Why Do Cats Knock Things Over? Experts Finally Reveal the Truth!

If you have ever had a cat, it is likely you have faced the distinct annoyance of seeing them intentionally knock over a glass of water, a pen, or perhaps even a costly object you believed was securely positioned. It’s a typical cat action: establishing direct eye contact while causing something to fall to the ground. But what causes cats to do this? Are they merely being playful, or is there a more significant explanation for this peculiar behavior? Let’s investigate what the specialists have to share regarding why our cat companions enjoy knocking things over.


At their essence, felines are predators. Their forebears thrived by tracking and leaping onto their quarry, which frequently entailed swatting or batting at diminutive creatures to determine if they were still alive. Tipping things over is believed to be a manifestation of this instinct. For your cat, a pen placed at the table's edge may appear similar to a tiny animal darting across the floor, activating their hunting instincts. By swatting it, they are fundamentally assessing the “prey” to check if it responds.

Expert Insight: Dr. John Bradshaw, a feline behaviorist, notes that domestic cats retain many of the instincts of their wild ancestors, even if they’re well-fed and have no need to hunt for survival. This is why play often mimics hunting behaviors like batting and pouncing.


Cats are masters at getting their human’s attention, and knocking things over is an effective strategy. If your cat has learned that pushing a cup off the table makes you react quickly, they’ll continue to do it, especially if they’re feeling ignored. Whether you laugh, yell, or chase after them, your response reinforces the behavior.

What You Can Do:
Instead of reacting strongly, try redirecting their attention to something positive, like a toy or a scratching post. Make sure you’re giving your cat enough interactive playtime and affection to meet their social needs.


A bored cat is a mischievous cat. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, your feline might resort to knocking things over simply as a way to entertain themselves. The sound of an object hitting the floor, combined with your inevitable reaction, can be a thrilling experience for a cat with nothing else to do.

How to Prevent Boredom:
Provide plenty of toys and scratching posts.

Rotate toys regularly to keep them interesting.

Invest in interactive toys or puzzle feeders that challenge your cat’s mind.

Dedicate time each day for interactive play with your cat, using wands, lasers, or balls.


Cats have scent glands in their paws, and swatting or touching objects can leave their scent behind. By knocking something over, your cat might be marking it as part of their territory. This behavior is especially common in multi-cat households or when a new object has been introduced to the environment.

Tip: If your cat seems territorial, make sure each cat in the household has their own space, litter box, and resources to reduce competition.


Cats are intelligent and observant animals. They’re constantly learning about their environment and that includes learning about you. Knocking things over can be their way of testing boundaries and seeing how you’ll react. For example, if your cat repeatedly swats a glass off the table, they might be testing whether you’ll move it or if they’ll get a treat afterward.

What You Can Do:
Set clear boundaries by removing objects that are easily breakable or tempting. Consistency is key in teaching your cat what is and isn’t acceptable.

While knocking things over is a natural and instinctive behavior for cats, there are steps you can take to minimize the chaos:

Cat-Proof Your Home: Keep fragile or valuable items out of reach. Use double-sided tape or non-slip pads to secure items that might be tempting targets.

Create a Stimulating Environment: Ensure your cat has plenty of toys, climbing structures, and scratching posts to keep them engaged.

Reward Positive Behavior: When your cat plays with appropriate toys or displays good behavior, reward them with treats or affection.

Avoid Negative Reinforcement: Yelling or scolding your cat can stress them out and may even reinforce the behavior. Instead, redirect their attention to something positive.

Provide Attention and Playtime: Make sure your cat gets enough interaction and stimulation to reduce the likelihood of attention-seeking behaviors.

When to Be Concerned
While most instances of knocking things over are harmless, excessive or sudden changes in behavior could indicate an underlying issue. If your cat seems unusually destructive or is exhibiting other signs of stress, boredom, or illness, consult your veterinarian.

Excessive knocking over of objects combined with other behavioral changes

Loss of appetite or increased lethargy

Aggression or signs of stress, such as hiding or over-grooming