One quirky and endearing behavior that cats often exhibit is clinging onto tables, counters, furniture and other surfaces with their front paws. This distinctive habit of “holding on” while sitting or standing is completely natural for felines. But why do cats love grasping onto surfaces so much? There are several behavioral and physical reasons behind this cute kitty conduct.
Providing Stability and Balance
A major factor is that holding onto something steady gives cats extra stability and balance. With only four paw pads on the ground, their center of gravity isn’t as secure as a human’s. Surfaces like tables and countertops give them an anchor point to help maintain equilibrium.
Cats tend to be cautious when it comes to leaping and climbing. By anchoring themselves with their front paws it reduces the risk of falling or slipping. This is especially true for senior cats who may have declining vision strength and coordination. Holding on offers a sense of security.
Kittens also naturally grasp surfaces as they learn to stand, walk and explore their surroundings. It helps them get their “sea legs” as they develop coordination and confidence in their movements. The habit simply sticks as they mature.
Assistance for Stretching and Scratching
Another reason for holding on is to provide leverage for stretching and scratching. By gripping the edge of a table or counter, cats can fully extend their front legs and paws to get a satisfying scratch.
It also allows them to elongate their entire body for a good head-to-tail stretch. The sturdy surface gives them something secure to push off of and get a fuller range of motion. This is especially helpful for older or arthritic cats.
So next time you see your cat blissfully stretching against a piece of furniture while dug in with their claws, know that they are using the stability to their benefit
Kneading and Marking Territory
In addition to scratching, cats will often repeatedly knead surfaces while holding on with their paws. This kneading motion releases endorphins and helps them mark objects with their scent from glands in their paws.
By maintaining a firm grip on one spot, cats can comfortably knead, scratch and rub their head against the area to leave their odor and claim it as their own territory. The holding on enables them to thoroughly scent mark and exhibit ownership.
Gaining a Better Vantage Point
Holding onto elevated spots like tables, dressers and cat trees helps cats get a better birds-eye view of their surroundings. The higher perspective allows them to survey their domain and feel more secure.
It also aids predatory instincts – cats can more readily spot potential prey to stalk from an elevated perch. Holding on tight prevents them from falling as they observe and hunt. Those lightning fast reflexes help too!
Relieving Stress and Anxiety
For some cats, holding onto surfaces is a self-soothing behavior that helps relieve stress and anxiety. The repetitive motions involved stimulate feel-good endorphins. And the anchoring effect delivers a sense of comfort. Much like swaddling an infant, the light pressure and grip provides calming sensory input.
So if you have a clingy, nervous kitty, provide stable elevated spots they can securely hold onto, like cat towers and tree beds. This can help ease their worries.
Enjoying Human Interaction
Many cats hold on around their owners as they crave interaction and attention. By gripping furniture or jumping onto tables, they elevate themselves to human level to be noticed. It gets them closer to the action and prime position for petting, treats and playtime.
The behavior can also signify bonding and trust with their human caretakers. Just be sure to limit them from clinging onto unsafe areas like drapes, chandeliers or TV stands to prevent dangerous mishaps!
Signs of Underlying Medical Issues
While holding on is perfectly normal cat behavior, increased clinging onto furniture and other odd positions may signal medical problems requiring veterinary attention:
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Stiff, tense posture while clinging could indicate arthritis, joint pain or neurological issues.
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Constant holding onto one area that is out-of-the-ordinary could mean nausea, dizziness or loss of balance.
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Sudden frantic clinging, along with panting and dilated pupils, may signal acute stress or panic attack.
If you notice any of these red flags, consult your vet right away. But in most cases, cats holding onto surfaces is completely harmless.
Tips for Handling Clingy Cats
If your cat’s holding habit becomes bothersome or destructive, here are some tips:
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Provide designated scratching posts, cat towers and beds to deter clinging to furniture. Use catnip spray to attract them.
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Consider adding wall shelves, cat walks or other surfaces mounted at cat-level to give them approved spots to occupy.
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Discourage holding onto unsafe areas by covering with temporary plastic, double-sided tape or citrus scents they dislike.
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Remove or block access to tempting curtains, blinds and delicate objects that can be pulled down.
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Use treats, toys and playtime to redirect destructive clinging urges onto more positive objects.
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Increase daily activity and environmental enrichment to fulfill their need to climb and scratch.
While holding on may seem odd to us, it’s perfectly logical in the feline world. With a bit of training and added cat furniture, you can coexist with this cute kitty quirk in harmony! Just remember to show them lots of love as they find their happy place.
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Simba Won’t Let Go Of The Table || CAT Holding On To The Table . #shorts
FAQ
Why does my cat keep going on my table?
Why do cats like to be on the table?
How to train a cat not to jump on a table?
What does it mean to put the Cat on the table?
In Finland, when we want to have a conversation about a difficult topic, we say: put the cat on the table! This means speaking honestly and frankly about the subject and being vulnerable.
How do you keep a cat off the table?
Avoid leaving any food out. An easy preventative measure to keep the cat off the table is to take away his reason to go up there. If your cat is roaming around because he’s hungry, finding food on the table or counter will reinforce his reason for going up there. Don’t leave any food out.
Why do cats knock things off tables?
Another reason why cats knock things off tables is that they love to play. Indoor life can be a bit boring for some cats. After all, when they were wild, they had something to do most of the time: hunt and catch food.
Why does a cat knock things off a table?
When a cat sees an object on the table that is within its reach but stronger than it, it may try to touch it and throw it. The cat’s behavior can be attributed to its highly developed hunting instinct. As a curious animal, it needs to verify that the object is not moving and is indeed inanimate.
Why do cats climb bookshelves?
Climbing also helps cats keep away from potential predators. In your home, your cat will often seek out high spaces to act on these instincts. Tall bookshelves will give them the best vantage point in the room. If other pets or small humans spend a lot of time on the floor, your cat may seek out your counters to avoid interaction with them.
Do cats respond to punishment well?
Cats don’t respond to punishment well. Instead of connecting the punishment to an action, they connect it to the punishing person. Do not yell at your cat or hit them for going on the counter. They’ll become scared of you, not the counter. Don’t push your cat off countertops and tables. They may hurt themselves.