If you own a cat, you've probably watched in dismay as they casually pushed your favourite mug off the counter while making direct eye contact. This behaviour baffles many owners, but animal behaviourists have some fascinating explanations.

The most common reason is attention-seeking. Cats are clever enough to understand that knocking things off surfaces gets a dramatic reaction from you — and any reaction, even a negative one, is stimulating.

Another theory relates to predatory instinct. Cats tap objects to see if they move, which mimics how they would assess prey. An object that moves is interesting; one that doesn't is dead and can be discarded — off the table it goes.

Boredom is also a major factor. Indoor cats with insufficient enrichment will seek stimulation wherever they can find it.

The solution? More interactive play, puzzle feeders, and environmental enrichment.