Author: Simple Pet Answers

  • Is It Normal for Hamsters to Run on Their Wheel All Night?

    Yes — it is completely normal for hamsters to run on their wheel at night.

    Hamsters are naturally nocturnal and are most active after dark.

    Why hamsters run at night

    Natural activity cycle: Hamsters are wired to be active during nighttime hours.

    Exercise: Running is an important way for hamsters to burn energy.

    Boredom relief: Wheels provide stimulation in enclosed spaces.

    Is constant running a concern?

    Long periods of running are normal, as long as your hamster eats, drinks, and rests normally.

    Reassuring takeaway

    Nighttime wheel running is healthy, expected behaviour for hamsters.

  • Why Is My Fish Hiding All the Time? Is This Normal?

    Yes — fish hiding is often normal, especially in certain situations.

    Many fish naturally seek shelter as part of their instinctive behaviour.

    Why fish hide

    New environments: Fish often hide when first introduced to a tank.

    Stress: Changes in lighting, noise, or activity can cause temporary hiding.

    Rest: Some fish hide while resting or sleeping.

    When hiding is usually fine

    If your fish comes out to eat and swims normally at other times, hiding is usually not a problem.

    Reassuring takeaway

    Hiding is a natural behaviour for many fish and is often part of feeling safe.

  • Why Does My Guinea Pig Squeak So Much? Is This Normal?

    Yes — frequent squeaking is normal for guinea pigs.

    Guinea pigs are vocal animals and use sounds to communicate with their surroundings.

    What guinea pig squeaks mean

    Squeaks can sound different depending on the situation, but they are often linked to excitement or anticipation.

    Common reasons for squeaking

    Food anticipation: Many guinea pigs squeak when they hear food being prepared.

    Recognition: They may vocalise when they see familiar people.

    Communication: Squeaks help guinea pigs interact with their environment.

    Is squeaking ever a concern?

    If your guinea pig is eating, moving, and behaving normally, frequent squeaking is usually harmless.

    Reassuring takeaway

    For most guinea pigs, squeaking is simply part of their normal personality.

  • Why Does My Rabbit Thump? Is This Normal?

    Yes — thumping is a normal behaviour for rabbits.

    Rabbits use their back legs to thump the ground as a way of communicating.

    What rabbit thumping means

    Thumping is usually a warning signal. It can alert other rabbits — or you — that something feels unfamiliar or unsettling.

    Common reasons rabbits thump

    Startling noises: Sudden sounds or movement can trigger thumping.

    Unfamiliar surroundings: New environments or changes can make rabbits cautious.

    Attention: Some rabbits thump when they want a response.

    Is thumping a problem?

    If your rabbit thumps occasionally and otherwise behaves normally, this is usually not a concern.

    Reassuring takeaway

    Thumping is a natural rabbit behaviour and is often just a response to feeling alert or cautious.

  • Why Does My Cat Suddenly Ignore Me? Is This Normal?

    Yes, cats occasionally becoming distant or less interactive is normal.

    Cats are independent animals, and changes in attention are common.

    Why cats ignore owners

    Mood changes: Cats can be more or less social depending on how they feel.

    Environmental changes: New routines or household changes can affect behaviour.

    Overstimulation: Some cats withdraw when they want space.

    Is sudden distance a concern?

    If your cat is eating, moving, and behaving normally otherwise, brief withdrawal is usually not serious.

    Reassuring takeaway

    Temporary distance is often just part of normal cat behaviour and personality.

  • Why Does My Cat Sleep in the Sink? Is This Normal?

    Yes — cats choosing unusual sleeping spots like sinks is very common.

    What seems odd to humans often makes perfect sense to cats.

    Why sinks appeal to cats

    Shape: Sinks provide a curved, enclosed space that feels secure.

    Cool surface: Porcelain can feel refreshing, especially in warm weather.

    Quiet location: Bathrooms are often calm and undisturbed.

    Is sink sleeping a problem?

    If your cat moves normally and sleeps in other places too, sink sleeping is usually harmless.

    Reassuring takeaway

    Sleeping in a sink is often just a comfort choice and is generally normal behaviour.

  • Why Does My Cat Chirp at Birds? Is This Normal?

    Yes, chirping or chattering at birds is a very common cat behaviour.

    This sound is usually heard when cats watch birds or insects through a window.

    What chirping sounds like

    Chirping is often a rapid clicking or chattering noise made with the teeth.

    Why cats chirp

    Excitement: The sight of prey can trigger vocal reactions.

    Frustration: Cats may chirp when they can see but not reach something.

    Instinct: This behaviour is closely tied to hunting instincts.

    Is chirping a concern?

    Chirping is usually harmless and not a sign of distress.

    Reassuring takeaway

    For most cats, chirping at birds is a normal instinctive response and nothing to worry about.

  • Why Does My Cat Get Zoomies at Night? Is This Normal?

    Yes — nighttime zoomies are very common in cats and are usually normal.

    Many cats become suddenly energetic in the evening or late at night, especially indoors.

    What zoomies look like

    Zoomies often involve sudden running, jumping, or playful bursts of energy that start and stop quickly.

    Why cats get zoomies

    Natural rhythms: Cats are naturally more active at dawn and dusk.

    Stored energy: Indoor cats may release unused energy later in the day.

    Play behaviour: Zoomies are often linked to excitement or playfulness.

    Is nighttime activity a problem?

    If your cat settles afterwards and behaves normally during the day, zoomies are usually harmless.

    Reassuring takeaway

    Nighttime zoomies are a normal way for cats to release energy and express playfulness.

  • Why Does My Cat Knead Blankets? Is This Normal?

    Yes — kneading blankets is a very common and normal behaviour for cats.

    This action, sometimes called “making biscuits,” is usually a sign that your cat feels comfortable and safe.

    What kneading means

    Kneading is a rhythmic pushing motion cats make with their front paws. It often happens on soft surfaces like blankets, cushions, or laps.

    This behaviour starts in kittenhood and often continues into adulthood.

    Why cats knead

    Comfort: Kneading is strongly linked to relaxation and contentment.

    Habit: Many cats knead automatically when settling down.

    Scent marking: Cats have scent glands in their paws, so kneading can mark an area as familiar.

    When kneading might look unusual

    Kneading is usually harmless. It may be worth noticing only if it becomes frantic or seems to cause distress.

    Reassuring takeaway

    In most cases, kneading is simply a sign that your cat feels safe and comfortable.

  • Why Does My Dog Stare at Me? Is This Normal?

    Yes — dogs staring at their owners is very common and usually completely normal.

    Dogs use eye contact as a way to communicate, observe, and connect.

    Why dogs stare

    Communication: Dogs often look at owners to understand what will happen next.

    Bonding: Calm eye contact can be a sign of trust and attachment.

    Anticipation: Dogs may stare when waiting for food, walks, or interaction.

    Observation: Dogs naturally monitor human behaviour closely.

    Is staring a sign of dominance?

    In most household situations, staring is not about dominance.

    If your dog’s body language is relaxed, staring is usually a neutral or positive behaviour.

    When staring may feel different

    Staring may be worth noticing if it is paired with:

    • Stiff posture
    • Growling or tension
    • Sudden behavioural changes

    Reassuring takeaway

    Most of the time, a dog staring at you is simply paying attention or seeking connection.

    If your dog seems relaxed and responsive, this behaviour is generally normal.