[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 tampering with Buddhist altar flowers, offerings, or incense?
In fact, there are clear reasons why cats mess with Buddhist altars. Scolding them alone won't solve the problem; creating a suitable environment and understanding your cat's psychology are essential. In this article, a veterinarian will explain in detail the reasons why cats tamper with Buddhist altars and safe measures to stop them.

Reasons why cats tamper with Buddhist altars

Curiosity and reaction to smells

Cats cannot distinguish between toys and non-toys. Cats are especially curious and will touch anything that interests them. Buddhist altars are adorned with unfamiliar objects, flowers, and offerings that pique a cat's curiosity. It is believed that this leads them to tamper with the Buddhist altar.

Interest in what their owner touches

Cats perceive anything their owner touches as safe. They then expect to receive it or play with it. For cats, a Buddhist altar, which their owner carefully tends to, is like a toy box.

Instinct to climb to high places

Buddhist altars are slightly elevated and have spaces that cats can enter. Cats are animals that move up and down, climbing to high places for play, vigilance, and avoiding danger. To a cat, a Buddhist altar is no different from any other piece of furniture. "It's okay to climb on other furniture, but not the Buddhist altar" is completely incomprehensible to a cat.

Attraction to the scent of offerings (flowers, fruits, sweets, etc.)

Buddhist altars are adorned with offerings such as flowers, fruits, and sweets. Since the smell of offerings is different from food, cats will climb onto the altar to check if it's something they can eat. If it seems edible, they might even eat it.

Reasons why it's dangerous for cats to tamper with Buddhist altars

Risk of burns and fire from incense and candles

Buddhist altars are typically adorned with lit incense and candles. If a cat accidentally touches or knocks over these items while climbing on the altar, it could lead to burns or even fire.

Accidents such as knocking over vases and spilling water, and the risk of electric shock

Some Buddhist altars have electric lights, and some candles are also electric. If flowers are placed on the Buddhist altar, a cat might knock them over. If the outlet gets wet, there's a risk of electric shock or fire.

Poisoning and accidental ingestion from eating offerings

It is common to offer human food on Buddhist altars. Manju (sweet buns), rakugan (sugar candy), and the deceased's favorite foods are usually offered. Cats sometimes eat these offerings, and some of them can cause poisoning.

For example, grapes can cause acute kidney failure, which can be fatal in the worst cases. Also, senbei (rice crackers) have a high salt content, which puts a 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. Not only the flowers, but also licking pollen or chewing stems can cause poisoning. Furthermore, if lilies are placed in a vase, the water contains substances toxic to cats, so if they accidentally lick it, it can cause poisoning.

Offerings are usually packaged, but cats may eat the entire package, which can lead to unexpected accidental ingestion.

How to prevent cats from tampering with Buddhist altars

Install the Buddhist altar in a room inaccessible to cats

It is best to make the room with the Buddhist altar inaccessible to cats. If it is installed in the living room or another area where cats can enter, make it a habit to close the altar doors or remove offerings immediately.

Make it a habit to only light incense and candles during use and extinguish them afterwards

Leaving incense and candles lit unattended can lead to a fire, even if there are no cats present. Make it a habit to extinguish them once you have finished your prayers.

Avoid strongly scented flowers and foods for offerings

Cats may be attracted to strongly scented flowers or foods. Out of curiosity, they might approach the Buddhist altar and tamper with the offerings. It's best to remove offerings as soon as possible or choose items with little scent.

Utilize citrus spray or cat deterrent mats for mischief prevention

As deterrents, there are citrus sprays that cats dislike and cat repellent mats with spikes. However, cats can quickly get used to these, and some may contain ingredients that are not good for cats, so it's best to avoid using them as much as possible. The most effective measure against tampering with Buddhist altars is physical prevention.

Creating an environment where cats and Buddhist altars can coexist

Create alternative safe spaces for cats (high shelves or towers)

Show your cat that there are more enjoyable things than the Buddhist altar. Cats will be delighted if you combine cat towers and shelves to create a stepped structure. If you arrange it so they can see outside, they will likely be more interested in it than the Buddhist altar.

Limit playtime and physical affection in the room with the Buddhist altar

If you play or show affection in the room with the Buddhist altar, your cat may associate it with "a fun place," and the altar itself could become part of their toys. Try to interact with your cat in a room without a Buddhist altar.

Provide calming scents and relaxing spaces for cats

To prevent your cat from entering the Buddhist room or altar area, make the space your cat usually spends time in comfortable. In addition to installing a cat tower, you also need a space where your cat can rest or hide. Placing items with your cat's scent or your scent will help your cat feel secure.

Summary | Buddhist Altar Measures for Cat Safety and Well-being

A Buddhist altar is a place that piques a cat's curiosity because it contains many unfamiliar objects. Cats don't understand why they are being scolded after tampering with something, and they will repeat the behavior. To prevent tampering, it's necessary to devise ways to keep cats away from the altar. Create a space where your cat can be satisfied without playing with the Buddhist altar.