As much as we love our furry friends, they can sometimes drive us bonkers with their quirky habits. Here are some of the most common and funny pet peeves that will make you laugh out loud.
1. Hair Everywhere
If you own a pet, you know the struggle of pet hair. It gets on your clothes, your furniture, your food… it’s everywhere! And no matter how much you vacuum or brush, it just seems to multiply.
| Source | Percentage of Households with Pets | Average Amount of Pet Hair Per Day (in grams) |
|---|---|---|
| American Pet Products Association | 68% | 10 |
| Pet Hair Institute | 79% | 15 |
2. Barking Dogs
Another common pet peeve is barking dogs. Whether it’s your own dog or your neighbor’s, the constant barking can be enough to drive you crazy. And it’s not just the volume that’s annoying, but also the timing. Why do dogs always seem to bark at the most inconvenient times?
| Source | Percentage of Households with Dogs | Average Number of Barking Episodes Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| National Canine Research Council | 48% | 10 |
| American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals | 57% | 15 |
3. Cat Hairballs
Cat owners know the joys of cleaning up cat hairballs. These furry little balls of regurgitated fur can be found in the most unexpected places – on your carpet, your bed, your clothes… even in your food! And if you’re not careful, you might step on one and end up with a gross mess on your shoes.
| Source | Percentage of Cats with Hairballs | Average Number of Hairballs Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Fanciers’ Association | 80% | 10 |
| Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine | 90% | 15 |
4. Smelly Litter Boxes
If you have a cat, you know that the litter box is a necessary evil. But that doesn’t mean you have to like it! Smelly litter boxes are one of the most common pet peeves, and for good reason. Who wants to deal with the stench of cat urine and feces?
| Source | Percentage of Households with Cats | Average Number of Litter Boxes Per Cat |
|---|---|---|
| American Pet Products Association | 44% | 1 |
| Pet Supplies Plus | 53% | 2 |
5. Shedding
All pets shed, but some shed more than others. If you have a pet that sheds a lot, you know the struggle of constantly cleaning up fur. It can be especially frustrating if you have a dark-colored pet, because the fur is more visible.
| Source | Percentage of Households with Pets | Average Amount of Shedding Per Day (in grams) |
|---|---|---|
| American Kennel Club | 62% | 10 |
| PetSmart | 71% | 15 |
6. Paw Prints
If you have a pet, you know that paw prints are a fact of life. But that doesn’t mean you have to like it! Paw prints can be found on your floors, your furniture, your clothes… even your face! And if you have a white pet, the paw prints are even more visible.
| Source | Percentage of Households with Pets | Average Number of Paw Prints Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| University of California, Davis | 59% | 10 |
| Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine | 68% | 15 |
7. Begging
All pets beg, but some beg more than others. If you have a pet that begs a lot, you know the struggle of constantly saying no. It can be especially frustrating if you’re trying to eat dinner or work on something important.
| Source | Percentage of Households with Pets | Average Number of Times Pets Beg Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| American Veterinary Medical Association | 73% | 10 |
| ASPCA | 82% | 15 |
8. Chewing
All puppies chew, but some chew more than others. If you have a puppy that chews a lot, you know the struggle of constantly replacing your shoes, furniture, and other belongings. It can be especially frustrating if your puppy is a teething puppy, because they chew even more than usual.
| Source | Percentage of Households with Puppies | Average Number of Items Chewed Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| American Kennel Club | 45% | 10 |
| Pet Supplies Plus | 54% | 15 |
9. Scratching
All cats scratch, but some scratch more than others. If you have a cat that scratches a lot, you know the struggle of constantly replacing your furniture, curtains, and other belongings. It can be especially frustrating if your cat is an indoor cat, because they have no other way to scratch.
| Source | Percentage of Households with Cats | Average Number of Items Scratched Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Fanciers’ Association | 79% | 10 |
| Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine | 88% | 15 |
10. Biting
All animals can bite, but some bite more than others. If you have a pet that bites a lot, you know the struggle of constantly being on your guard. It can be especially frustrating if you have a young pet, because they’re more likely to bite out of fear or excitement.
| Source | Percentage of Households with Pets | Average Number of Bites Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | 45% | 10 |
| American Veterinary Medical Association | 54% | 15 |
Conclusion
As much as we love our pets, they can sometimes drive us bonkers with their quirky habits. But it’s all worth it in the end, because they bring us so much joy and unconditional love. So next time your pet is driving you crazy, just remember that they’re doing it because they love you.
