If you’re a cat owner, you’ve likely found that your feline has some interesting quirks. From chasing shadows on the wall to knocking items off shelves, there are plenty of strange behaviors you may see in your cat. Stealing or playing with shoes, in particular, is one cat habit that can become frustrating to owners over time. While it typically doesn’t warrant advice from a veterinarian, you may be interested to learn what prompts the habits, and what you can do in response, below.

The Reason Behind Your Feline’s Love of Footwear

There are a few reasons cats may be drawn to your slippers, sneakers, and everything in between. For one, cats have an extraordinary sense of smell, with more than 200 million odor-sensitive cells in their nasal area.

They use this sense as their primary means of navigating their surroundings. While these naturally curious creatures are drawn to new smells, they’re also likely to return to familiar, comforting scents. Since their humans’ natural scent can become trapped in footwear, they may seek these objects to feel at ease.

If your cat seems glued to your feet from the moment you walk through the door, it’s also possible they’re using this encounter as a way to see where you’ve been all day. Your shoes may tell them an interesting story about your travels.

Moreover, playing with your shoes could be a means of marking their territory. Cats have scent glands in their foreheads and can secrete pheromones to let other animals know they’ve been there – a behavior veterinarians and other animal experts refer to as “bunting.”

How to Keep Shoes Safe in a Cat-Friendly Home

A fascination with your footwear may seem innocent, but having shoes go missing or become destroyed can be frustrating. Moreover, an eaten shoelace or sole could quickly lead to a health hazard.

To keep your shoes in fantastic condition and avoid unnecessary visits to the veterinarian’s office, try to keep your footwear in a location your cat can’t access. Closed closets, for instance, are always a safe bet. If you’d still like to give them an object that smells like you for comforting purposes, consider allowing them to cozy up to an old blanket.

Whether your cat is due for an exam or you have a behavior or issue you’d like to discuss with a veterinarian, turn to Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital. With two convenient locations in Columbia, MO, this animal care facility offers a broad range of care for pets, ranging from wellness exams to surgery and preventive care. See their full list of services on their website. Call (573) 449-3791 to schedule an appointment at the Keene St. location or (573) 449-7387 for the Buttonwood Dr. clinic.