When Pet Parents Are Away, Cats Destroy: Five Funny Situations

As any pet parent will tell you, cats don't like it when their humans leave the house. Whether cats destroy your belongings or their own, they're good at getting their point across!

Cats are very exact in their actions, so make no mistake: she'll let you know she's unhappy that you're gone. You'll discover the signs, like ripped curtains or the remnants of your favorite pair of shoes, of her displeasure all over the house.

Here are five cat shenanigans you may find upon your return home!

1. Shredded Toilet Paper

This classic move occurs at least once in every cat-occupied home. Kitty loves to scratch–it's instinctive, PetMD says. And she also loves to play, and a toilet paper roll provides a two-for-one punch. When she sees that toilet paper, especially a brand new roll, your cat's probably thinking, "Ah, look at the new toy mom put out for just for me." In addition to shredding the paper, industrious cats also may unravel the paper and carry it from room to room. It's their way of rolling out the white carpet for you, so to speak.

2. Mangled Toys

This carnage can include a catnip mouse ripped open with its stuffing strewn about the room, a destroyed bird toy with its eyes clawed out, small rubber balls adorned with teeth marks, or a chewed stuffed hedgehog, its demise capped off with a swim in her water dish. Cats benefit from having engaging toys around while you're gone, but those playthings can and will become the outlets for her annoyance.

3. Stolen Snacks

True story: When one cat's parents weren't home, she jumped on top of the refrigerator, stole a bag of potato chips, and dragged the bag under the bed for a late-night snack. Other cats may open kitchen cabinets, helping themselves to whatever they find, such as crackers or that catnip you were planning to give her as a treat when you got home. And because cats don't clean up after themselves, you'll find chewed-open food bags and crumbs everywhere. So, if you suspect that your cat might be a little thief in waiting, it is probably a good idea to secure your food by more than just leaving it up high off the ground. Cat's are climbers and putting food on top of the refrigerator is seen more as a challenge for them, rather than a deterrent.