The Squeaky (Hamster) Wheel

Problem: After dark, your hamster transforms into Captain Midnight, running on his squeaky exercise wheel for hours, keeping everyone awake.

Why It Happens: “Hamsters are nocturnal. They sleep a lot during the day and are active at night,” says animal behaviorist Mary Burch.

What to Do: You can’t stop his marathon, so keep the hamster in a quiet, dimly lit room at night, away from anyone’s bed, and make sure he’s got the Ferrari of workout wheels. “The noisiest wheels are metal,” says pet-adoption director Stephanie Shain, who advocates a solid plastic running wheel. If you have a metal wheel you don’t want to scrap, rub some olive oil on the spot where the running circle and the bar connect.

Stink Outside the Box

Problem: Talk about finicky! Your feline will urinate in her litter box — and only urinate.

Why It Happens: Perhaps she’s trying to tell you there’s something about the litter or the box she doesn’t like. Or she could simply want a separate facility for defecating. (What’s next — a bidet?)

What to Do: Experiment. “If the box has a cover, see how she responds to an uncovered one,” says pet-care author Julia Szabo. “Some cats don’t like to feel too closed in while in elimination mode. And some hate the fragrance or the dust of different litters.” Also try changing the location of the box. If it’s in a cold place or next to an appliance that makes a noise, your cat may feel uncomfortable about defecating there. If all else fails, have two litter boxes — one for each function. And, of course, clean them meticulously with hot water and no soap (fragrance may be a factor).

Chewing Everything but the Toy

Problem: Your dog’s chew toy lies unchomped on the floor. But shoes, pillows, remote controls? Beware!

Why It Happens: It’s healthy for dogs to chew. It feels good on their teeth. But in adult dogs, eschewing the chew toy in favor of other items can indicate boredom or attention-seeking behavior.

What to Do: Aside from keeping your designer heels away from Fido, make his chew toys irresistible. “Put toys away when not in use to keep them more novel and interesting,” says dog trainer Jeff Millman. Use a variety of playthings and rotate them. Try sturdy, treat-dispensing toys filled with nutritious munchies.