Ever wondered what your cat gets up to when you’re out of the house?
New research reveals 80% of British cat owners have been victim to their furry friend destroying items at home – with table legs and carpets receiving the most damage.
Now, a hilarious compilation of Ring doorbell footage has revealed the full extent of the mischief that the animals get up to when they have the run of the gaff.
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In the clip, one cheeky cat drags a lamp around the room.
Others can be seen scaling doors, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Another mischievous moggy can even be seen moving the ring camera in an attempt to hide the evidence of its crime.
In light of the funny feline footage, cat behaviourist Lucy Hoile has shared her top tips on how to keep your pets from going on a destructive detour.
KEEP THEM ENTERTAINED
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Firstly, she suggests creating an environment that can provide endless entertainment for your cat.
She says: “Try providing food in a puzzle feeder rather than a bowl to help keep them occupied, as well as tunnels, cat towers and toys they can play with on their own.”
AIM HIGH
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Next up? Go for height.
She said: “Cats are territorial and they like to perch up high.
“This can cause them to scale your bookshelves and mantlepieces –knocking things off as they go.
“Instead of trying to keep them off, give them their own cat-friendly spaces to climb, such as empty shelves, tall cat trees and on top of furniture such as wardrobes and dressers.”
DON’T TELL THEM OFF
Lucy adds that, if their behaviour is punished, cats can become anxious – resulting in unfortunate incidents like house soiling or even aggression.
It’s best to distract the felines and give them attention at other times.
She said: “It’s hard not to get cross if they are destroying your furniture but telling them off won’t help and can sometimes train them to do it more if they crave attention.”
KEEP YOUR FAVOURITE ITEMS OUT OF REACH
To keep your cats in check, it’s best to remove any items they might be tempted to attack.
Lucy also advises to try and keep other moggies away from your humble abode.
And make sure you give your pet the correct scratch post to entertain them as scratching helps to “maintain their claws”.
She says: “If your cat is scratching your furniture or carpets, temporarily cover the area with a blanket or throw.
“Offer a flat cardboard scratcher for cats that like to use carpet or a tall and sturdy tower for cats that prefer the sofa.”
In light of International Cat Day taking place on 8 August, Ring is calling for its customers to send in more cheeky cat footage.
The ‘wildest’ submission will receive a replacement of any item that has been damaged up to the value of £1,000.
Those who wish to submit a video have until 19 August to do so.
if your cat causes catastrophe, it’s time to cash in on their clumsiness.
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