Cat behaviour
Short answer: Cats knock things off tables because they are exploring using their paws, practising hunting skills, seeking attention, or reacting to boredom. The behaviour is usually normal and playful, although sudden changes or frantic pawing can indicate stress or unmet needs.
Written by Paul Denman, Cat Welfare Writer at Kitten Kaboodle
This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Key points at a glance
- Cats use their paws to explore objects and test how they move.
- Knocking items off tables may be part of natural hunting behaviour.
- Some cats do it to gain attention or initiate interaction.
- Boredom or insufficient play can increase the behaviour.
- Guardians can redirect the instinct safely with toys and enrichment.
Exploration with paws
Cats use their paws like hands. They tap objects to learn about their size, texture, weight, and movement. A pen rolling across the desk provides instant feedback. So does the sound it makes when it drops to the floor.
This curiosity is healthy and helps your cat navigate their environment.
Hunting behaviour in miniature
Knocking objects off tables mimics parts of the hunting sequence. Cats often bat prey to test its movement before pouncing. A bottle lid or lipstick tube behaves much like a small creature skittering away.
Even well fed indoor cats retain this instinct. Practising it keeps their natural skills sharp.
Attention seeking
Cats learn quickly which behaviours get a reaction. If pawing a pen off your desk makes you look up, speak, or get off the sofa, your cat may repeat the action to get your attention.
This is not naughty behaviour. It is communication.
Boredom and under stimulation
Indoor cats often need additional outlets for energy and mental stimulation. If your cat does not have enough opportunities to chase, pounce, or explore, they may turn to nearby objects for entertainment.
Daily interactive play sessions reduce this behaviour and help your cat express natural instincts safely.
Do cats understand cause and effect?
Cats are intelligent and quickly grasp that pushing an object creates a predictable response. Many enjoy experimenting with this, especially with items that make interesting sounds or bounce unpredictably.
They may also check whether an object is stable or part of their territory.
How to reduce table top chaos
You cannot remove the instinct, but you can redirect it kindly.
- Provide daily play sessions: use wand toys and chase games to meet hunting needs.
- Offer safe loose items: bottle caps, crinkle balls, and rolling toys satisfy the urge to bat objects.
- Create vertical spaces: shelves and cat trees give your cat places to explore without disturbing your belongings.
- Reduce temptation: keep fragile items out of reach when you are not around.
When knocking things over may indicate a problem
Most cats knock objects over playfully, but watch for:
- Sudden, intense pawing that seems distressed.
- Overgrooming, hiding, or tension in the home.
- Environmental changes that may be increasing anxiety.
If the behaviour appears compulsive or accompanies other worrying signs, a vet or behaviourist can help.
More Advent Calendar questions
Knocking objects over is one of the classic feline mysteries. Continue your festive journey through cat behaviour here:
- Why do cats purr?
- Why does my cat chirp at birds?
- Why does my cat knead me?
- Why does my cat follow me to the toilet?
- Why does my cat stare at me?
- Why does my cat sleep on my head?
- Why does my cat suddenly run around at night?
- Why do cats love boxes so much?
- Do cats recognise their names?
- Why does my cat bring me gifts?
- What does my cat’s tail actually mean?
- Why does my cat sit on my laptop?
- Why do some cats chirrup instead of meow?
- Does my cat love me?
- Why does my cat sunbathe in the warmest spot?
- Why do cats get the zoomies?
- Why does my cat follow me everywhere?
- Why does my cat roll over and show their belly?
Frequently asked knocking things over questions
- Is my cat being naughty on purpose?
- No. Cats do not understand human concepts of naughtiness. Knocking items is exploration, instinctive play, or communication.
- Why does my cat only knock things off when I am watching?
- Because your reaction is interesting and rewarding. The knock is a way to gain your attention.
- How do I stop my cat from breaking things?
- Increase play, offer alternative objects to bat, use safe display areas for fragile items, and provide enrichment such as puzzle feeders.
Does your cat treat your home like a testing laboratory?
Continue your Advent journey through our Articles section,
and share your funniest object knocking stories with our community.
🐾 Here is to playful paws, curious minds, and the unmistakable sound of something rolling off a shelf. 🐾