7 Cat Breeds Known for Knocking Things Over (and 7 That Don’t)

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Black cat lounging next to Harry Potter
Madalyn Cox/Unsplash

Cats are naturally curious creatures, constantly exploring their environment with an insatiable desire to uncover every nook and cranny. While this curiosity is endearing, it often leads to the classic feline habit of knocking things over. Some cats, fueled by their active and inquisitive nature, are more prone to this behavior. Meanwhile, others are content to observe from a distance, rarely causing such chaos. Let’s dive into these unique feline tendencies.

Bengal Cats

Bengal cat sitting proudly on dining table
Paul Hanaoka/Unsplash

Bengals are known for their adventurous nature and boundless energy, making them a whirlwind of curiosity. These cats love to climb, explore, and interact with their surroundings, often leading to knocked-over objects. For Bengals, every item is a potential plaything or prey. Their fascination with their environment keeps them constantly on the move, which can result in chaos if not managed. Providing them with ample stimulation, such as puzzle toys, climbing trees, and interactive play, can channel their curiosity constructively and reduce their tendency to disrupt your home.

Siamese Cats

Siamese cat
Andreas Lischka/Pixabay

Siamese cats are intelligent, social, and remarkably inquisitive. Their energetic personalities mean they often investigate objects with their paws, testing their boundaries in the process. This breed is also highly vocal and loves engaging with their humans, sometimes using object-toppling to grab attention. Siamese cats thrive on mental stimulation and interactive play, and their need for companionship makes them demanding but loving pets. Keeping fragile items out of their reach and ensuring they have enough toys and playtime can help curb their knack for knocking things over.

Abyssinians

Abyssinian Cat atop a cabinet
tsapenkodg/PixaBay

Abyssinians are natural explorers with a playful and energetic spirit. They are known for their love of climbing and leaping to high places, which often results in precarious situations for household items. These cats are always on the lookout for new adventures, making them one of the most active and curious breeds. They’re smart and quick, so they require lots of mental and physical activity to keep them content. Providing cat trees, tunnels, and engaging toys can help redirect their energy and reduce the likelihood of them creating chaos in your home.

Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex
duodenum82/Pixabay

The Cornish Rex is a breed that thrives on activity and mischief. With their sleek, athletic bodies and boundless curiosity, they are always on the move, exploring every corner of their environment. Their playful antics often involve batting at objects or nudging items off surfaces, making them a lively addition to any home. These cats need interactive toys, climbing spaces, and plenty of attention to keep them mentally stimulated. Owners who embrace their high-energy behavior and provide proper outlets for their curiosity will find the Cornish Rex to be an endearing companion.

Balinese Cats

Balinese
flagellum666/Reddit

Balinese cats combine elegance with an insatiable curiosity, making them both graceful and mischievous. They are known for their intelligence and affection, often following their humans around and involving themselves in every activity. However, their playful nature and need for stimulation can lead to frequent accidents, such as knocking things over. Balinese cats thrive in environments that offer plenty of opportunities for engagement, such as puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and climbing structures. By keeping them entertained and their environment enriched, you can enjoy their lively spirit without too much chaos.

Turkish Angoras

Turkish Angora cat playing
Alek_B/Pixabay

Turkish Angoras are elegant and intelligent cats with a streak of mischief. They are naturally curious and often test the boundaries of their environment by exploring every nook and cranny. This breed is notorious for batting objects off surfaces as part of their playful antics. Their high energy levels require an environment that caters to their need for activity and mental stimulation. Providing them with climbing trees, tunnels, and engaging toys can help redirect their energy and prevent them from turning their belongings into playthings. Even though they can be a bit mischievous, they’re truly loving companions.

Savannah Cats

Two Savannah kittens with striking spotted coats sitting on a green velvet surface. One kitten is facing sideways, showcasing its sleek body and tall ears, while the other looks forward with bright, curious eyes. The vibrant pattern of their fur is a standout feature, reflecting their exotic heritage.
Kseniya88/123rf

Savannah cats are exotic, highly energetic, and brimming with curiosity. These hybrid cats love climbing and exploring, often scaling furniture and knocking items over in their quest for adventure. Their large size and athleticism make them a handful, but their loyalty and intelligence are unmatched. Savannahs need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and out of trouble. Interactive toys, climbing structures, and regular playtime are essential for managing their energy levels. While their inquisitive nature can lead to chaos, their charm and intelligence make them a rewarding breed to own.

Persian Cats

Black Persian cat sitting calmly
kiyana/Unsplash

Persians are calm and serene, preferring to lounge rather than explore. Their laid-back nature makes them one of the least likely breeds to knock things over. These cats enjoy quiet environments where they can nap and observe from a comfortable spot. Their content demeanor means they’re more likely to relax on a soft cushion than climb precarious shelves. While they require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coats, Persians are ideal for owners who want a peaceful companion that won’t create chaos around the house.

British Shorthairs

british short hair
Image/Pixabay

British Shorthairs are dignified and independent, often choosing to relax rather than engage in mischief. Their composed demeanor means they rarely exhibit behaviors like knocking things over. Instead, they enjoy observing their surroundings from a safe and stable perch. These cats are ideal for households looking for a low-maintenance and reliable companion. While they enjoy occasional play, British Shorthairs are generally more reserved, making them an excellent choice for owners who value a calm and predictable pet.

Russian Blues

Russian Blue Yawning
Toni Tan/Pexels

Russian Blues are calm and quiet, often appreciated for their serene and unassuming demeanor. They are less likely to knock things over, as they prefer observing their environment from a distance. This breed thrives in a stable and tranquil home where they can form strong bonds with their humans. While they are playful in their quiet way, Russian Blues rarely engage in destructive behavior. Their elegance and poise make them an excellent choice for owners who want a peaceful and well-behaved feline companion.

Ragdoll Cats

Ragdoll lying
monicore/Pixabay

Ragdolls are famous for being calm and loving. These cats prefer cuddles and companionship over climbing or exploring precarious spots. Their calm demeanor makes them one of the least likely breeds to knock things over. Ragdolls enjoy being on the ground or in their owner’s lap, and their relaxed nature extends to their playtime as well. With their friendly and easygoing temperament, they are ideal for families or individuals looking for a gentle and loving pet that won’t create chaos.

Scottish Folds

Scottish Fold cat relaxing lazily on table
Thirdman/Pexels

Scottish Folds are sweet-tempered and adaptable, making them one of the most relaxed cat breeds. Their curiosity is balanced by their calm nature, and they are unlikely to knock things over during their explorations. These cats love hanging out with their owners but aren’t overly clingy. Their easygoing personality makes them a great fit for households with delicate items or those seeking a companion that won’t cause much disruption.

Burmese Cats

Brown Burmese cat resting indoors.
Frans P/PEXELS

Burmese cats are sociable and affectionate but tend to be more grounded in their behavior. While they enjoy playtime and interaction, they are less likely to engage in the chaotic behaviors often associated with more energetic breeds. Their loving nature and balanced energy levels make them an excellent choice for families. Burmese cats are content to share their space with humans and other pets, bringing harmony to their home environment without the risk of frequent accidents or disruptions.

Exotic Shorthairs

exotic shorthair
Remy/pixabay

Exotic Shorthairs share many traits with their Persian relatives, including a calm and loving disposition. They are less likely to knock things over, as they prefer lounging and observing over active exploration. These cats are low-maintenance and enjoy spending time with their owners in a relaxed setting. Their gentle nature makes them an ideal choice for homes with fragile decor or owners who prefer a peaceful and predictable pet. With their affectionate personality and serene behavior, Exotic Shorthairs make wonderful companions.

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