If you think your pet’s quirks are unique, think again—dogs and cats share plenty of frustrating behaviors.
Living with pets is rewarding, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Whether you have a cat, a dog, or both, there are moments when their behavior can test your patience. While people often debate which species makes the better pet, the truth is that dogs and cats share many of the same annoying habits. From attention-seeking antics to disruptive nighttime energy, these common behaviors can leave owners feeling exasperated.
Despite their differences, both species have a way of getting into trouble, invading personal space, and making everyday life just a little more chaotic. Some of these behaviors are instinctual, while others can be curbed with training and patience. Here are ten traits that dogs and cats have in common that can drive their owners absolutely crazy.
1. They demand attention at the worst possible times.
Dogs and cats have a knack for making their needs known, and they don’t care what you’re doing. Whether you’re trying to work, eat, or relax, they’ll find a way to demand your attention. Some pets will whine or meow persistently until you acknowledge them, while others resort to more disruptive tactics like pawing, headbutting, or even knocking objects over to get you to look their way.
Ignoring them often makes the behavior worse. If a dog or cat learns that being persistent gets them what they want, they’ll keep doing it. According to Lombard Veterinary Hospital, excessive attention-seeking can become a learned behavior if not properly managed. Setting boundaries and reinforcing calm behavior is key to managing this, but it’s easier said than done when your pet is staring at you with big, pleading eyes or loudly protesting your lack of attention.
2. They have no concept of personal space.
It doesn’t matter if you’re sleeping, eating, or trying to enjoy a quiet moment—your pet will find a way to be right in your face. Dogs are known for jumping up on their owners or following them from room to room, while cats will climb onto your keyboard, perch on your shoulder, or sprawl across whatever you’re trying to do.
This behavior is often endearing, but it can become frustrating when they refuse to respect boundaries. According to Cats.com, both dogs and cats instinctively crave closeness, which can make them oblivious to personal space. Teaching pets to respect personal space requires consistent reinforcement, but some will always find creative ways to insert themselves into your daily routine. If they’re not in your lap, they’re leaning against you, standing in your path, or curling up on whatever you were planning to use.
3. They are both notorious for interrupting sleep.
Pet owners know the struggle of disrupted sleep all too well. Cats are infamous for their nighttime zoomies, loud meowing, and knocking things over in the middle of the night. Dogs, on the other hand, may bark at random noises, pace around the house, or nudge their owners awake for attention.
Both species have their own reasons for being active at inconvenient hours. According to Kinship, cats are naturally more energetic at dawn and dusk, while dogs may wake up due to discomfort, boredom, or a desire to go outside. Keeping them on a routine and providing adequate exercise before bedtime can help, but some pets simply refuse to let their owners sleep peacefully.
4. They find ways to make as much noise as possible.
If you’ve ever had a dog that won’t stop barking or a cat that meows constantly, you know how frustrating excessive vocalization can be. Some pets just love to be heard, whether they’re greeting you, demanding food, or responding to every little noise outside.
While barking and meowing are natural ways for pets to communicate, they can quickly become overwhelming. According to Best Friends Veterinary Center, excessive vocalization in both cats and dogs can stem from anxiety, attention-seeking, or underlying medical issues. Training can help reduce unnecessary vocalization, but some breeds are naturally more talkative than others. Owners of vocal pets often have to accept that their furry companions simply have a lot to say, whether or not anyone wants to hear it.
5. They both have destructive tendencies when bored.
A bored pet is a destructive pet. Cats scratch furniture, knock objects off shelves, and chew on cords. Dogs chew on shoes, dig through trash, and tear up anything within reach. If they don’t have enough mental and physical stimulation, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves—often at their owner’s expense.
Providing toys, enrichment activities, and regular playtime can help curb destructive behavior, but some pets are especially determined to create chaos. Even when given plenty of attention, they still manage to get into trouble the moment their owners look away. Some pets are naturally more mischievous, finding joy in destruction even when they have plenty of things to do. Owners often find themselves constantly replacing household items, only for the cycle to repeat itself.
6. They both beg for food with zero shame.
Dogs and cats are masters at manipulating their owners into sharing food. Whether it’s a dog resting its head on your lap with pleading eyes or a cat sitting on the table, staring at every bite you take, their persistence can be hard to ignore. Some will even paw at their owners or try to steal food directly off the plate.
Ignoring the begging is the best way to stop it, but many owners give in, reinforcing the behavior. Once a pet learns that begging works, they’ll keep doing it, making every meal feel like a battle of wills. Some pets even develop strategic techniques, like pretending they haven’t been fed or running to another family member for a second helping. Others escalate their tactics, knocking food off counters or attempting to steal straight from the plate when no one is looking.
7. They don’t care about household rules when you’re not looking.
Most pet owners know that their animals behave differently when they think no one is watching. Dogs that aren’t allowed on the couch will sneak up the moment their owner leaves the room. Cats that “know” they shouldn’t be on the counter will jump up anyway—especially if there’s food involved.
Catching them in the act is often the only way to correct the behavior, but pets have an uncanny ability to look innocent when confronted. Many owners find themselves setting up deterrents or baby gates just to enforce the rules. Some pets even seem to take pride in their rule-breaking, giving their owners a smug look before running off. No matter how many times they get caught, they always seem to find another opportunity to push the limits.
8. They get territorial and don’t like to share.
Dogs and cats both have territorial instincts that can cause tension in multi-pet households. Some pets don’t like sharing food bowls, toys, or even their favorite sleeping spots. This can lead to growling, hissing, or even minor scuffles when one pet feels like their space is being invaded.
Territorial behaviors can sometimes be managed through training and gradual introductions, but some pets are naturally more possessive than others. For households with multiple animals, managing these dynamics can be an ongoing challenge. Some pets mark their territory in creative ways, making it clear what belongs to them. In extreme cases, territorial disputes can escalate to full-blown fights, requiring careful intervention from owners.
9. They make a mess wherever they go.
Shedding, tracking dirt inside, knocking things over, and leaving toys everywhere—pets have a way of turning even the cleanest home into a disaster zone. Dogs bring in mud after a walk, while cats spread litter outside the box. And when they aren’t actively making a mess, they’re leaving fur on every surface they touch.
Frequent cleaning and pet-proofing can help, but owners often have to accept a certain level of chaos. Even with the best grooming and housekeeping efforts, pets always find a way to leave their mark. Some seem to delight in creating messes, knocking over objects just to watch them fall. No matter how hard you try to keep things tidy, living with a pet means constantly battling fur, dirt, and unexpected surprises.
10. They ignore you when it’s convenient for them.
As much as pets demand attention, they’re also experts at ignoring their owners when they don’t feel like listening. Dogs suddenly “forget” commands when they’re distracted, and cats act as if they didn’t hear you at all. Both species have moments where they simply do what they want, regardless of how many times they’ve been told otherwise.
This selective hearing can be frustrating, especially when trying to enforce rules or call them inside. While training can improve responsiveness, some pets will always have an independent streak that keeps their owners on their toes. Certain breeds are more notorious for this than others, requiring extra patience and persistence. Some pets even seem to find entertainment in ignoring commands, glancing over with a look that says, “I heard you, but I’m choosing not to listen.”