As of: February 19, 2024, 11:00 a.m
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Why does your cat knock things off the table so often?
We explain where this urge comes from, what the behavior means and what you can do about it.
You're cutting vegetables on the counter and there's a clatter behind your back: the cat has jumped onto the kitchen table again and knocked down your smartphone.
Why do cats have this seemingly irrepressible urge to throw things off tables, shelves, or window sills?
You should know these three reasons.
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1. Cats are naturally curious
Have you just bought that expensive new carafe and your cat has already knocked it over?
This is because cats are very curious by nature and want to explore unknown objects immediately.
Small things like pens, lighters or erasers are also reminiscent of prey animals and are therefore particularly interesting.
And as soon as the objects being pushed start to move, they really awaken the urge to play.
Young animals in particular train their coordination skills for later hunting for prey.
Cats' play instincts often lead to mishaps.
© Pond5 Images/Imago
2. Your cat is bored
Cats need regular play opportunities.
If your home lacks mental and physical stimulation, your cat will eventually play with the furnishings.
Here are five signs you can tell that your cat is unhappy at home.
If the cat is bored and resorts to decorating your home, this includes knocking small objects off tables and other surfaces and watching with fascination as gravity pulls them to the floor.
When you pick things up and put them back, your loved one often pushes them right back down again - as if it were a game together.
He's finally got your attention and he absolutely loves it.
3. Your cat needs attention
When children need attention, they tend to become loud and boisterous.
And when cats knock things over, it's a similar behavior.
How do you normally react when your cat knocks over valuable objects in the apartment?
They run over, look at her, say loud words to her.
In other words: you suddenly give your animal your undivided attention.
Unfortunately, there is a very clear message in this behavior: If I knock things over, I get attention.
This behavior can become entrenched in an unpleasant learning process.
Some cats even make sure their owner is looking before they throw things down.
This is not malice, but simply a cry for attention.
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Training cats: How to prevent your cat from knocking things over
Since swearing unfortunately sometimes has negative learning effects, you have to get to the root of the problem:
Make sure your cat is mentally and physically occupied, for example with toys, and plan specific cuddle or play times every day.
Place a few sturdy objects around the home that are specifically designed to be toys.
Reward your pet when he plays with his toys.
Then your valuable items will soon be left behind.
How to cat-proof your home
There are also a few tricks you can use to prevent the worst cat accidents in your own four walls:
Place the really valuable things in a place where the cat cannot reach them.
Consider purchasing a pet gate for rooms with a lot of valuables.
Stock up on museum wax for expensive items like candlesticks or vases.
This is a microcrystalline wax that museums use to protect their exhibits from tipping over or being knocked over without leaving any residue.