Why Do Cats Knock Things Over?

Posted on June 6, 2025

Cats are very fascinating creatures who can provide us with entertainment daily as they are naturally curious.

Have you ever wondered why they choose to knock a pen off a countertop?

Perhaps you will find your favorite collectible figurine lying on the floor without a head. 

As annoying as this behavior can be to you, cats do it for a variety of reasons.

• Honing their natural hunting skills
• Boredom
• To Get Your Attention

Steps to prevent cats from knocking things over

Keep your collectibles in a safe space away from the edges of shelves or tables where they are more likely to be knocked over.

Daily play sessions with wand or ball-and-track toys to expend energy.

Provide more vertical spaces like cat trees or special shelving for cats.

Redirect them with interactive play before they knock something over.

Don’t react when your cat knocks something over. By reacting you are reinforcing negative behavior. Instead pick up the item when the cat isn’t looking. Yelling and scolding your cat can damage the bond you have with them.