How to keep cats off the counter

Cats love to jump; it's their nature, so it is no surprise if your cat is shopping on your kitchen counter. Although cat jumping on the counter seems harmless, there may be several dangerous consequences. Along with being a nuisance while cooking, your cat can get burned by the stove, ingest harmful chemicals or food, or spread germs on the counter that can affect your family.
Here are some useful strategies for keeping your feline buddy off the counter. These will keep you and your cat safe.

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Why Do Cats Jump on the Counter?

Climbing comes naturally to cats and is an expression of their instincts. Cats may climb to find higher ground when they are feeling stressed. High vantage points allow cats to observe the world from a safe place and escape if necessary.
Sometimes the reason behind cats jumping on the counter is simply because they are able to jump and it feels good!

Some tips to keep cats off the counter

Cover Your Counters With Aluminum Foil

Many experts and pet owners suggest using aluminum foil on countertops to discourage cats from jumping on them. The noise of crinkled foil along with the unpleasant sensation will deter prevent the cats from counter-hopping.

Cover Your Counters With Aluminum Foil

Try Out Different Scents

Apart from having preferences for certain textures, cats are selective about scents. When used in a safe manner, essential oils and cleaners can serve as a humane deterrent. Scents such as peppermint, citrus, lavender, eucalyptus, and lime might cause your feline companion to reconsider jumping on the counter. If you opt to use essential oils, refrain from directly applying them to your cat or in an area where your cat might accidentally ingest them while grooming.

Put Food Away

Put Food Away

Cats often jump on counters in search of food that has been left out. A cat may be tempted to jump on the counter by treats, crumbs, leftovers, or even the smell of cat food. Additionally, dirty dishes in the sink and pots and pans on the stove can attract your cat. To prevent your cat from being enticed by food smells, make sure to seal bagged food tightly, keep dishes clean, and maintain tidy counters. If you usually prepare your cat’s food on the counter, you might want to find a new location for this activity.

Focus on the Faucet

Cats often love to drink water from kitchen faucets. Its their instinct to drink from clean, flowing water. To stop your cat from drinking from the kitchen sink, you can.

  • Repair any leaks and refrain from letting your faucet run unnecessarily.
  • Check the space surrounding your cat's dish to determine if there are any factors causing stress for your cat and hindering its ability to drink comfortably, such as being positioned too near the litter box.

Move Chairs and Stools

If your cat uses a chair, bar stool, trash can, or other object to jump onto the counter, then remove that piece of furniture that is assisting your cat to reach the counter. Moving them away from the counter might help break the habit.

Block Out the Sun

If your cat jumps on the counter mainly to bask in the sunshine, you can make it a less attractive spot by closing your blinds or pulling your curtains. Similarly, if your cat perches on the counter for a good view of your bird feeder, think about relocating it to a different place.

Build a Cat Tower

To prevent your cat from jumping on the counter, provide a a more appealing alternative, such as a climbing tree, cat tower, or kitty condo if you have the room for it.

Build a Cat Tower

Try Clicker Training

Try Clicker Training

If you have not yet attempted clicker training, it might be the perfect method for positive reinforcement. Your cat should link the clicking noise with receiving a reward and eventually leap off the counter when you click, regardless of whether there is a treat involved or not.

Provide New Toys

Your feline friend might be feeling a little bored. Provide her new toys at ground level which can divert the attention of your cat from the alluring kitchen counters.

Avoid Negative Reinforcements

Although it seem easy, but use of loud sounds, spray bottle, or physically moving your cat off the counter can cause stress and be counterproductive.

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