Ever wonder what your pet would get up to if they were in charge for the day? Us too! We're pretty sure most dogs and cats think they unofficially rule the roost anyway, but it's fun to ponder what they'd get up to if they were given the freedom to do as they please.
There's the obvious things of course – like going on a shopping spree to stock up on the best cat toys or setting up an open-all-hours food buffet complete with a range of delicious dog treats. But we have a feeling there'd be more on their agenda than simply playing and eating.
We had a blast stepping into the minds of our feline friends and canine companions to see if we could figure out exactly what they'd do if they were in charge. Let's hope this list never actually comes to fruition though because it's safe to say we humans would be exhausted!
32 things your pet would do if they were in charge for a day
1. Set up a food buffet
There's nothing our pets love more than a huge bowl of the best cat food or dog food and we all know what they get like when that bowl runs dry! We have a feeling one of the first things our pets would do if they were in charge is to set up a food buffet that gives them 24/7 access to their favorite foods and snacks.
2. Establish regular play sessions
As pet parents, most of us have days when life gets really busy and we may not have as much time to play with our fur friends as they'd like. It goes without saying then that most pets would ensure they bring in a rule that guarantees them regular daily play sessions with the best dog toys or a feline-friendly equivalent.
3. Abolish the work day
Let's face it, the workday can be pretty restrictive, and as far as our pets are concerned, it gets in the way of what's most important – having fun! So naturally, it makes sense that work of any kind would be abolished to make room for play, cuddles, and pet-friendly adventures.
4. Set a place for themselves at the dinner table
No pet enjoys staring up at the dinner table watching a meal get devoured without them. It's just plain torture. Thankfully, being in charge for the day would enable them to change this ridiculous rule so that they could pull up a chair and dine with their humans.
5. Make naps compulsory for everyone
Why do cats sleep so much? Well, not only is it a great way to recharge the old batteries but it's also an excellent winter activity when the cold and wet makes going outside seem like a very unappealing option.
Dogs also understand the importance of rest and relaxation and we have a feeling they know that we could learn a thing or two from them in this department, which is why compulsory daily naps will be on the cards for all family members.
6. Insist you bow or curtsey when you see them
If I could be a cat for a day, here's what I'd do – I'd make my humans bow or curtsey to me because I've known all along that I'm superior and it's only right that people behave accordingly around me. Dogs would definitely implement this rule, too if they were in charge for a day, the only difference being that they'd do it as a joke, not because they actually think they're better than their human.
7. Demand that their name be preceded by the word king or queen
All hail King Snugglepaws. Long live Queen Fluffington. If your pet was in charge for the day, they'd definitely have you treating them like royalty!
8. Plenty of pets
When it comes to our favorite ways to bond with your cat or dog, nothing beats stroking soft fur. Gentle pets would absolutely be compulsory if our beloved bundles of fluff were in charge for the day, preferably accompanied by lots of loving words about what a good boy or girl they are.
9. Custom walk schedule
There are lots of ways to keep dog walks fun, and you're going to need them! We have a feeling our canine companions will be implementing a strict walking schedule that ensures they get plenty of time each day to frolic in nature's big backyard. Who knows, if you have an adventurous feline they may also get in on the act and make hiking with cats compulsory.
10. Dedicated sleeping areas of their choice
There'll be no place in the house off-limits at nap time if your pet is in charge. From that warm pile of laundry that you've just popped in the basket to the sweaters that are neatly folded at the bottom of your closet, expect to find your dog or cat snoozing in all those spots that are typically no-go areas.
11. Abolish restrictions on furniture
If you're a cat or dog owner, chances are you've spent plenty of time trying to figure out ways to protect your furniture from pets. From sharp kitty claws that shred the sides of your couch to dog fur all over your bed, having a pet can certainly wreak havoc on your home decor.
Of course, our pets couldn't care less about that lovely chair or those new cushions, all they care about is comfort, which is why no furniture will be off limits when they're in charge!
12. Demand you open doors for them
You may have invested in one of the best microchip cat flaps or a doggy equivalent, but expect your pet to demand you open doors for them when they're in charge for the day.
13. Daily grooming
There's nothing like a good pamper session to leave one feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. A good brush will be top of the list for any feline friends in your family, while your canine companion is likely to ask you to whip out their dog grooming kit and give them a mani-pedi.
14. Open access to all rooms in the house
There are few things in this life our pets hate more than a closed door – especially if their favorite human is on the other side of it. So it makes sense that our fur friends will bring in a rule that makes clear that all doors in the house must be left open at all times. Get ready to say goodbye to privacy and personal space!
15. Freedom to come and go as they please
"What do you mean I'm not allowed outside? But I want to go play!" Sure, they may not actually be able to articulate that in words, but you can bet that thought runs through our pets' minds when they're sat looking longingly out the window at all the fun that's taking place out there that they're missing out on. Curfews and restrictions on the great outdoors will definitely be abolished when your pet is in charge.
16. 24/7 access to the treats cupboard
Life is way too short to have those delicious long lasting dog chews and best cat treats being used just as rewards. When your pet is in charge, the treat cupboard will be open all hours so they can enjoy a tasty tidbit whenever the mood strikes them.
17. Buy some new toys
Whether they're coveting the latest interactive cat toys or they're jealous that their best buddy has a house filled with the best dog puzzle toys, we have a feeling your pet will be taking themselves on a shopping spree and treating themselves to a little something special when they're in charge.
18. A complete ban on baby talk
"Who's the best doggy in the whole wide world? You are. Yes, you are. Mummy and Daddy love you so much. Yes, we do. You're just so adorable we could eat you right up. Yes, we could." You know you're guilty of it. We all are. And we're pretty sure it makes our pets feel just a tad nauseous every time we do it. So obviously, baby talk of any kind will be immediately banned.
19. No more dressing up
There's nothing cuter than a dog or cat wearing an adorable sweater on those chilly winter days. But boy oh boy do our pets hate playing dress up. Sure, some may tolerate an extra layer but most of our fur friends prefer to au natural look — which is why they'll be relieved to say goodbye to any form of clothing once and for all.
20. Make daily praise mandatory
We all like to hear that we're doing a good job – and our pets are no exception. Daily praise will become mandatory when your dog or cat is in charge, so get those positive affirmations at the ready.
21. Veto all but emergency vet trips
Most cats and dogs hate going to the vet, but sometimes these trips are unavoidable. If you've noticed signs your dog is in pain or you have a cat not eating, getting them checked over by a vet is essential. However, your pet may decide to veto all but emergency vet trips going forward, which means you can expect to say goodbye to those bimonthly nail trims and those six-monthly health checkups.
22. Do away with flea treatments
Nothing strikes fear in the heart of most pets quite like the crinkly sound of a flea treatment being opened. The best flea treatments for cats and the best flea treatments for dogs are vital when it comes to keeping pesky parasites at bay and ensuring your pet stays healthy.
But we have a feeling our fur friends may not see things in quite the same way. We can guarantee they'll be passing a law prohibiting the use of these treatments — lucky for us though, they're only in charge for a day, so we can overturn this rule once we're back in power!
23. Banish the crates and carriers
Dog crates and cat carriers will be a thing of the past once your pet is in charge. After all, who wants to be cooped up in a tiny little space when there's a big wide world out there just crying out to be explored? Besides, with curfews abolished, open access to all rooms in the house, and most vet visits banned, there's no need for confinement anyway.
24. Make solo time a thing of the past
As far as most pets are concerned, there's simply no need for them to be apart from their favorite humans, which is why they'll be implementing a rule that banishes quiet solo time in favor of 24/7 togetherness.
25. Wave bye bye to bath time
Your canine companion couldn't care less if you've invested in the best dog shampoo, all they know is that bath time is not fun. And as for your feline friend? Well, they're fastidious cleaners they'll have you know who are quite capable of tending to their own fur. There'll be a lifetime ban on bath time if your pet has anything to say about it.
26. Stick to a routine
Pets thrive on having a predictable daily routine and most struggle if things within their environment are constantly changing. That's why your fur friend will be creating a daily schedule that outlines to you exactly when you need to feed them, exercise them, and play with them. Oh, and naps will be scheduled, too.
27. Ban loud noises
When it comes to fears and phobias in dogs and cats, loud noises are at the top of the list. We often think of anxiety as being something only we humans experience, but anxiety in cats and dogs is very common, and excessive noise is a known trigger. You'll want to enjoy fireworks while you can because those big bangs will definitely be banned once your pet is in charge.
28. Get rid of strong smells
Believe it or not, a lot of things that smell pleasant to us humans are actually scents that our pets don't enjoy. Citrus, most essential oils, and herbs, coffee, certain flowers, and perfume are all great examples of scents our fur friends don't like. Many of these are also toxic to our pets, so we have a feeling our homes will all be smelling pretty neutral when our dogs and cats are in charge.
29. Create a no hugging rule
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but one of the little known facts about cats and dogs is that most do not like to be cuddled. Yes, they love you. Yes, they want to be around you. Yes, they want to be petted. But cuddled? Not so much. Cuddling can feel really restrictive for animals and most prefer to be shown affection in other ways. So, sadly for all of us pet owners out there, snuggle sessions will be off the menu when our fur friends take over.
30. Do away with surprise birthday parties
There's nothing many pet parents love more than an excuse to celebrate their adored fur friend and that often means throwing them a birthday party. Which we think is the best thing ever and they absolutely hate. Especially if you have an introverted dog or cat. All eyes on them? Talk about a waking nightmare.
31. Prohibit excessive eye contact
Here's something you may not know – dogs and cats don't enjoy prolonged eye contact. In fact, in their world, intense eye contact is typically a step on the road to an actual physical fight. Brief eye contact where you gently gaze at your pet before shifting your focus elsewhere is seen as a sign of love and affection, but unbroken eye contact can be interpreted as a threat or a challenge.
32. Make doing their business a private affair
Could you think of anything worse than having someone stand over you impatiently tapping their foot or looking at their watch while you try to do your business? No, us neither. And yet, we humans do it to our pets all the time. This is why your fur friend will likely make it a rule that pooping is to become a private affair.
Enjoyed this? Here’s what I’d do if I was a dog for a day!
