Why Do Cats Knock Things Over?

Cats can be endearingly mischievous. This playful spirit can spill over into quirks like knocking things off tables, shelves, and counters. Here, we explain why cats knock things over and how to prevent it.

Why Do Cats Push Stuff Off Tables?

If your cat is pushing stuff off tables or counters, it might be because of:

1. Curiosity: Cats are naturally curious creatures, always down for a little exploration. Knocking things over is part of their way of examining the world around them. They are looking to see how objects move (or don’t move), if they break, if they contain something inside, and more. Certain high-energy breeds, like the overly curious Siamese, might be more curious than others and seek mental stimulation through knocking things over.
2. Attention: Some cats will knock things over to get your attention if a need isn’t being met, such as food or water. Like a toddler, highly social cat breeds, like the Sphynx or Abyssinian, knock things over just to remind you that they are there. This can be especially true if you’ve raised your voice or exhibited anxious behavior after they knock something over. They’ve now proven to you that knocking things over will get your attention.
3. Instincts: Wild cats are predators, and domesticated cats, descended from wild cats, retain some hunting instincts. They might perceive an object as prey. Knocking it over or batting can act as a simulated hunting process. Bengal cats, for example, have highly attuned prey drives. They might be more inclined to knock things over because of this.
4. Boredom: Cats can also throw temper tantrums when they are bored. Cats that need a lot of mental stimulation like Maine Coons and Savannahs might knock things over just to do it, for pure entertainment value.

A cat might, of course, also accidentally knock something over. It might not be intentional at all. Cat breeds with long or fluffy tails might be more prone to sweeping things off counters, such as Norwegian Forest Cats.

How to Stop Your Cat from Knocking Things Over

If your cat repeatedly knocks things over on purpose, there are a few ways you can get them to stop the behavior, such as:

1. Creating a cat-friendly environment. If cats have designated spaces where they can safely explore and play, like a catio, cat furniture, or a high perch that overlooks a street, they might be less inclined to find stimulation elsewhere. An entertained cat is less likely to act out.
2. Giving them plenty of enrichment and mental stimulation. Stop the boredom antics by tiring your cat out mentally. Interactive toys, play sessions, cat trees, puzzle feeders, and more can help keep their big brains busy. Enrichment is incredibly important to a cat’s well-being.
3. Removing tempting items. Cats can break glass objects, unfortunately. If you have things that are valuable or fragile, it’s best to put them where your cat can’t reach them, such as behind a cabinet door.
4. Using positive reinforcement training. Consistency, patience, and lots of rewards can help. When they follow the rules of the house, such as scratching on cat posts only, reward them with praise and treats.
5. Using calming aids. If the overall vibe needs to be taken down a notch, pheromone aids can help. Boisterous or anxious cats might benefit from diffusers, supplements, or treats with cat-specific calming aids.
6. Using deterrents. If nothing seems to be working, try items with textures cats don’t like, like aluminum foil or double-sided tape.

How to Keep Cats from Knocking Over Plants

One major sticking point with cat owners is that cats love to knock over plants. Cleanup can be difficult–only for them to do it again and again. If you are trying to keep your cat from knocking over your plants, try:

1. Creating a physical barrier. Use decorative rocks, wire covers, pine cones, or aluminum foil to deter cats from playing with plants. Add essential oils, citrus peels, coffee grounds, and use cat repellent sprays if you need to. Cats don’t like these scents, which will keep them away from the plants.
2. Placing plants higher. Get hanging baskets or place plants high on shelves where cats truly can’t reach. Remember that cats are jumpers, so really think about how accessible a plant might be to them.
3. Buying cat-friendly plants. Add catnip, cat grass, or spider plants that they are allowed to explore. This can help keep them away from other plants.
4. Choosing the right plants. Some plants are more appealing to cats, such as those with dangling leaves. Prevent their curiosity by choosing plants they won’t find interesting. Remember that some plants are toxic to cats, too, so do your research before bringing home a new plant or cat.

Conclusion

It can be frustrating to have cats knock things over, especially repeatedly, but it’s all a part of their instincts. You can stop these behaviors by taking some simple preventative steps, such as creating a cat-friendly environment and providing enough mental and physical stimulation for your cat. You’ll need to test out what methods work best for you and your cat, as each cat is different. If you feel that the behavior is getting out of hand, it’s best to call your vet to see if there’s something else going on.

For more expert tips on caring for your cat, explore our other understanding cats articles.