My cat started opening the drawers of my chest of drawers a few months ago (he was 7 months old at the time and only did it when I was out, so I figured it was just a game or that he was seeking attention). However, since I moved house two weeks ago, he’s started opening my clothes drawers again and pulling everything out onto the floor with his paws.
I just don't get it. He does it whether I'm there or not and doesn't actually ruin the clothes (the drawers are another story though!).
Has anyone else had this issue? Do you think it’s down to stress? (He’s naturally quite an anxious cat).
Does anyone have any ideas to stop him damaging the drawers? I was thinking of trying a bit of vinegar... :/
Thanks!!!
Translated from French
The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.
Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.
Evening,
I’m having the same issue and I asked the same question without really getting any "good answers" :s
But I’ve had the idea of the century!!
Child-proof locks on drawers and cupboards! ^^.
I’m sick of picking my clothes up off the floor after a long day at work.
Same here, she’s got plenty of toys to play with, but throwing clothes around is much more fun ^^
She’s done it since she was tiny; I think it’s a bit of a quirk lol, or just to wind everyone up and make sure we know she’s there lol.
Evening,
To keep him entertained when you're out – because that might be exactly what he needs – you could try hiding his food in puzzle feeders. You can buy these ready-made or just make them yourself. For example, you can glue kitchen roll tubes of different heights vertically onto a piece of cardboard or a tray, and pop his dry food inside. That way, he has to hook his paw in and fish the kibble out bit by bit to eat it. It’s a bit like when they pull clothes out of a drawer one by one!
Hope that helps,
Léna
Evening,
That's a great idea, thanks! I'll give it a go (I'm not sure if he'll be into it, but it's worth a try!)
To keep him entertained while you're away – as that might well be what he needs – you could try hiding his food in enrichment toys or puzzle feeders. You can buy these ready-made or even make your own. For instance, you can glue kitchen roll tubes of various heights vertically onto a piece of cardboard or a tray, then pop his dry food inside. He’ll have to use his paws to fish out the pieces one by one to eat them. The activity is actually quite similar to pulling clothes out of a drawer one at a time!
Once a cat gets an idea in its head... My old girl used to constantly empty out our paper and cardboard recycling bin ^^
Maybe try looking into "enrichment" toys (the ones that give their brains a bit of a workout); he might just need some more mental stimulation.
I’m not so sure... he won't play on his own, I always have to be right there with him :/ he’s got balls with bells inside, toys that make noises etc... but he’s not really that bothered. He usually prefers to sleep.
I wonder if it’s just a way of getting my attention... he does it more often when I’m out or at night, so maybe that’s it..?
Once a cat gets an idea into its head... My old girl used to empty our paper and cardboard recycling bin without fail ^^.
Have a look at "enrichment toys" (the ones that give our little ones' brains a bit of a workout); he might just need some more mental stimulation.
Hi @louise02
Cats absolutely love climbing into drawers and hiding away.
Mine does the same in my bedroom; whenever I catch her doing it, I give her a sharp "psst!" and she stops.
White vinegar might be a good shout; it’s definitely worth a try.
Otherwise, if he’s looking for a hiding spot, why not just find him a cardboard box? Cats love curling up in them and they don't cost a penny!
You can also get cat trees with a little built-in hidey-hole. Personally, I’ve got two, but my cat won't go anywhere near them—she much prefers the boxes! 👌
