Whether you find this entertaining, aggravating, or a little bit of both, cats knocking stuff over is an undeniable reality. They will knock stuff off tables and desks, among other raised surfaces. Is there a purpose behind their actions, or are they just attempting to annoy you?
Dog lovers will use this as evidence that cats lack intelligence and as a justification for their dislike. This habit may even annoy some cat lovers who don't comprehend it. However, there are several explanations for why cats behave in this way. Let's investigate this endearingly troublesome activity of cats to see why they engage in it and how to stop them.
Why do cats knock things off tables?
If you are experiencing your cat pushing things off the table breaking several expensive vases or brand-new coffee mugs, you're undoubtedly curious why. It is, after all, very annoying, particularly when it appears as though they are only doing it to irritate you. These are a few possible explanations for your cat's undesirable behaviour.
Inclination Toward Predation
The wild cat darting around your neighbourhood has the same behavioural need to chase little, irritating animals as your plump, tamed housecat; she just probably has more pent-up energy. She needs to find a way to get her kicks, though! Your cat pushing stuff off the table tells her that a paperweight or knick-knack could turn out to be a mouse. It would flee at the sound of her prodding paw, providing her with an excellent game (and probably a tasty lunch).
You might argue that your cat is programmed to "test" the intentions of your chapstick, pen, car keys, and other dubious countertop things by giving them a good poke since they utilize their sensitive paw pads to examine objects in their environment.
The Hunting Instinct
Cats are hunters by nature, and a major factor in this activity is their prey instinct. That paperweight on your desk? Let's take it. Your cat needs to examine whether that paperweight was indeed a mouse. She must give it a try to ensure that it is a food that is interesting to consume.
She must check to see if it is alive or dead and to see if it moves. She must decide if it is too risky to kill and eat or whether it would fight back and hurt her. Is it nasty or sick? A cat gifting cosmetics off a counter
Although your cat's hunting drive is too strong and they must use their paws to inspect objects, they are aware of the difference between a mouse and a paperweight. All cats have this desire to hunt, even if they are indoor pets and have never seen a mouse.
Last time, you "rewarded" them.
Similarly, negative attention does not cease to be attention. Therefore, it could have encouraged their behaviour if you had come over to gather up the leftovers and told them no the last time you saw them hitting stuff off the shelf. Whether your cat is knocking stuff off the table or waiting to see whether you respond, this might be the most likely explanation.
Getting in Touch With You
This conduct is also an attempt to get your attention. Experience teaches them that you respond the moment they knock that pen or cup off the table. They are receiving attention for this. It's attention, regardless of whether the response is favourable—like having food or water placed in their dish—or unfavourable—like you reprimanding them.
Try spending more time with your cat in different ways to stimulate other attention-seeking behaviours to help lessen this. This can involve playtime, brushing, or chin scratching. Try not to react at all if they do tip stuff over.
What's inside is what they want.
It is unrealistic to expect your cat to exercise self-control if you have left anything edible, odorous, vibrantly coloured, or interesting on the countertop! They'll try their hardest to obtain whatever is inside the bag, can, bottle, or packet if they desire it! They're game to crush a container on the ground if that means doing this!
They are disinterested.
If your cat is a house cat, in particular, it may be because they are bored. They may start seeking items to amuse themselves if they don't have many toys or if they've been left alone in the house for any time.
They're only being mischievous.
Why does my cat knock things over?
Alright, so even though your cat could like toppling objects for a variety of really reasonable reasons, there's always a slim chance that they're up to no good! But don't worry. Why not attempt to halt the habit using some of our advice?
Fun and Curiosity: Overcoming Boredom
Your cat will always want to investigate any changes that are made to her surroundings. Is that a new candleholder you just got? Your cat will use her paws to investigate the new thing since she is curious about it.
Has your workplace been cleaned and organized recently? She's curious to see these fresh alterations and find out what's going on. Because they are very perceptive and intelligent creatures, cats will notice and examine any changes to their surroundings, no matter how little.
She also turns investigating different items on your desk into a game. When I swat this pencil, what will happen to it? This business card would be nice. For her, these items start to stimulate her mind.
Disregard her.
It's advisable to ignore your cat and put away breakable items if you think she's knocking things over to seek your attention. Rewarding the behaviour involves doing what she asks of you. She could think that your attention is a reward in and of itself, even if you're shouting.
Have fun with her.
Give her challenging things to engage with all day long, like a puzzle feeder. When you're not around, add some cat furniture to a room or two to provide some ambient stimulation. Additionally, as we just said, make sure your cat gets playing every day to prevent her from coming up with new methods to amuse herself.
Lie to her.
Lastly, you may use double-sided adhesive tape to bring out the heavy guns. Your cat's paws will somewhat stick to the tape when she leaps on the table. Most cats will be discouraged from leaping back up by this feeling. Though it's not the prettiest choice, you could try using a cat-repelling scent, like citrus, lavender, or pine, to mist the objects your cat is known to toss over.
In Summary
When you are experiencing cats knocking stuff over and behaving like jerks all around, it might be annoying! But think about their possible motivations before you become irritated. If you identify with any of the potential causes, the answer may be easier to locate than you would have imagined. I wish you luck!
