Why Do Cats Knock Things Off Tables?

Cats have their quirks, and we love them for it. One of their favorites and more puzzling behaviors is knocking things off tables and shelves. Of course, no one knows the exact reason why cats love to knock things around, but there are a few theories that explain this crazy and often annoying and potentially dangerous antic.

Below Are A Few Reasons Why Cats Knock Things Off Table:

Cats Tend to Knock Things Off Tables Because It’s Their Prey Instinct

Cats will often swat at an item with a quick slap, much like how they play with their prey. The theory is that when your cat sees an object on the table that they can’t quite identify (they’re far-sighted, after all), they may wonder if it could be prey. Is that pen a mouse in disguise? Could that phone be a bird? They test it out by knocking it to the floor. Once it falls, they learn it isn’t prey at all – mystery solved!

Your Cat is Hungry and It’s His Way of Saying, "Feed Me!"

Cats have ways of showing us when they’re hungry – from meowing loudly to weaving around our legs. But if you’re distracted, maybe looking at your phone or watching TV, your cat might decide to take matters into their own paws. Knocking that vase off the mantle? It’s their creative way of saying, “Hey! Time for dinner!” In their mind, they’ve found a foolproof strategy for grabbing your attention. Of course we would look!

Cats Knock Things Over Because They’re Bored and Want Your Attention

When a cat is bored, they may start causing trouble – and that often includes knocking things over! Few things grab a cat parent’s attention faster than the sound of something crashing to the floor. To a cat, this becomes a fun game, especially if they see you rushing over each time. Even negative attention counts as attention in a cat’s world, and they’ll quickly learn that a little chaos leads to a whole lot of excitement.

Some Cats Are Just Fascinated by Cause and Effect

Cats are natural scientists, filled with curiosity, and some cats knock things over just to see what happens. The clattering sound, the unpredictable path of an object falling, and the reactions they get from you are endlessly fascinating to them. If they swat at a pen and it rolls off the table, they might do it again to see if it will happen the same way – it’s their way of learning and exploring.

How to Stop Your Cat from Knocking Things Off Tables

Identify What’s Enticing to Your Cat

If certain objects catch your cat’s eye (or paw), make sure to keep them out of reach or secured. Place valuable or breakable items, like vases or glass trinkets, on sturdy surfaces away from the edges. Smaller items like jewelry, pens or pencils and pill bottles should be kept in drawers or cabinets to remove temptation.

Try To Stop Your Cat from Jumping on The Table Before It Happens

If you think your cat is about to jump on your table, try to distract them and give your cat a toy or treat to redirect your kitty to stay on the floor. The real problem here is that your cat is on the table in the first place.

Give Your Cat a Distraction on the Floor to Play With

Set up a few toys around the house to keep your cat entertained. Try placing small, safe toys like furry mice, crinkle balls, or cat-safe puzzle toys on the floor for them to discover. If they enjoy knocking things over, put a toy on a low perch or a cat tree for them to bat off and chase. This gives them an outlet for that knocking behavior in a way that won’t involve your valuables!

Play with Your Cat Regularly to Help Curb Boredom

Adding more playtime to your cat’s daily routine can help minimize their need to seek attention by knocking things over. Interactive play, such as with feather wands or laser pointers, can work wonders for a bored cat. Keeping them stimulated can reduce their urge to cause mischief out of boredom.

With a few changes, you can encourage your cat to keep their paws to themselves, and maybe even preserve a few of your favorite items from hitting the floor!