Category: Behavior

Behavior

Why do cats knock things over?

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Meredith Hemphill

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Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

My Joon-bug is fondest of pens, pencils, plushies, and paper cups. Any small object will do, however. Anyone with a cat is surely familiar with the behavior: a few pokes with the paw at first, and then a firm swipe to knock the object to the floor. Sometimes they skip the first step if they’re really into it. It’s kind of funny, but it’s also really annoying. It may even be dangerous depending upon what kitty decides to send plummeting to the ground. Why do they do this? Why must all of our pens forever be under the sofa? How did Joon even get a tissue box under there?

Let us commiserate with our fellow cat lovers, and also laugh at them.

No one will ever know what happened to that poor tissue box, but it is possible to understand why our cats drive us crazy by knocking all of our stuff onto the floor. No, it’s not because they’re assholes. There are several factors that may play into the behavior. As is the case with almost every feline action, their hunting instincts are likely involved. Cats in the wild would spent most of their time hunting, and they are exquisitely designed in mind and body for this vital task. They know that their toys, or the other things they choose to make into toys, aren’t actually prey. That doesn’t stop them from treating the objects as such.

Cats are known to toy with their prey, and they exhibit the same behavior when nudging a small object. Dr. H. Ellen Whiteley explains, “Your cat’s instincts tell her that paperweight or knickknack could turn out to be a mouse. Her poking paw would send it scurrying, giving her a good game (and possibly a good lunch)” (1). And in fact, it sort of does if they knock it off the edge of a surface. The object falls to the ground, giving them something to watch and maybe something to chase if it rolls. As hunters, cats are fascinated by movement, so the satisfaction of watching the thing fall may be reason enough to push things over.

Cats are clearly excellent at finding ways to entertain themselves, if they can turn a paperweight on your desk into a game. This is often cited as a key to why cats are doing so in the first place. There is a lack of other fun things to do, so they make something up. A bored cat quickly becomes a troublesome cat. Jackson Galaxy, cat behaviorist and all-around cool guy, said, “Think about a toddler who has been given crayons, but no paper. Hello, bedroom wall mural! Ask yourself, ‘Do we have enough cat toys?’ If the answer is yes, would he still rather bat a cup off the table? If so, it’s time to get new toys!” (2).

Along the same lines, we know that cats are good at training their people. The first time or two that your cat knocked something off your desk or bookshelf, maybe it was just for fun. But then you immediately came running to see what fell, and your cat had a brilliant realization. Cats quickly figure out what actions get our attention, and they don’t always care if the attention is good or bad. Knocking something over gets your attention quickly, and that reinforces the behavior because it’s working as intended. Of course, if you hear a glass object fall and shatter, you can’t just ignore that, so what can you do if this is a problem with your cat?

Solutions

Ideally, remove all things that a cat might knock over from a surface that they could push it off of. For most of us, that is never going to happen, so at least move anything fragile away from the reach of your cat. If you have a lot of fragile collectibles, it’s probably worth it to invest in a glass-front case. If it’s just a few knickknacks, you may just need to get creative in finding somewhere your cat can’t go. I know, there aren’t many of those places. Small, inexpensive, wall-mounted display shelves (like these https://www.amazon.com//dp/B06ZYH411W) might be an option if you put them in just the right place. I’ve used them before with success. Items may be secured in their current location with museum putty if there is nowhere you can move them to.

Fragile items pose a danger to your cat, as the debris from breakage could hurt a cat who steps on it. We also tend to put more value on our fragile items. Make sure to secure any medicine containers as well, so there is no risk of any pills falling out of one that is knocked over.

Gray cat on kitchen counter
Recipe for disaster – Photo by Phuong Tran on Unsplash

Once any risk to your cat or your breakables has been eliminated, there is the matter of trying to curb the behavior. As Jackson Galaxy suggested, more toys, new toys, or different kinds of toys may help. Individual cats prefer different kinds of play, so even if your cat has lots of toys and you’ve just bought new ones, they may not be the kind of toy that appeals to your cat. Frustrating, I know, but on the bright side you can always donate any toys your cat doesn’t like to an animal shelter or similar organization. Additionally, playing with your cat yourself is more stimulating than leaving your cat to make their own fun and can help prevent all kinds of problem behaviors.

Sometimes cats try to get our attention because they want something specific–more water, food, a litter box cleaning. If you check these things whenever your cat starts knocking things over and making a fuss, you might find that they are trying to tell you something. Of course, some cats will beg for food at any and all times of day, so this may not be a feasible fix.

There are ways to prevent cats from jumping on certain surfaces altogether, if you prefer that approach. Double-sided tape and aluminum foil are textures that most cats don’t like. Affixing either of those to the table, desk, etc. might discourage your cat from going up there. If you have a cat like Joon who will eat tape and aluminum foil, there are also devices you can purchase which are motion sensitive and release a puff of air when the cat jumps or walks into its range of view. They will puff at you, too, so be prepared to spook yourself several times before you get the hang of it.

While you try to deter your cat, be sure to always provide an alternative that they should engage in. For example, if you choose not to allow your cat on the desk, put a cat tree nearby. If you see your cat fixating on an object like they might be about to send it flying, don’t yell. Break out the wand toy and distract your cat with something positive and more fun. If you have tried everything, provided plenty of stimulation, and your cat is still knocking things over, they are probably just doing it for attention. All you can do is ignore the behavior so they learn that they won’t receive that attention anymore. It may take a while, but they will get the message.

Works Cited

  1. Whiteley, H.E. (2006). How to solve cat behavior problems. HowStuffWorks.com. https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/how-to-solve-cat-behavior-problems.htm
  2. Nguygen, V. (2014, May 11). Why do cats knock things over?! My Cat From Hell’s Jackson Galaxy answers 10 feline questions. Parade. https://parade.com/288613/viannguyen/why-do-cats-knock-things-over-my-cat-from-hells-jackson-galaxy-answers-10-feline-questions/

Published April 3, 2020

Updated March 7, 2021

Behavior

The Difference Between Feral and Stray Cats

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Meredith Hemphill

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Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Stray cat hiding in tunnel
Image by Yolanda Coervers from Pixabay

The words “feral” and “stray” are sometimes used interchangeably, but feral and stray cats are in fact very different. It’s important to know how and why if we wish to help both of these types of community cats.

First, we need to know what it means for a cat to be socialized. All cats in the species are considered domestic cats, but not all domestic cats are socialized. Socialization is the process by which a kitten becomes accustomed to human interaction–being pet, held, spoken to, etc. Socialization teaches a kitten that humans are providers and friends, not something to be afraid of. Kittens must be socialized early in life. The window in which a cat can be socialized varies somewhat from cat to cat, but by the time a cat is an adult, it is almost always too late.

Strays are community cats that are socialized to humans. They are former pets which have been lost or abandoned. Stray cats may be friendly to people or approach them seeking food or help. Or this may also not be the case, especially if they have had negative experiences with people or been on their own for a long time. Regardless, the distinguishing feature of strays is that they have been socialized at that crucial time of life and are therefore capable of living with humans again. Stray cats should be rescued and adopted because they are not well-equipped to survive on their own. They would be safest and happiest in a loving home, although they might require some time to adjust.

Feral cats are wild animals. They are not socialized and exhibit fear and aggression toward humans, which they view as a threat. Feral cats may learn to tolerate a human caregiver who feeds them, but they do not become friendly and trusting, and they are not happy indoors. They are very in-tune with their home territory and have grown up learning how to survive outside. An adult feral cat cannot be socialized, and animal shelters know this. If ferals are brought in, shelters typically euthanize them, knowing that they are not adoptable. Feral kittens as much as a few months old can be fostered and socialized, although they should be kept with their mother until they can be weaned whenever possible.

The most effective and humane way to help feral cats is to provide food, water, and shelter and to practice TNR: trap, neuter, return. TNR consists of trapping feral cats with humane traps, getting them sterilized (and sometimes vaccinated), and then returning them to their territory. This way, the cats can live longer, healthier lives as individuals, without producing more homeless kittens. When ferals cats are neutered, it is standard practice to clip the top quarter inch of the left ear. This is known as ear-tipping and lets others know that this cat has already been sterilized. It prevents cats from the trauma of being trapped and transported to a clinic unnecessarily.

Ear-tipped cat laying on bench
Ear-tipped cat – Photo by Michiru Maeda from FreeImages

Since the best way to help strays and ferals is different, knowing how to tell them apart is important. Unfortunately, that can be extremely difficult, especially when the cat is scared. An adult cat which approaches you, acts friendly, or allows you to touch them is almost certainly a stray. Strays are more likely to assume tail-up, welcoming postures and to meow or purr around humans. A feral cat will avoid or hide from you, won’t let you touch them, and will stay low to the ground or make themself small. A stray may make eye contact, but a feral will not.

Feral cats usually live in groups called colonies. They are bonded with the other cats in their colonies and are often seen with other members of the group. Strays usually live alone and don’t tend to hang out with other cats. Strays are more likely to be seen during the day than feral cats. Feral cats may keep to their natural crepuscular or a nocturnal one that avoids people as much as possible. And perhaps the most obvious difference is that feral cats keep themselves well groomed as part of their daily routine, but stray cats, especially new strays, are very stressed and have lost their routine. It’s much more common to see a stray with a dirty or disheveled coat.

We all want to do the best we can by our feline friends. In the case of feral cats, however, they live their best lives outside. It’s important to know that not all street cats are the same. Keep in mind that some wish they could snuggle up on the couch with us, while others would be thrilled if we would just throw a bowl of food on the lawn.

If you are worried about the cats in your community, many places have local organizations that rescue strays and/or TNR ferals. If there is not one in your area, there is a plethora of online resources to help you determine the best course of action for your situation. Alley Cat Allies (https://www.alleycat.org/) is a personal favorite. Your local animal shelter, even if they cannot take in feral cats, may be able to provide advice or humane traps.

Published March 5, 2020

Updated June 23, 2021

Behavior

Why do cats knead?

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Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

This behavior goes by many names: kneading, making biscuits, making cookies, paddling, or smurgling. Most people know what kneading is, but allow me to overexplain so we’re all on the same page. Kneading is when a cat snuggles up on or next to a beloved human (or object, or other animal) and begins massaging the target of their affection with alternating forepaws. They may also begin to purr, salivate, or suckle on fabric or other available material, depending on the cat. That suckling habit is sometimes called wool-chewing or wool-sucking. Some people find kneading to be super cute while others find it annoying. It can certainly be unpleasant if your cat decides to make biscuits on your bare legs. But whatever your opinions on being kneaded, you’ve probably wondered, “why does my cat do this?”

Ginger and white kitten suckling
Image by Antonios Ntoumas from Pixabay

As is so often the case with feline behavior, the reason for kneading is not known for certain. The most well-known theory is that it is a carry-over from kittenhood. Kittens begin to knead almost immediately. They place their paws on their mother’s abdomen as they suckle and knead her to stimulate the flow of milk. Kneading is believed to release endorphins to encourage bonding between kittens and mother. That neurological process, as well as the comforting memories, remain into adulthood. Cats may knead their favorite human in a similar bonding process, a show of affection and contentment. They may also knead to soothe themselves if they feel anxious, trying to take themselves back to a happier state of mind.

Taking our cats even further back in time, we can find a reason for kneading in the evolution of their wild ancestors. Domestic cats will often knead beds, blankets, pillows, etc. before settling down on them to sleep. It’s thought that ancestral wild cats kneaded down grass or other vegetation in the same manner to make a soft place to sleep or give birth. In the arid environments where they lived, soft sleeping spots could be scarce unless you made one yourself.

Another possibility is that kneading, at least in adult cats, has to do with those special little kitty paws. There are scent glands on cats’ paws, so whenever they knead something, they mark it with their scent. Maybe your cat just wants everyone to know that this blanket is theirs, and that pillow, and their bed, and your bed…

There may not be only one reason why cats knead. They are complex and mysterious creatures, after all. What does seem clear is that when a cat kneads their owner, it can be taken as a compliment. It’s also certain that kneading is a hard-wired and instinctive behavior. If you don’t like being kneaded, you cannot stop your cat from kneading entirely, but you may be able to stop them from kneading you, or at least make the process easier on yourself.

Cat behaviourist Jackson Galaxy explains smurgling

If your cat kneads with their claws out, there are two simple solutions. One is to keep their claws trimmed, which will protect both you and anything else they knead. Or, put a blanket or towel over your lap whenever they want to snuggle so they don’t sink their claws into you. If you just do not want them kneading you at all, you can try distracting them by petting them or giving them a toy. You can gently pick them up and move them whenever they start to knead on you. Picking a designated blanket, pillow, or cat bed to move them to can teach them to make their biscuits there. The most important thing is to NOT PUNISH a cat for kneading. They will not understand.

I often feel that I don’t deserve the little goddess that is my cat. But when she cuddles up to me and starts purring and paddling those paws, I know that she loves me despite the fact that I am a mere human bumbling about in her apartment. Maybe she does value me for something other than slinging food in her bowl.

Published January 23, 2020

Updated June 1, 2021

Behavior

Why Do Cats Love Boxes?

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Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

You finish opening that new package from Amazon and plop the box on the floor. Immediately, your cat appears as if summoned by the presence of cardboard in its domain. She delicately sniffs the box, prowls all around it to examine every inch, and then springs over the edge and lands inside. An hour later you walk by and can just see her eyes and ears peeking over the top at you. Claw marks on the outside edges indicate that she’s been hard at work showing that box who’s boss. You chuckle and wonder for the millionth time why your silly cat is so enamored of the simple cardboard box.

Sound familiar? Who has a giant cat that insists on squeezing into shoeboxes or has bought their cat a super-deluxe-mega-awesome cat tree only for kitty to spend the next week in the box it came in? Most humans lose interest in playing with cardboard boxes after about the age of eight, but cats seem to have an undying fascination with the things–sleeping in them, jumping in and out of them, ripping them to pieces. Why is that? Why do cats love boxes?

No One Will Find Me Here…

Tabby cat in cardboard box
“If I fits, I sits.” Photo by Brent Jones on Unsplash

As is often the case with cats, there isn’t a simple answer, but it largely has to do with boxes being a confined space. Cats are both ambush predators and prey for larger animals, so they are very keen on hiding places from which to pounce on their prey and avoid being hunted themselves. Anyone who has been swatted at or pounced upon by a cat hiding in a box knows that boxes serve the purpose well. Cats may also want to hide from their problems. Cats are only somewhat social and as such don’t have instinctive conflict-resolution skills. They mostly just hide and hope the conflict goes away. #Relatable

Some cats like to hide more than others, but as a rule cats need hiding places to make them feel safe and relieve anxiety. Studies with shelter cats have found that providing hiding boxes decreases their stress levels [1, 2]. Even in a low-stress environment, everybody needs somewhere to decompress now and again. For a cat, that might be a good box.

The Wonders of Cardboard

There are other reasons cats love boxes, particularly of the cardboard variety. One you may have noticed yourself is that cardboard has a texture many cats enjoy sinking their claws into. Some enjoy chewing and generally mauling it as well. My cat Joon is quite fond of eating it. She’s not allowed to play in cardboard boxes anymore. For most cats it’s a very safe pastime, however. Just make sure there aren’t any staples or other things on the box they shouldn’t get in their mouths!

Tabby cat in cauldron
Joon in a “box” she’s allowed to play with.

Cardboard is also a great insulator, and small spaces are great places for cats to curl up and be warm and cozy. A National Research Council study from 2006 found that the thermoneutral zone for cats, the range of temperatures in which they are comfortable and don’t need to expend energy to warm or cool themselves, is 86 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit (30 to 36 degrees Celsius) [3]. Most of us don’t keep our houses that warm, so housecats seek out warmth wherever they can. Cardboard boxes hold in their body heat when they snuggle down in them, so they make great places to play and sleep. You know, the things cats do best.

If you’re frustrated that your cat doesn’t like all the fancy toys you’ve bought them as much as they like shoving their entire body in an empty tissue box, keep in mind that it’s really the fault of the boxes for making such a perfect kitty cave. And you might be able to save a lot of money on cat accessories if you embrace your cat’s love of boxes.

Works Cited

  1. Kry, K & Casey, R. (2007). The effect of hiding enrichment on stress levels and behaviour of domestic cats (Felis sylvestris catus) in a shelter setting and the implications for adoption potential. Animal Welfare, 16(3), 375-383.
  2. Vinke, CM, Godijn, LM, & van der Leij, WJR. (2014). Will a hiding box provide stress reduction for shelter cats? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 160, 86-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2014.09.002
  3. National Research Council. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academy Press.

Published December 23, 2019

Updated June 20, 2022