’s happening outside, Precious Petcare has some ideas.

When it comes to cats in particular, it’s possible that they’re looking for a cool breeze or some fresh air. I always keep at least one window in the apartment cracked open, and my little guy seems to always find his way there. He also loves the sunshine, likely for the warmth, so it’s a perfect win-win for him when he can get fresh air and a nice tan at the same time.     

Our pets might also spend time looking out the window if they’re waiting for one or more of their humans to come home. I’m not sure how he does it, but our cat is always right up at the door immediately when we come home, even if we get it unlocked incredibly quickly. He was likely watching out the window or listening for us in the stairwell, because he does not enjoy spending time alone. 

Cats and dogs might also be keeping an eye on the outside world to see what other animals are up to. If a bird lands on your balcony or flies by the window, it might grab the attention of your furry friend. Dogs also tend to love watching (and perhaps barking at) squirrels. Even a butterfly or a ladybug can capture the attention of my cat, especially because he never gets to go outside and chase them himself. Sometimes he does get lucky, though, and one will end up inside. Then, he’s on the hunt!  

As far as why dogs are always looking out the window to see what’s going on outside, Wag notes on their site that they might be stressed, bored or depressed if they’re kept inside for too long. Constantly keeping an eye on what’s going on outside might even be a coping mechanism for them. Watching the activity that’s happening outside can keep them occupied or distracted from the fact that they’d rather be out there. And they might simply be curious! 

Dogs also usually love looking out, or sticking their entire heads out, the window while riding in the car. Car rides can provide dogs with many new sights and smells that they don’t typically have access to, so it can be incredibly exciting for them to take it all in. The fresh air and all of the new senses can bring them joy, and just like cats (and even humans), sunshine can make them feel warm and fuzzy on the inside and outside. 

If you’re looking to make your pet’s window-watching experience more enjoyable, K&H Pet Products recommends making their preferred windowsill as cozy as possible. You can put a small bed or pillow there if there’s room to support it. And you might even consider hanging a cradle from the window, so your little fur ball always has somewhere to perch and keep an eye on the outside world! 

If you’ve noticed your pets becoming a little bit too nosey when watching the outside world, it might be time to take them outside. We all know dogs need to go out regularly to run around, do their business and go on walks to socialize and get to sniff. But even cats can benefit from some outdoor time! If you have an indoor cat, consider teaching them how to walk on a leash and taking them outside for some supervised fresh air. Chances are, they’ll love the experience and be happy to go out again and again! 

Are you enjoying these photos of nosey pets, pandas? We hope you’re getting a kick out of these dogs and cats that want to be in everyone’s business. Keep upvoting the pics you find particularly hilarious, and then, if you’re interested in another Bored Panda article featuring adorable pets, look no further than right here!