Leaving our furry friends at home alone can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior, and some dog and cat breeds are notorious for turning into little whirlwinds of chaos in your absence. Certain breeds seem to take “home alone” as a cue for a solo party, whether it’s due to separation anxiety or simply an abundance of energy. If you’re considering getting a pet or already have one that fits the description, read on to see if your furry friend made the list of 12 dog and cat breeds that go psycho when left home alone.
1. The Energetic Beagle
Beagles are known for their boundless energy and adventurous spirit, which can lead to surprising shenanigans when left to their own devices. These little hound dogs have a keen sense of smell and love to follow their noses, often leading them into mischief. When they’re home alone, this curious nature can result in overturned trash cans and surprising discoveries like missing socks or shoes. According to the American Kennel Club, Beagles are intelligent and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them satisfied.
While their antics can be endearing, they can also lead to household destruction if not properly managed. Beagles thrive on companionship and can become anxious without it, leading to howling or barking fits. Ensuring they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied while you’re away can mitigate some of their psycho tendencies. Consider hiring a dog walker or enrolling them in doggy daycare to provide extra engagement, as these social creatures don’t do well with too much solitude.
2. The Hyperactive Bengal Cat
Bengal cats are a breed known for their stunning, leopard-like appearance and high energy levels. These cats are as playful as they are beautiful, and they require a lot of stimulation to keep them from turning into little home-wreckers. When left alone, a Bengal cat’s boredom can easily turn into chaos as they explore every nook and cranny of your home. You might find them scaling curtains or knocking over plants in their quest for amusement.
If you have a Bengal, providing plenty of climbing opportunities and interactive toys is essential to keep them occupied. As noted by PetMD, these cats are highly intelligent and can even learn to open doors or cabinets, so securing any off-limit areas is a wise move. Keeping them entertained with puzzle feeders and play sessions can also help curb their more destructive tendencies. Moreover, a second pet can provide companionship and reduce their anxiety when you’re not around.
3. The Spirited Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are little dynamo dogs with big personalities and an abundance of energy. Known for their spirited nature, these terriers can quickly go from zero to a hundred if not properly entertained. Leaving a Jack Russell home alone might result in them digging up your garden, chewing on furniture, or barking excessively. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs thrive on human interaction and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
To avoid returning to a disaster zone, it’s important to provide plenty of physical and mental activities for your Jack Russell. Regular walks, playtime, and training sessions can help expend their energy in a positive way. Additionally, interactive toys or puzzle games are a great way to keep their intelligent minds busy. If possible, consider a pet sitter or daycare option to keep them engaged and prevent the onset of separation anxiety.
4. The Mischievous Siamese Cat
Siamese cats are known for their vocal personalities and undeniable curiosity, traits that can lead them into trouble when left unsupervised. These cats tend to form strong attachments with their owners and may not take kindly to being left alone for extended periods. Without the attention they crave, Siamese cats might express their discontent by knocking items off shelves or getting into places they shouldn’t. Their chatty nature also means they might use their vocal cords to express their loneliness, serenading your neighbors with their meows.
To keep a Siamese cat from going stir-crazy, ensure they have a stimulating environment to explore. Cat trees, tunnels, and interactive toys can help keep their inquisitive minds occupied. Some Siamese cats enjoy watching videos of birds or fish, which can provide entertainment and distract them from your absence. If you have a Siamese, consider adopting another feline friend to provide companionship and reduce their separation anxiety.
5. The Playful Border Collie
Border Collies are often regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and with intelligence comes the need for constant stimulation. These dogs have been bred for herding and are happiest when they have a job to do, which can make being home alone particularly challenging for them. Without an outlet for their energy, a Border Collie might resort to chewing furniture, digging, or even attempting to escape the yard. Their sharp minds require tasks and challenges, so simply leaving them with a bone may not suffice.
Daily physical activity and mental exercises are crucial to prevent your Border Collie from causing chaos. Interactive toys, agility courses, and regular training sessions can help channel their energy positively. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing games can also engage their problem-solving skills while you’re away. Additionally, consider enrolling them in dog sports or activities that will stimulate them mentally and physically.
6. The Adventurous Abyssinian Cat
Abyssinian cats are known for their adventurous and playful nature, making them one of the most active cat breeds around. These natural explorers thrive on interaction and are not content to simply lounge around all day. When an Abyssinian is left alone, they might take it upon themselves to explore every inch of your home, sometimes leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. You might find them climbing curtains, knocking over valuables, or even attempting to escape through open windows or doors.
Providing an enriched environment is key to keeping an Abyssinian content while you’re away. Cat trees, shelves, and plenty of toys can satisfy their need for adventure. Some Abyssinians enjoy interactive play with their owners, so dedicating time for play sessions can help curb their psycho tendencies. Additionally, engaging their intelligence with puzzle toys or food-dispensing games can keep them occupied and prevent their curiosity from getting them into trouble.
7. The Energetic Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are another highly intelligent breed that can become restless when left alone. Bred for herding, these dogs have endless energy and require daily exercise to stay satisfied. A bored Australian Shepherd might resort to chewing, barking, or destructive behavior if they don’t receive enough stimulation. Their need for interaction and tasks can make them a handful for owners who are frequently away from home.
To keep an Australian Shepherd from going psycho, it’s important to provide them with both physical and mental challenges. Regular walks, play sessions, and training exercises can help channel their energy positively. They also thrive on having a job to do, so engaging them in dog sports or agility training can be beneficial. Interactive toys and puzzle feeders can help keep their minds busy and reduce their boredom when you’re not around.
8. The Sociable Sphynx Cat
Sphynx cats are famous for their lack of fur and their affectionate, sociable nature. These cats are known to form strong bonds with their humans and may not handle being left alone very well. When a Sphynx cat is lonely or bored, they might become vocal or engage in attention-seeking behavior. Despite their lack of fur, they are quite energetic and require playtime and interaction to remain content.
To prevent a Sphynx cat from acting out, ensure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained. These cats enjoy interactive play, so dedicating time each day for play sessions can help satisfy their social needs. Additionally, providing warm and cozy spots for them to relax can help keep them comfortable in your absence. If possible, consider having a pet sitter visit or adopting another pet to keep them company.
9. The Curious Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers, often called Scotties, are known for their bold and independent personalities. These small dogs were originally bred for hunting and tend to have a strong prey drive. When left alone, their natural curiosity might lead them to dig, chew, or bark out of boredom or frustration. Scotties are fiercely loyal and can become anxious without regular human interaction, leading to psycho-like behavior.
To keep a Scottish Terrier content while you’re away, provide them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Interactive toys, chew bones, and regular exercise can help channel their energy in a positive direction. Training sessions can also engage their sharp minds and reinforce good behavior. Additionally, scheduling playdates with other dogs can give them the social interaction they need to stay happy and well-behaved.
10. The Energetic Poodle
Poodles come in various sizes, but all share a high level of intelligence and energy. These dogs are known for their keen minds and need for mental and physical activity. When left alone for extended periods, a Poodle might resort to barking, chewing, or even attempting to escape the yard. Their natural curiosity and desire for engagement mean they require plenty of attention and stimulation to avoid turning psycho.
Owners should provide regular exercise and mental challenges to keep a poodle entertained. Obedience training, agility courses, and interactive toys can help satisfy their intelligence and energy levels. Enrolling them in dog sports or activities can also provide the engagement they crave. If possible, consider hiring a dog walker or arranging playdates to ensure they receive the social interaction they need.
11. The Playful Ragdoll Cat
Ragdolls are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, often described as “dog-like” in their devotion to their owners. These cats form strong bonds with their humans and may not cope well with being left alone for long periods. When a Ragdoll feels lonely, they might become vocal or engage in destructive behavior to express their need for attention. Despite their calm demeanor, they require playtime and interaction to stay happy.
To prevent a Ragdoll from going psycho, provide them with a stimulating environment filled with toys and activities. Interactive play sessions can help satisfy their social needs and keep them entertained. Ragdolls also enjoy companionship, so adopting another pet might be a good solution to reduce their loneliness. Additionally, providing cozy spots for them to nap and relax can help keep them comfortable while you’re away.
12. The Spirited Dachshund
Dachshunds, often referred to as “wiener dogs,” are known for their playful nature and strong personalities. These small hounds have a high prey drive and are naturally curious, which can lead to mischievous behavior when left alone. Without enough stimulation, a Dachshund might resort to digging, barking, or chewing out of boredom or frustration. These dogs are social creatures and thrive on human interaction, making them prone to separation anxiety.
To keep a Dachshund entertained, provide them with plenty of toys and activities to engage their minds and bodies. Regular walks, playtime, and training sessions can help channel their energy positively. Additionally, socializing with other dogs or having a pet sitter visit can provide the interaction they need. Providing a cozy and secure space for them to relax can also help reduce their anxiety while you’re away.