Why Do Cats Knock Things Over? How to Stop It?

• Its Not Spite: Cats do not hold grudges. They knock things over due to instinct, boredom, or because they learned it gets your attention.
• The Prey Drive: Swatting is a way to test if an object is alive.
• You Reinforced It: If you yell or run over when things fall, you taught your cat that Gravity = Attention.
• The Fix: Ignore the bad behavior and anchor your valuables with Museum Wax.

1. It’s Instinct (The Is It Alive? Test)

As predators, cats are hardwired to chase things that move. When they tap a pen or a lighter, they are checking: “Is this alive? Will it run?”

If the object moves (rolls), it triggers their prey drive. Pushing it off the edge is just the finale of the hunt. This is why cats love watching things fall—it mimics the movement of escaping prey.

2. We Have Reinforced the Behavior

This is the most common reason. Cats are quick learners.

• The Cycle: Cat pushes glass -> You look up and yell -> Cat gets attention.

To a bored cat, even “bad” attention (scolding) is better than no attention. You have accidentally turned your table into a vending machine: they press the button (knock the glass), and they get a reaction from you.

3. Your Cat Is Bored

A bored cat is a destructive cat. If they don’t have toys, puzzles, or activity, they will make their own fun. Unfortunately, their definition of “fun” involves gravity experiments with your decor.

1. The No Reaction Rule

You must break the cycle. When your cat knocks something over:

• Do NOT yell.
• Do NOT look at them.
• Leave the item there (unless it’s dangerous glass).

If you ignore the crash, the game becomes boring.

2. Manage the Environment (The Wax Hack)

You shouldn’t have to hide all your decor. Use a secret weapon: Museum Wax (also known as Quake Hold).

This clear putty anchors vases and collectibles to the shelf. It’s strong enough to stop a cat’s paw but removable by humans. If the object doesn’t move when they swat it, they will quickly lose interest.

3. Enrich the Space (Decoy Toys)

Give them something allowed to knock over.

• Puzzle Feeders: Make them work for their food instead of working for your attention.
• Acceptable Targets: Leave sturdy plastic toys or ping-pong balls on the table. Let them satisfy the urge to swat without destroying your stuff.