My cat paws a rug in the hall constantly, like he's chasing something...but there's nothing there!!!?

Question

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Is he moving up and down the rug while "chasing" or is he stationary and only his front paws move ??

Could he possibly need a scratching post ??

Answer 2

Hmm. Plus side you have a cat that can entertain itself; down side, he's tearing up your rug. I would try setting up a play area for him. Things to include would be a scratching post, any blanket or other material that he already likes to lay on, and toys, toys toys. Have them hanging off the post, buried under the blanket, sticking out from the wall...This doesn't have to be expensive if you get creative. Even a cardboard box with holes cut in it so the cat can get in and out, and spy out from the inside can be a cat's favorite hangout.
Introduce him to his new area by putting some catnip down, and things that have his scent on them already.
Also, it never hurts to join in the fun and games yourself. I've played hide and seek, tag, catch, and had 50 yd dashes with cats. Males especially will get a crazy hair up their butt when it's playtime. You can tell when his eyes get fully dialated that he's ready to cause trouble, and you can turn that into play instead.
All of this can help distract him from playing with the rug.

Answer 3

Haha, thats what makes cats so nutty, god love em ;) Sounds like kitty is just playing and using the rug like a scratching post. My cats like to drag themselves sideway along the rugs using only their front paws. They are such nuts!

Answer 4

He may see something you don't, or more likely is just playing. Cats, especially indoor cats, tend to build up a lot of energy throughout the day. Well, they have to release it somehow, and that's how they usually do it.

Don't worry about it. Its normal.

Answer 5

It could be his own shadow..or he could just have a good imagination and be pretending to chase something.