One factor cats are recognized for—even amongst non-cat homeowners—is the tendency to knock issues off of tables, counter tops, and cabinets. This humorous trait has made its means into films, cartoons, and quite a few web movies, however does anybody know why?
The reply is easy: as a result of they need to. However there are extra nuanced causes that cats could interact on this conduct, reminiscent of having enjoyable, looking for consideration, or simply to play.
Decoding This Quirky Cat Conduct
Cats are curious, clever animals that know learn how to entertain themselves or discover a option to meet their very own wants.
When cats knock one thing off a desk, it might be for a couple of completely different causes. The principle one is prey drive since cats are hardwired to hunt for meals. Swatting at objects—knocking them over—might be an indication of that.
Cats additionally use their paws to discover the world. Knocking issues down provides clues to their weight, sound, or really feel, so cats can decide if objects round them current a menace.
It could additionally simply be enjoyable to knock issues over. Wild cats stalk and chase prey, which is analogous to maneuvering round an unstable or falling object and watching it hit the ground.
The following motive has all the things to do with the cat’s human—the response. In the event you leap when your stuff begins falling off counter tops or cabinets, your cat will study rapidly that this conduct will get them consideration. You may additionally chortle and discuss to your cat once they begin with these antics, giving them consideration that means.
These are only a few causes behaviorists suppose cats prefer to knock objects over, however there might be extra to study sooner or later.
How one can Cease This Conduct
Cats will most likely by no means cease knocking issues over for enjoyable or consideration, however you possibly can curb the conduct—and make it safer—with a couple of corrections.
Step one is making the counters, cabinets, and tables as unappealing as potential. Dangling objects, reminiscent of hanging utensils or a potted climbing plant, meals platters, or shiny objects, will be thrilling to a cat, so it’s finest to maintain them off your surfaces when you work on redirecting.
At all times take away any objects which are helpful or might be harmful to your cat, reminiscent of an costly vase or a platter with free knives.
To curb the conduct, attempt redirecting your cat with a toy or playtime. Do it as quickly as your cat is about to leap on the desk or counter or the second it begins to play with one thing that may fall and exchange the conduct with an acceptable one. Every time, play for a couple of minutes.
In case your cat does knock one thing over, do your finest to disregard it. After all, you possibly can’t management a startled response should you hear one thing fall however attempt to not react in any means. As soon as your cat learns that you simply gained’t give it consideration of any form, it can cease knocking issues down as a option to get consideration.
Ultimate Ideas
Knocking issues down is a humorous—and typically irritating—cat conduct. It might be an indication of the pure hunter, a option to get consideration, or just a sort of play. Whether or not you need to curb the conduct or not, it’s essential to take away valuables and guarantee your cat can’t get damage.
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