15 Kitten and Puppy Behaviors New Pet Owners Worry About

Bringing home a new puppy, kitten, or adopted pet is an exciting experience, but it can also come with plenty of questions. Many new pet owners find themselves wondering: Is this normal puppy behavior? Is my kitten acting this way because something is wrong?

From sleeping all day and following you everywhere to chewing, hiding, vocalizing, or having occasional accidents, many behaviors that seem unusual are actually common parts of adjusting to a new home. Understanding what is normal can help ease new pet owner concerns while allowing you to recognize when a behavior may require veterinary guidance.

Every pet is an individual, and personality, age, breed, previous experiences, and environment all influence behavior. A young puppy learning household rules will behave differently than an older rescue dog adjusting after years in another home. Similarly, a confident kitten may explore immediately, while a shy cat may need weeks before feeling comfortable.

Here are some of the most common pet behavior questions new owners ask and what you should know.

Why Do New Pets Behave Differently After Adoption?

A new home represents a major transition for any animal. Your pet is learning unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells, routines, and people. Even a friendly and outgoing pet may need time to adjust.

Many behaviors are rooted in natural instincts. Dogs may chew, dig, or investigate with their mouths because these behaviors helped their ancestors survive. Cats may scratch, hide, knead, or bring “gifts” because these actions are connected to communication, comfort, and hunting instincts.

Age also plays an important role. Puppies and kittens are still developing socially and physically, while older pets may have established habits or past experiences that influence how they respond to change.

With patience, consistency, enrichment, and positive reinforcement, most unexpected behaviors improve over time.

1. Sleeping Most of the Day

Is it normal? Yes, in many cases.

Puppies and kittens often sleep 16 to 20 hours a day because their bodies and brains are growing rapidly. Sleep supports development, learning, and overall health. Adult dogs and cats also sleep much more than people often expect, with many resting for 13 to 18 hours daily.

However, excessive sleepiness can sometimes indicate a problem. Contact your veterinarian if your pet is difficult to wake, unusually sluggish after waking, stops eating, or shows other signs of illness such as vomiting, weakness, or difficulty walking.

2. Sudden Bursts of Energy (“Zoomies”)

Is it normal? Yes.

Those moments when your puppy races around the house or your cat suddenly sprints from room to room are usually completely normal. Zoomies are a way for pets to release energy and often occur after naps, baths, play sessions, or exciting events.

While zoomies are a normal puppy behavior and common among cats as well, pay attention if they appear painful or are accompanied by limping, vocalizing, or difficulty moving.

3. Chewing Everything

Is it normal? Usually, especially for puppies.

Chewing is one of the most common behaviors in young dogs. Puppies chew while teething, exploring their surroundings, relieving stress, and entertaining themselves. Adult dogs may also chew when they are bored or lack mental stimulation.

Provide safe, durable toys and redirect unwanted chewing rather than punishing your dog. Destructive chewing that becomes excessive may benefit from guidance from a certified trainer or behavior professional.

4. Scratching Furniture

Is it normal? Yes, particularly for cats.

Scratching is an essential feline behavior. Cats scratch to stretch their muscles, maintain their claws, mark territory, and communicate through scent glands in their paws.

Rather than trying to eliminate scratching, provide appropriate outlets such as scratching posts, cat trees, and other enrichment opportunities. Reward your cat for using acceptable scratching surfaces.

5. Following You Everywhere

Is it normal? Often, yes.

Many dogs are naturally social and enjoy staying close to their people. Some cats also become affectionate companions who quietly follow their owners from room to room.

This behavior often reflects bonding, curiosity, or a desire for security. However, extreme distress when separated, destructive behavior when alone, or constant panic may indicate separation anxiety and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

6. Eating Grass

Is it normal? Often, yes.

Many dogs eat grass, and researchers believe the behavior is often instinctive rather than a sign of illness. Some dogs may consume plants because of inherited behaviors from their ancestors or simply because they enjoy the taste and texture.

Occasional grass eating is generally not concerning, but repeated vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, or eating grass treated with pesticides should be evaluated.

7. Hiding

Is it normal? Especially for newly adopted cats and shy dogs.

Hiding is one of the most common new pet behaviors. A new environment can feel overwhelming, and hiding provides a safe place where pets can observe their surroundings while adjusting.

Allow your pet to approach at their own pace. Avoid forcing interactions, as this can increase fear and stress. Many pets become more confident as they learn that their new home is safe.

8. Excessive Vocalization

Is it normal? Sometimes.

Dogs bark and whine, while cats meow, chirp, and vocalize to communicate. Some breeds are naturally more talkative than others.

Pets may vocalize because they want attention, feel excited, hungry, are bored, or are responding to something in their environment. Sudden increases in vocalization, especially in older pets, may indicate discomfort, anxiety, or a medical concern.

9. Stealing Socks, Toys, or Household Items

Is it normal? Often, yes.

Many dogs and cats investigate objects because they are curious. Dogs may enjoy carrying items, while cats may view small objects as prey-like toys.

Personal items can also provide comfort because they carry your scent. However, prevent access to objects that could be swallowed, as foreign bodies can cause dangerous intestinal blockages.

10. Digging

Is it normal? Yes, for many dogs.

Digging is an instinctive behavior inherited from canine ancestors. Dogs may dig to create a comfortable resting spot, release energy, explore scents, or satisfy hunting instincts.

Exercise, enrichment activities, puzzle toys, and designated digging areas can help manage this normal behavior.

11. Kneading Blankets or People

Is it normal? Yes, for cats.

Kneading is one of the most recognizable normal kitten habits that many cats carry into adulthood. The behavior begins during nursing when kittens push against their mother to stimulate milk flow.

Adult cats often knead when they feel comfortable, relaxed, and bonded with their owners. It is usually a sign of affection and contentment.

12. Fear of New Things

Is it normal? Often, yes.

New pets may be frightened by unfamiliar sounds, people, objects, or experiences. Puppies and kittens can also experience developmental fear periods as they mature.

Gentle socialization, positive experiences, and patience help pets build confidence. Avoid punishment, which can increase fear and make adjustment more difficult.

13. Begging for Food

Is it normal? Very common.

Pets quickly learn behaviors that earn rewards. If begging results in treats or table scraps, they may continue because they have learned it works.

Establish consistent feeding routines, limit unnecessary treats, and work with your veterinarian to maintain a healthy weight.

14. Bringing You “Gifts”

Is it normal? Yes, especially for cats.

Cats may bring toys, household objects, or occasionally prey because of their natural hunting instincts. While this behavior may seem unusual, it is often connected to instinct and social bonding.

15. Occasional House-Training Accidents

Is it normal? Yes.

Accidents are common while puppies and newly adopted pets learn routines. Young animals may also lack complete bladder control.

Consistency, positive reinforcement, and realistic expectations are essential. However, sudden accidents in a previously trained pet may indicate a medical or behavioral issue.

When Should I Contact My Veterinarian?

While many behaviors are normal, contact your veterinarian if you notice sudden behavior changes, aggression, loss of appetite, excessive lethargy, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, signs of pain, compulsive behaviors, or severe anxiety.

Learning the difference between normal and concerning behavior is an important part of becoming a confident pet owner. Whether you are following a new dog owner guide or a new cat owner guide, patience and understanding will help you build a stronger relationship with your companion.

Many behaviors that initially seem strange are simply your pet communicating, adjusting, and learning what it means to be part of your family. With time, consistency, and care, most new pet behavior questions become much easier to answer.