Why Do Cats Knock Over Trash Cans – The Interesting Reason!

It’s every pet owner’s nightmare: coming home to trash spewed all across the floor and the culprit nowhere to be found. You’re pretty sure who the suspect is (and no, it probably wasn’t a random trash-tipping intruder). It was your friendly feline companion. Why do cats knock over trash cans?

Cats knock over trash cans because they’re drawn to the contents inside. The tipping – while potentially fun for them – usually isn’t the main goal but a by-product of their curiosity.

Read on to understand why cats engage in this frustrating behavior and how to put a stop to it once and for all.

How do I stop my cat from knocking over the trash

It’s best to have a heavy trash can with a lid in a place your cat cannot access. If you can’t achieve all three of these things, try at least one of them to get started. For example, a heavy trash can is one that your cat is unlikely to be able to tip over. You could even put something heavy at the bottom of your trash can to hold it down, like a brick. This will at least result in fewer potential messes and may make the adventure less exciting to your cat.

Ideally, you’d want to keep any trash can away from your cat. This can mean putting it in a closet or cupboard. Of course, some cats figure out how to open basic cabinets with their paws. If that’s the case, you may decide to use child-proof locks. It may be less convenient for you, but it’s worth it to keep your cat safe and away from the trash.

Finally, having a trash can with a lid that closes can be very useful. It’s harder for cats to get into these types of cans, which can make it a good solution if there’s nowhere to hide your trash can. The best kinds are ones with a foot pedal or some kind of latch, so your cat isn’t able to lift the lid himself.

Can I get a cat repellent trash can

The most cat repellent trash can is the one that’s most difficult for your cat to access. This means any trash can that is heavy can be sealed shut and is out of reach. This can mean a tall trash can that is only activated by a motion sensor, making it difficult for a cat to get inside. These also tend to do a great job of blocking any odors from escaping.

You can also find cat-safe deterrent sprays to put inside or around the can to make it less appealing. Make sure you’re using something safe as you don’t want to make your cat sick.

You should also ensure that you’re emptying your trash regularly, so there are fewer scents to attract your cat. Spraying a citrus or vinegar scent around the can also help eliminate those enticing scents.

Why does my cat like the trash can

Cats truly are curious animals, so they see a trash can as a space full of potential mysteries to discover. They are likely first drawn to the trash can from the variety of smells that emanate from it. Even if you keep your can as clean as possible, cats can smell things we’d never notice. Once their attention has been piqued, they’ll find all sorts of items they can potentially play with or even eat.

Cats enjoy experiencing different textures, especially like anything similar to their prey, like mice. All it takes is one incredible moment with the trash can, and they’ll continue going back in hopes of finding more fun.

Why does my cat play with trash but not toys

A cat will play with trash instead of toys if the trash is more novel, engaging, and texturally enjoyable. Ever brought home a brand-new toy only for your cat to play with the box it came in instead? Trash cans can be a similar scenario because the contents are constantly changing.

Your cat may not have fun with the kinds of toys you bring home, so it’s always best to try different types. Some cats prefer loud, crunchy, textured toys, while others may want soft, fluffy toys. It comes down to trial and error.

However, you may find that no matter what toy you give to your cat, he’s never satisfied for long. This likely means he mostly enjoys the toy’s novelty more than the toy itself. If that’s the case, you can hide most of his toys and only leave out a few at a time.

Then periodically swap out which toys he has so he’s constantly getting something new (or at least new to him). You can also use paper bags, boxes, and other things not traditionally considered “toys” to keep him engaged and hopefully out of the trash.

What should I do if my cat eats out of the trash

First, it’s essential to figure out what your cat ate out of the trash. It can be hard to figure out (he ate it, after all), but do your best to sort through what was in the bin.

Cats mostly go for protein, so if there were any bones with some meat still on them, that could be what he was after. Those types of foods are usually relatively harmless, but you should still watch out for signs of any illness like vomiting or weakness. You can always call your vet if you’re unsure of what to do or if you have any concerns.

Sometimes cats eat inedible things, like plastic. This can result from a nutrition deficiency, boredom, or anxiety. If you notice that he’s still chewing on the plastic item, remove it from his mouth immediately.

Continue to monitor him for any signs of illness or discomfort, and be ready to call your veterinarian in case of an emergency. They can walk you through how to perform a Heimlich maneuver on your cat or can help you watch for signs of intestinal blockage, like vomiting after eating or diarrhea.

Things to keep in mind

Your cat is probably trying to get into your trash because he’s bored. Make the trash can less exciting by investing in one he can’t easily access and make sure to clean it frequently in order to limit scents as much as possible. It also may be a sign that your cat needs some more stimulation, so be sure you’re playing with him often and getting him new toys and products to enjoy at home.