Why it happens
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The hunting instinct
A cat touches an unfamiliar object with its paw first: that is how it tests prey to see whether it is alive and safe to grab. A small, light thing that moves and drops sets off the same instinct as a mouse.
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Asking for attention
A cat quickly learns that when something falls, its person looks up from the computer, hurries over and starts talking to it. Even a telling-off is attention, so the habit only grows stronger.
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Boredom
A cat left alone for long stretches with nothing to do will find its own entertainment. Pushing things along shelves and tables is one way, especially in the morning and evening, when cats are at their liveliest.
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Curiosity
A new object on the table smells and looks different, so the cat wants to investigate. It watches how the thing falls and what sound it makes, and is happy to do it again.
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Things are in its spot
Sometimes the cat simply wants to settle on the windowsill or a shelf, and whatever stands there is in the way. It pushes it off so it can lie down or watch what is going on outside.
What helps
- Put breakables away Keep fragile and valuable things in closed cupboards or a room the cat does not go into. That protects both your things and the cat's paws from broken pieces.
- A hunting game every day Several times a day, play briefly with a wand toy or a toy the cat can chase and catch. End the game by letting it 'catch' the toy, then offer a few treats.
- Its own shelves and a cat tree Cats love height. A cat tree or wall shelves by the window give it somewhere to climb, watch and lie without pushing anything off.
- Do not react to the fallen object If the cat knocks something down for attention, pick it up calmly without a word and without looking at the cat. Do not scold or shout: that is attention too. Give it more attention when it is resting or playing with its own toys.
- Toys made for pushing Light balls, rattling toys or puzzle toys with treats inside let the cat bat about the things that are meant for it. Swap the toys every few days so they stay interesting.
Related product categories
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When it is a question for a vet
Knocking things over is ordinary play. See a vet if the cat, especially an older one, has suddenly become unusually restless, roams and yowls at night, or eats more yet loses weight, if it has started chewing or swallowing things that are not food, or if it has cut itself on broken pieces.