How YOUR Expectations Are Negatively Affecting Your Pet

According to the American Pet Products Association, 66% of U.S. households own a pet, a number that continues to grow each year. But many new pet owners discover that the reality of pet care doesn’t always match their expectations. The gap between what people imagine pet life will be like and what it actually requires often leads to stress, confusion, and unintentional harm to the pet’s well-being.

How Unrealistic Expectations Impact Your Pet Is A Problem

Many people bring home a pet believing it will always be affectionate, obedient, and easy to manage. But pets, like people, have their own personalities, emotions, and needs. When owners expect a “perfect” pet — one that never hides, chews, growls, or misbehaves — they may interpret natural behaviors as disobedience or a flaw.

For example:

  • A cat that hides under the bed is often not "anti-social" — it may just be overstimulated or adjusting to a new environment.

  • A dog that barks excessively may be reacting to boredom, fear, or lack of training — not trying to be “difficult”.

These natural behaviors are often misunderstood. If owners don’t recognize them as communication, they may respond with frustration or punishment, which can increase stress, break trust, and lead to behavioral issues. Over time, the mismatch between expectation and reality can emotionally wear down both the owner and the pet.

The Larger Effects of Misaligned Expectations

The consequences of unrealistic expectations extend beyond a single household. Shelters and rescues often report that one of the top reasons for pet surrender is behavioral issues and many of which stem from unmet emotional needs or misunderstandings.

According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters every year, with behavior issues cited as a top reason for surrender.

This puts pressure on animal welfare systems and can lead to heartbreak for families unprepared for the realities of pet behavior.

The Solution: Adjusting Expectations to Support Your Pet’s Real Needs

The solution: Shift from idealizing pet behavior to understanding it. Learn to read your pet’s communication, embrace their personality, and support their individual needs. Instead of punishing a cat for scratching furniture, offer appropriate scratchers. Instead of getting frustrated with a hyper dog, look for ways to channel that energy — such as interactive toys, walks, or training games.

When you approach pet ownership with curiosity instead of assumptions, your bond strengthens. Pets feel safer, more confident, and happier — and their behaviors improve as a result.

Getting the Best Option: Affordable Tools to Support Your Pet’s Wellbeing

Realistic care doesn’t need to be expensive. Providing pets with toys that satisfy their instincts, cozy spaces to rest, or enrichment items to burn energy doesn’t have to break the bank. At Atlantic Animals, we offer some of the cheapest pet products online that are designed with your pet’s real-life needs in mind.

Whether you’re looking for the best prices for pet supplies or better yet, the cheapest online pet store that doesn’t sacrifice quality, we’re here to support pet parents who want to do better — without overspending.

Summary

Unrealistic expectations can create stress and confusion for pets and their owners, leading to emotional strain, behavior problems, and even surrender. But with a mindset shift toward understanding and patience and with the right tools, you can help your pet thrive in a way that’s grounded in reality, not fantasy.

Your pet doesn’t need to be perfect. They just need to be understood.

Start supporting your pet’s real happiness today with our carefully chosen, budget-friendly products — built for how pets actually behave and feel.

Sources

  1. American Pet Products Association (APPA), 2023–2024 National Pet Owners Survey. https://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp

  2. International Cat Care, “Stress In Cats” https://icatcare.org/articles/stress-in-cats

  3. ASPCA, “Pet Statistics.” https://www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics

  4. PetMD, “How to Understand Dog Behavior.” https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior

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