Is My Cat Deliberately Knocking Things Off Tables?
May 3, 2020
Our beloved cats can display some strange behaviours sometimes and we might even think, it’s just our cats that behave this way or that way. But science can usually explain the reasons why cats do strange things.
Breed temperament and the individual personality of your cat will certainly have an effect on the overall behaviour of your cat, as too will their living arrangements. But you may have noticed some weird characteristics and penchants. For instance, why do cats love empty boxes so much? What is their fascination with sinks and bathtubs? Why do they always pounce on my face as soon as I open my eyes in the morning?
But have you ever wondered why your cat loves to knock things off tables and shelves? They’re so agile and can jump up on surfaces with precision and flair, so why are they so clumsy around your treasured objects?
Your cat can be forgiven for taking a swipe at your mouse device or anything else that resembles an actual mouse. It’s only instinct at play. An innocent poke tells your cat if the object has a pulse and if it moves, then blam! It’s a mouse! Instinct takes over your cat’s senses and in comes a playful paw, sending the electronic mouse flying off your desk.
But what possesses your cat to knock the remote control off the table or your favourite knickknack off the shelf?
Two reasons:
- Because they know how much the item means to you.
- Because they want to get your attention for some reason.
Sometimes it’s too easy to ignore our cats when we’re glued to the TV screen, so knocking the remote control about is the surefire way to redirect your focus onto kitty again. So smart.
Now the reason why they want your attention in the first place raises a whole other set of questions, like:
- Could they be hungry?
- Have you been ignoring them all day?
- Are they too needy?
- Is this the time you usually cuddle or play?
- Are you giving someone or something else more attention at the moment?
- Are they bored?
While knocking things off tables and shelves is a fun way for your cat to get a response out of you, having to replace precious items and broken vases can be heart-breaking. So here’s a tip: use some putty to secure your objects in place, like the kind they use for precious museum pieces. A curio cabinet also works a treat!
As far as the electronic mouse, you can’t argue with instinct!