Why Do Cats Knock Things Over?

🧩 ENGLISH VERSION

Ever watched your cat lock eyes with your water glass… and then slowly, deliberately knock it to the floor?

You're not alone—and no, your cat isn’t plotting your emotional downfall. Probably. Let’s dive into the feline fascination with pushing things off tables, and what it might reveal about your whiskered roommate.

1. It’s Not Mischief, It’s Curiosity

Cats are naturally curious (aka tiny chaos scientists).

 When they see an unfamiliar object, their paws become their tools to explore. "Does this make a noise?”

“Will it bounce?”

“Will the human react?”

2. It’s a Hunting Instinct

To your cat, a pencil is prey. An apple is prey. Everything is prey.

Pawing and swatting are ways to test if something is “alive.”

Your coffee cup just happens to be in the wild.

3. It’s Attention-Seeking

Once a cat learns that knocking things off = instant human reaction, they might use it to communicate.

Translation: “Look at me. I’m bored. Worship me.”

4. It’s Boredom

Cats need physical and mental stimulation.

Without enough play or climbing opportunities, even a houseplant becomes a victim.

Try a cat tree. (Hint: Jellyfish Cat Tree work best 😉)

✅ What You Can Do

● Remove tempting objects

● Offer toys and enrichment

● Set up a cat-friendly “observation deck” near windows