A fundamental element of pet care is providing toys that your furry friends can use to entertain themselves. Cat owners are often surprised, however, to see their pets playing with their shoes. As it turns out, there are actual reasons behind this perplexing behavior—and your pet care efforts influence it.

Why Cats Love Shoes

Your shoes hold a mix of familiar scents, which is quite important for cats. Cats tend to rub against people or objects in “their space” as a way of marking their territory. Because your shoes carry your smell, cats will rub against them. 

Your pet care efforts bring a sense of comfort and peace to your cats. They trust you and know that you care for them. As a result, items that smell like you can have a soothing effect—and this includes your shoes. If your cat steals a shoe, it may be attempting to self-soothe.

Discouraging Cats From Messing With Your Shoes

While the reasoning behind why your cat likes your shoes may seem sweet, it doesn’t change how frustrating it can be to have your cat steal your shoes all the time. As cat owners know, however, their behavior is difficult to change. The best way to keep your cat away from your shoes is to keep your footwear in a closet or sealed container. You could also provide your cat with a substitute for your shoes by giving them an old t-shirt to snuggle with.

From routine pet care to necessary pet vaccines, you can rely on Animal Hospital of New Albany. Serving Jefferson County, OH, this veterinary clinic provides a wide range of services to help you keep your pets in top health. To learn more about what they can do for you or to schedule an appointment, visit them online or call (614) 855-9643.