Pet quirks can be adorable, hilarious, and plain weird. Many of them, though, are easy to explain. Take, for example, the seemingly ubiquitous passion that cats have for drinking tap water. 

There are a few layers to this obsession, but the most obvious answer here is the fact that tap water simply tastes better. Just like we all prefer fresh, cool water from the tap, cats also like how refreshing it is compared to the stale water that’s been sitting in their bowl for hours.

The other factor can be the placement of the water bowl. Your cat might not like that it’s somewhere near a wall, which puts them in a vulnerable position as they can’t see what’s happening behind them.

Another instinctual thing is a cat’s preference for flowing water instead of still because of contaminants. In the wild, streams and rivers are the ideal water source as it often is cleaner than what you can find in ponds and pools.

Another very typical cat thing is loving boxes. Many pet owners jokingly complain that whatever kind of toy they get for their pet, it cannot compare to the box that the toy came in. This might be because cats like the safety of a small, enclosed space. It’s a comfortable spot where they can hide and feel in control of their environment. 

The feline love for boxes is also tied to their love for warmth. You see, the ideal temperature that cats feel the most comfortable in is around 99°F, way higher than what feels good for us. So, they look for their own ways to keep themselves warm, whether it is laying in the sun or confining themselves into a tight space.

Boxes are ideal for this warming up ritual as cardboard is a great insulator. However, they’re not the only option. Just like this list shows you, cats can make themselves comfortable in bags, plastic wraps and strollers.

Of course, cats are not the only ones that have weird habits. Dogs also have some silly behavioral quirks. One of the most adorable ones that’s really appreciated on the web is their so-called zoomies. This is when a dog is running around all excited because they are, in fact, very excited and happy.

Eating grass is sometimes quoted as a weird thing that dogs do. There are many theories as to why it’s a thing but no real concrete explanation. Some experts believe that it has something to do with dogs needing extra fiber, others think they might simply like the taste.

If your dog loves to hump everything and everyone, know that they do it simply because it feels good. But be careful as it also can be a way to assert dominance and show aggression. Either way, if the behavior is constant, be sure to check with the vet as it might cause some back problems for your dog.

Pets are our adorable companions and their quirks often make our day. Next time you see your pet doing something funny, be sure to capture it—you never know, maybe they will start a new viral TikTok trend!