As predators, cats are hardwired to be attracted to things that dart past their line of sight. It's instinctual: Fast-moving objects are potentially something to chase, catch, and eat. The simple act of pushing or batting items off counters and desks plays to this instinct.
As with much of a cat's behavior, the answer is instinct. Both in the wild and in our homes, cats nudge and swat at objects all the time to determine if it is friend, food or foe. Nudging serves a pretty practical purpose. If the critter scurries away, it's potential prey.
To help alleviate this, try to spend some more time with your cat in other ways to encourage other attention-seeking behavior. This can be with chin scratches, brushing, or some play time. If they do knock things over, try not to react to them at all.
It's fun — Your cat is endlessly curious, as you probably know. They love to explore everything around them and find certain aspects of play, like batting at the curtains, entertaining to them. One of the biggest components of quality of life is pleasure, and your cat receives untold rewards by knocking things over.
Flipping. Why do cats throw themselves onto the ground at your feet and flip back and forth? Sure, sometimes it is because a cat is under the influence of catnip but more often, rolling back and forth places a cat in a vulnerable position, and is a way for cats to request attention.
They get up close. Cats are very protective of their personal space and don't like unwelcome guests to invade it. If a cat allows you to get close to them, that suggests a close bond, particularly where the contact is frequent or long lasting. Curling up on your lap for a nap is a sign of deep trust.
But why do they do it? The reason behind it is surprisingly simple: "Most cats knock items off the tables and counters to get attention or to simply play with the item," explains Cathy Bosley, certified feline training and behavior specialist at the Best Friends Animal Society.
As predators, cats are hardwired to be attracted to things that dart past their line of sight. It's instinctual: Fast-moving objects are potentially something to chase, catch, and eat. The simple act of pushing or batting items off counters and desks plays to this instinct.
Are you dealing with an indoor cat who scratches furniture, scratches carpets, chews on or eats house plants, and/or climbs curtains or window screens? You aren't alone. The most likely cause of destructive behavior in cats is boredom or lack of enrichment in their indoor environment.
Many healthy cats enjoy the act of “play wrestling” with other familiar cats, toys, pets, or humans. So, when a cat grabs ahold of their toys or your hand (ouch!) and starts giving it cute little cat bunny kicks, they're likely playing, and not violently attacking.
Cats may occasionally show signs of aggression toward people or other pets when they want to establish social dominance. Cats that block doors with their bodies or swat at other cats as they pass may be demonstrating this type of behavior.
A 2011 study that was published in the journal "Animal Cognition" tested 16 domestic cats and found that they were able to recall where hidden toys were located even after 10 minutes.
As well as being a method of communication, staring is also a sign of a close bond between you and your cat, as they are unlikely to hold eye contact with someone they don't like or trust.
Knocking Things Over
Cats have sensitive paws and like to swat things around to check them out. This is something they do with their prey too. Cats also knock things down to get our attention. It is best to ignore your cat when they are engaging in this activity, or you might reinforce the behavior.
Kneading is an instinctive trait in cats, who often knead on a soft surface, such as a blanket, other cats, or your lap. It appears to be relaxing and soothing—many cats will purr contentedly, drift off into sleep, or simply zone out and enjoy the motion.
They scratch to mark territory or as a threatening signal other cats. And because cats' claws need regular sharpening, cats scratch on things to remove frayed, worn outer claws and expose new, sharper claws. All this scratching can cause a lot of damage to furniture, drapes and carpeting!
As AnimalPath.org explains, cats' paws have nerve receptors that help them process sensory information. When they swat at something, they're using those receptors to figure out what it is.
If your cat is taking things and moving them around - like socks - it could be a predatory instinct, where the sock is being used as a replacement for prey that has been killed and brought back.
Cats rub against objects to mark their territory and put their scent on it. Every time you come home, you are greeted by your cat rubbing against your legs.
According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite. People who communicate with their cat by getting to know their cues and motives are more attractive to their cat companions.
Changes in body language, including ears held back, tucked tail, and hairs standing on end. Meowing more or less than usual or making low-pitched, mournful meows. Lack of energy or a decrease in activity level. Retreating from humans or other family pets.
At least that's what we all thought. But as it turns out, science shows us that cats are much more complex and emotionally attuned than we give them credit for. They may not say sorry the same way a human would. But they do apologise, in their own way.