Cats and dogs may seem like total opposites, but when it comes to their quirks, they have more in common than you’d think. Whether you’re a cat person, a dog lover, or lucky enough to have both, you’ve probably noticed some eerily similar (and sometimes infuriating) behaviors. From zoomies to selective hearing, here are ten habits that cats and dogs share—proving that no pet is completely innocent.

1. The Midnight Zoomies

Just when you’re ready to settle in for the night, your furry friend decides it’s time to sprint through the house like an Olympic athlete. Both cats and dogs get random bursts of energy, often in the middle of the night. You’ll hear paws thundering down the hallway, furniture shaking, and possibly something crashing. No amount of training seems to stop this madness—because for them, it’s just part of life.

2. Ignoring You On Purpose

Ever call your pet’s name just for them to stare at you blankly—or worse, walk away? Both cats and dogs have perfected the art of selective hearing. If you’re offering food or a walk, they’re all ears, but if it’s time for a bath or a vet visit, suddenly, they forget their own name. It’s a universal pet trait: they hear what they want when they want. And no, they’re not sorry about it.

3. Knocking Things Over For No Reason

If you’ve ever had a drink mysteriously tumble off your table, you already know pets have an uncanny ability to send things flying. Cats love to do it deliberately, testing gravity with every paw swipe. Dogs, on the other hand, are more accidental—wagging tails and clumsy paws often send items crashing to the floor. Either way, your belongings aren’t safe around these chaos-loving creatures.

4. Sitting In The Exact Spot You Need

Need to read a book? Your cat will sit on it. Need to tie your shoes? Your dog will plop down on your laces. Both animals have a strange need to insert themselves into whatever you’re doing. They don’t care if you’re working, packing a suitcase, or trying to relax. If there’s a space to invade, they’ll claim it—because, in their minds, everything you do should involve them.

5. Demanding Attention—Then Rejecting It

One minute they’re begging for pets, and the next, they’re walking away like you offended them. Dogs and cats are equally guilty of this emotional rollercoaster. Your dog might nuzzle your hand for scratches but then wander off as soon as you start. Meanwhile, your cat will purr and rub against you—only to swat your hand away a second later. Their love comes on their terms, and good luck trying to figure out what those terms are.

6. Staring At You For No Reason

Ever catch your pet just… staring? Both cats and dogs love to lock eyes with you, often without blinking. Sometimes it’s cute, like when they want food or attention. Other times, it’s downright unsettling—especially when you wake up in the middle of the night to find them silently watching you. Are they plotting something? Are they just bored? We may never know, but it’s definitely a shared trait between the two.

7. Obsessing Over Something Random

Pets will hyper-fixate on the weirdest things. Your dog might chase a shadow on the wall for hours, while your cat is suddenly convinced that the one speck of dust on the floor is an enemy that must be destroyed. Both animals have a knack for getting completely absorbed in the most random objects—whether it’s a plastic bag, a laser pointer, or their own tail. And once they’re locked in, good luck distracting them.

8. Begging For Food (Even After Just Eating)

No matter how well-fed they are, both cats and dogs have a bottomless appetite when it comes to begging. They’ll act like they’re starving, giving you those big, pleading eyes, even though they just finished a full meal. Cats will meow dramatically at an empty bowl, and dogs will pull their best “I’ve never been fed before” act. And the moment you cave in? The cycle starts all over again.

9. Taking Over Your Bed

Sure, you bought them a cozy pet bed—but that doesn’t mean they’ll use it. Both cats and dogs prefer your bed and will stretch out as if they own it. Dogs will take up an absurd amount of space, leaving you clinging to the edge of the mattress. Cats, on the other hand, position themselves in the most inconvenient spots—right on your pillow, across your chest, or directly on your legs. You thought you were the owner? Think again.

10. Acting Like They’re The Boss

At the end of the day, both cats and dogs believe they’re in charge. Cats strut around like royalty, and dogs, despite their loyalty, often act like they run the house. They have their own rules, their own schedules, and their own way of doing things. And somehow, we just go along with it—because, let’s face it, they’ve got us wrapped around their paws.

Love Pets as Much as We Do?

Scroll up and click the ‘Follow’ button to stay updated with the latest heartwarming, hilarious, and helpful pet posts from Pawdown, delivered straight to your Microsoft Start feed and MSN homepage!