If you have a cat, odds are good that your kitty has knocked glasses, knickknacks, lighters, coffee mugs, bottles of perfume, remote controls and other items off virtually every surface in your home. It may appear as though your feline friend is simply trying to annoy you or test you, but while you may be part of the reason why your cat engages in this activity, there’s more to this behavior than it seems.
Their natural hunting instinct is one reason.
Cats paw at objects just as they would prey. In other words, your cat may toy with the glass on the edge of the counter simply to sharpen her hunting instincts to see what happens when she gives it tap or a shove.
“When your cat nudges a small, stationary object with her paw, she’s practicing the same behavior,” writes veterinarian Dr. Ellen Whiteley. “Your cat’s instincts tell her that paperweight or knickknack could turn out to be a mouse. Her poking paw would send it scurrying, giving her a good game (and possibly a good lunch).”
However, after a few tries with an object, your kitty is smart enough to learn that your prized collectibles aren’t rodents or other prey. So why does feline friend continue to keep testing gravity? Because your cat knows it gets your attention.
If your cat is bored, he or she may be alerting you to the fact that it’s time to eat, so what’s a surefire way to get your attention? To send anything the cat’s human loves and treasures most crashing to the floor.
To keep your kitty happy and to keep your keepsakes in one piece, feed your cat on a regular schedule and make that sure he or she is receiving plenty of stimulation as well as attention and affection.
Giving your cat enough toys that it likes to play with helps. Take time out of your hectic schedule to play with your kitty helps more. You should also provide scratching posts as well as hiding and climbing places, and too, spaces where your cat can simply sit by a window to observe the outside world for a little mental stimulation and change of pace. You may also want to consider adopting a second feline to be his or her playmate.
If your cat isn’t adequately entertained or continues to be bored, he or she will find her own sources of amusement and we all know what that consists of! More innings baseball with your things!
Another way to keep the things you love safe is to simply put them out of your kitty’s reach or perhaps to move them to lower shelves where they won’t break should a curious kitty come along and try to hit a home run. If you still wish to display collectibles that won’t survive a trip to the floor, put them inside a glass case.
Watch this video to see some furry friends in action!
