Has your cat been showing off some professional surfing skills over your countertop lately? It might be adorable the first few times, but when it becomes routine, it can get tiresome. Constantly cleaning and tidying up an avoidable mess will become an annoying chore in the long run.
There are multiple reasons why your cat might be behaving this way. Sometimes, such behaviour is not normal. Read below to understand why your cat is acting up and what you can do about it.
1. Your cat is giving in to its predatory instincts
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Even if your cat is charming and mild-mannered in many instances, it’s important to remember that they remain instinctively predatory animals that derive excitement from pursuing and hunting. Despite being domesticated, they are naturally curious beings prone to pouncing on unsuspecting creatures and exploring various items.
These instincts explain your cat’s anatomy. Their tough paws pads protect them from sharp, rough surfaces. Their retractable claws also allow them to hunt and scratch in self-defence.
Being instinctive adventurers driven by curiosity, cats tend to engage in behaviours like stroking, hitting, and pushing objects. They have a genuine interest in comprehending their environment, exploring the movement, sound, and texture of things around them. Although occasionally bothersome, these activities contribute to their sense of comfort in their living space.
It may be hard to address this problem as you cannot control a cat’s primal instincts. Instead, keep fragile and movable objects out of sight for your cat, and use wall fixings and tape to secure some of your items instead.
2. Your cat just wants to play with something
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Cats are stereotyped as silent, independent, and sleepy homebodies. However, most cats also have a playful temperament. Like other animals, cats also love their fair share of fun.
Sometimes, your cat may be bored and under-stimulated. While searching for toys and other items to grab their interest, your cat might unintentionally create a mess. The intriguing and enticing sounds produced when objects roll or fall to the ground seem irresistible to your cat, prompting them to eagerly pursue such experiences.
To combat this problem, ensure you have sufficient toys in your house that your cat enjoys messing with. Mouse toys appeal to their hunter instincts as they can bat imaginary prey around or consider tall scratching poles with hiding posts. Let your cat play with active toys during the day as they eventually tire out at night. As they sleep peacefully, it is also less of a ruckus for you to deal with.
3. Your cat wants you to pay attention to them
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Cats can be more attention-seeking than one might assume. When they accidentally knock something over and realise that it captures your focus, they learn that it’s an effective way to gain your attention. If a cat desires more interaction, they may adopt this strategy to ensure you watch and provide them with the attention they seek.
Unintentionally, your reactions serve as encouragement for their actions. However, there’s a simple way to shift this dynamic. When you’re occupied, respond to your cat’s antics more slowly. By taking your time to address the aftermath of their mischief, they’ll gradually recognize that this strategy isn’t as successful in capturing your attention.
The Learning Curve of Cat Ownership
Frequently, the issue of knocking things over tends to resolve itself with time. Developing patience is a gradual process for cat owners, so remain attentive and patient while you investigate the reasons behind your cat’s peculiar behaviour.
Unleash Your Inner Cat Whisperer
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