What's Normal for Rescue Dogs and Cats: Boxes, Chewing, Hiding, Zoomies and Scratching

Some of the behaviors that worry new adopters are completely normal parts of being a dog or a cat. A cat that disappears into a cardboard box, a dog that chews a shoe, a sudden burst of running laps around the living room: these are usually not problems to fix, but needs to give a safe outlet.

This article matches pages 7 and 8 of the free First Night Home 14-Day Planner (reading your pet, and what's normal for dogs and cats) and Video Guide 4.

Cats and boxes

Many cats seek out boxes, bags and tight spaces. One explanation is that enclosed spaces help cats feel safe. A 2014 study from Utrecht University published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science gave newly arrived shelter cats a hiding box and found those cats had lower stress scores in the first days than cats without one, though the difference faded over time.

What to do: give your new cat a box or two on purpose. A sturdy cardboard box on its side with a soft towel inside makes a great first hiding spot in the safe room. Remove any handles, tape or strings first. Covered beds and cat caves work too.

Hiding (cats and dogs)

Hiding is one of the most common things new adopters ask about. Nebraska Humane Society notes that hiding is a normal response for cats in a new environment. San Diego Humane Society recommends starting a new cat in a single room so they have a manageable space to adjust.

Dogs may hide too, under a table, behind a couch or in a crate.

What to do: let them hide. Provide hiding spots you can reach, rather than ones behind appliances. Sit nearby, talk softly and let your pet come out on their own. Don't pull a pet out of hiding unless they are in danger. See Guide 7 for a full plan for hiding cats.

When to call a vet: if your pet is hiding and not eating, not drinking, or (for cats) not using the litter box, call your veterinarian.

Scratching (cats)

The ASPCA explains that scratching is a normal cat behavior. Cats scratch to keep their claws in condition, stretch, and leave visual and scent marks. Cornell Feline Health Center also treats scratching as normal behavior that is best redirected rather than stopped.

What to do:

• Provide at least one sturdy scratcher, tall enough for a full stretch, and a flat one too, since cats differ in whether they like vertical or horizontal surfaces
• Place scratchers near where your cat sleeps and near spots they already try to scratch
• Reward your cat with praise or a treat when they use the scratcher
• Make off-limits surfaces less appealing, for example by covering them temporarily
• Trim nails regularly, or ask your vet to show you how

Punishment tends to make cats fearful and does not remove the need to scratch.

Chewing (dogs)

The ASPCA notes that chewing is normal for dogs of all ages. Puppies chew while teething, and adult dogs chew to explore, keep jaws strong and relieve boredom or stress. Best Friends Animal Society recommends giving dogs appropriate chew items and managing the environment so they can't reach things you don't want chewed.

What to do:

• Offer a few safe chew options and rotate them
• Pick up shoes, remotes and anything valuable
• If your dog picks up something they shouldn't, calmly trade for a chew or treat rather than chasing
• Supervise new chews; the ASPCA's position statement on dog chews and treats encourages owners to choose products carefully and supervise their use
• Make sure your dog has enough exercise and enrichment (Guides 5 and 9)

Destructive chewing that happens only when your dog is left alone can be a sign of separation distress, which is worth discussing with your vet or a trainer.

Zoomies (dogs and cats)

That sudden burst of wild running has a name: frenetic random activity periods, or FRAPs. Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine describes zoomies as normal, most common in puppies and young dogs, and likely a way to release pent-up energy or stress. Animal Humane Society notes cats get them too, often at night.

What to do:

• Make the space safe: move away from stairs, slippery floors and breakables
• Don't chase your pet, which can turn it into a game of keep-away
• Let it run its course; most episodes are short
• Off leash, only allow zoomies in a securely fenced area

If your pet seems frightened, in pain or anxious during an episode, Cornell advises talking to your veterinarian.

Other common "is this normal?" moments

• Sleeping a lot. Common in the first days.
• Following you everywhere. Many dogs attach quickly. Gently build short periods apart.
• Night activity in cats. Many cats are active around dawn and dusk. A play session before bed can help (Guide 5).
• Licking lips, yawning, shaking off. Often stress signals in dogs, seen after something new.

A quick rule of thumb

Ask two questions: Is it safe? And does my pet have an appropriate outlet for this need? If yes to both, you are usually fine. If a behavior is causing injury, involves growling or biting, or comes with changes in eating, drinking or potty habits, talk to your vet or a qualified behavior professional. Page 8 of the planner lays out common cat and dog habits side by side, why each is usually normal, and a healthy outlet for it, including kneading, perching, sniffing, digging and alert barking.

Common questions

Sources

Checked October 24, 2026. This guide summarizes public guidance from these organizations; it is not veterinary advice.

1. Vinke, Godijn and van der Leij (Utrecht University), Will a Hiding Box Provide Stress Reduction for Shelter Cats? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2014
2. Nebraska Humane Society, Why Is My Cat Hiding?
3. San Diego Humane Society, Cat Confinement in a New Home
4. ASPCA, Destructive Scratching
5. Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline Behavior Problems: Destructive Behavior
6. ASPCA, Destructive Chewing
7. Best Friends Animal Society, How to Stop Destructive Dog Chewing
8. ASPCA, Position Statement on Dog Chews and Treats
9. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, What Are Zoomies?
10. Animal Humane Society, What Are "the Zoomies" and Why Do Your Pets Get Them?