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Why Do Cats Knock Things Over?

By Julia WrenfieldUpdated August 4, 20261 min read
Evidence-based · Sources checked
{"en": "Curious cat knocking over a glass on a table with paw extended mid-swat", "es": "Gato curioso tirando un vaso de una mesa con la pata extendida", "fr": "Chat curieux renversant un verre sur une table avec sa patte tendue", "de": "Neugierige Katze schl\u00e4gt ein Glas vom Tisch mit ausgestreckter Pfote", "nl": "Nieuwsgierige kat slaat een glas van tafel met uitgestrekte poot", "pt": "Gato curioso derrubando um copo da mesa com a pata estendida", "it": "Gatto curioso che batte un bicchiere dal tavolo con la zampa tesa"}
Deliberate and infuriating - but completely normal cat behaviour.

The Reasons

Gray and white cat pouncing on a toy mouse demonstrating hunting instinct
  • Predatory instinct - batting mimics hunting movements
  • Environmental exploration - learning about object properties
  • Attention seeking - owners react, which reinforces the behaviour
  • Boredom - cats need mental stimulation

How to Reduce It

  • More enrichment: puzzle feeders, cat trees, toys
  • Do not react dramatically
  • Redirect to appropriate toys
  • Secure fragile items
#why do cats knock things over#cat health#feline nutrition#forpetshealthcare

Sources & further reading

This article is based on peer-reviewed veterinary research and reputable animal-health sources. Explore the underlying science in our Research Library.

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Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for your pet's health concerns.

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