Pets Hate Surprises (Unless It’s Treats)
Plot twist: Your cat isn’t aloof—she’s just had enough of your spontaneous life choices.
Predictability Is Comfort (And Not Just for Grandma)
Here’s the truth: animals thrive on routine. Your dog, your cat, even your goldfish—they all rely on the rhythm of daily life to feel safe and settled. When you shake things up without warning? They don’t think “Fun adventure!” They think, “WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS?”
Surprises stress pets out. New people, new schedules, unexpected loud noises (looking at you, vacuum)—all these things chip away at their sense of security. And an insecure pet? That’s where the weird behaviors start creeping in. Barking. Hiding. Peeing somewhere unspeakable.
A Quick Story: The Tale of the Mysterious Stranger
One of our clients, let’s call her Beth, had friends over for an impromptu game night. Her usually chill cat, Pancake, disappeared for three days. Why? Because Pancake didn’t get a memo that strangers would be sitting in her chair, breathing her air, laughing at volumes reserved for haunted houses.
Beth learned the hard way: warn the cat, or suffer the consequences.
Why It Happens
Animals don’t understand “spur of the moment.” Their little brains are wired for patterns. Patterns = survival. Anything outside the pattern? Potential danger. That’s evolution talking.
So when you randomly rearrange the furniture, bring home a new boyfriend, or decide today’s the day to try the leaf blower, your pet isn’t being dramatic. They’re reacting exactly as nature intended.
Practical Tips (Because We’re Helpful Like That)
Want a calmer, happier pet? Build in predictability where you can:
- Feed them at the same times daily.
- Keep walk times consistent.
- When change is unavoidable (houseguests, renovations, vacations), prep them in advance with calm energy, familiar smells, and safe spaces.
Bonus tip: Introduce new things gradually—whether it’s a robot vacuum or a new roommate.
Parting Wisdom (Delivered With Love)
Your dog doesn’t need surprise parties. Your cat doesn’t want a pop quiz. Save the surprises for treat time. Everything else? Keep it boring. Boring is safe. Boring is good. Boring means fewer pee stains on the carpet.