[Written by a Veterinarian] Why Cats Play Tricks on Buddhist Altars and How to Stop Them | Measures to Safely Protect Your Altar

Have you ever been troubled by your cat messing with the flowers, offerings, or incense on your family altar?
In reality, there are clear reasons why cats engage in mischief at the altar. Simply scolding them won't solve the problem; it is important to focus on creating the right environment and understanding feline psychology. In this article, a veterinarian explains in detail the reasons why cats mess with altars and safe measures to stop this behavior.

Why cats mess with the altar

Reaction to curiosity and scents

Cats cannot distinguish between toys and non-toys. They are especially curious and will touch anything that catches their interest. Altars are filled with unfamiliar objects, flowers, and offerings that pique a cat's curiosity, which is likely why they end up causing mischief there.

Interest in things the owner touches

Cats perceive things their owners touch as safe. They may also expect to receive these items or be played with. For a cat, an altar that the owner carefully maintains is like a treasure chest of toys.

The instinct to climb to high places

Altars are elevated and often have spaces where cats can squeeze in. Cats are animals that engage in vertical movement, climbing to high places for play, vigilance, and danger avoidance. To a cat, an altar is no different from any other piece of furniture. Saying, "You can climb on other furniture, but not the altar," is something a cat cannot comprehend at all.

Drawn by the scent of offerings (flowers, fruits, sweets, etc.)

Offerings such as flowers, fruits, and sweets are placed on the altar. Because the scent of these offerings differs from their food, cats may climb onto the altar to investigate whether they are edible. If they appear to be food, the cat might even try to eat them.

Why it is dangerous for cats to mess with the altar

Risk of burns and fires from incense or candle flames

Altars often have items with open flames, such as incense and candles. If a cat climbs onto the altar and accidentally touches or knocks these over, it can lead to burns or fire.

Accidents like knocked-over vases or electrical hazards

Some altars have electric lamps or battery-operated candles. If flowers are offered, a cat might knock the vase over. If an electrical outlet gets wet, it can cause electrical shocks or start a fire.

Poisoning or accidental ingestion from eating offerings

It is common to offer human food, such as manju buns, rakugan, or the deceased’s favorite snacks. Cats may try to eat these, and some can cause toxic reactions.

For example, grapes can cause acute kidney injury, which can be fatal. Similarly, items like rice crackers (senbei) have high salt concentrations, placing strain on the heart and kidneys. Offerings of flowers also require caution. Lilies, in particular, are highly toxic to cats, and all parts of the plant are poisonous. Beyond the flowers themselves, ingesting pollen or chewing on the stems can cause poisoning. Furthermore, if lilies are placed in a vase, the toxic substances leach into the water; licking this water can lead to serious poisoning.

Offerings are typically packaged, but cats may try to eat the packaging itself, leading to unexpected cases of accidental ingestion.

How to prevent cats from messing with the altar

Place the altar in a room the cat cannot enter

It is best to keep the room where the altar is located off-limits to your cat. If it is in a living area, keep the altar doors closed and remove offerings promptly.

Make it a habit to use incense and candles only when attended

Leaving flames burning unattended can lead to a fire for various reasons, even if the cat isn't involved. Make it a habit to extinguish all flames immediately after you finish praying.

Avoid highly fragrant flowers or food as offerings

Cats may be attracted to strong-smelling flowers or food, prompting them to approach the altar out of curiosity and cause trouble. Try to remove offerings as soon as possible or choose items that do not emit strong scents.

Utilize citrus sprays or cat-deterrent mats to prevent mischief

There are anti-mischief products available, such as citrus-scented sprays (which cats dislike) or mats with deterrent spikes. However, cats often get used to these quickly, and some may contain ingredients that are not good for cats, so it is best to avoid them if possible. Physical measures that prevent access to the altar are the most effective.

Creating an environment where cats and altars can coexist

Provide a safe alternative space (high shelves or cat towers)

Show your cat that there are more fun things for them than the altar. Combining cat towers and shelves to create a staircase layout will delight them. If you allow them to look out a window, they will likely be more interested in that than the altar.

Avoid playing or bonding in the room with the altar

If you play or spend bonding time in the room where the altar is, the cat will perceive it as a "fun place," and the altar might become part of their toys. Try to save bonding time for rooms without an altar.

Provide relaxing scents and spaces where the cat feels secure

To ensure your cat doesn't need to enter the room with the altar, make their primary living space as comfortable as possible. In addition to cat towers, provide spaces where the cat can rest or hide. Keeping items that smell like them or like you can help the cat feel secure.

Summary | Protecting your cat's safety and the altar

Because the altar is full of unfamiliar things, it naturally piques a cat's curiosity. Cats cannot understand being scolded after they have already caused trouble, so they will likely repeat the behavior. To prevent this, you must take steps to keep them away from the altar. Focus on creating a space where your cat can be satisfied without needing to play at the altar.