Keeping Your Cat Off Counters
My neighbor asked me how to keep her new kitten off her kitchen counters. Good question. I did some research, and this is what I found.
Cats are curious by nature. They also like high places. It’s in their DNA and stems from instincts to protect themselves. The higher up they are, the more they can see the world below them, and feel safer. Plus, cats are tree climbing creatures. Early cats were hunters and climbed trees for safety, or to lay in wait for prey.
Kitchen counters hold a lot of interesting things and they smell good. Your cat likes to jump from place to place, so the counter is alluring to them. Plus, you’re at the counter a lot and your cat wants to be near you. First, you could provide an alternate place for her to watch you with a bed or favorite blanket placed on a stable chair. Here are a few more suggestions:
Keep your counters clean and free from food that may entice your cat. Rinse food off dishes in the sink.
Clean your counters with a citrus based cleaner. Cats are repelled by citrus, lavender, peppermint, and other smells. You can find 100% natural products at your pet store or online.
Double-sided tape along the edges may irritate your cat and keep her from jumping up there, but beware, she could also learn to jump over the tape.
Remove any objects close to the counter, such as chairs, that your cat could jump on first and then on to the counter. This worked for my neighbor’s kitten, but as she grows, this might not be enough.
Stick several sheets of aluminum foil to the surface of your countertops. Most cats dislike the feel of aluminum under their paws and find the crinkly noise too loud.
Invest in a cat tree. This gives your cat an alternative to be high up, to jump, and climb. She may just see this as a better place to hang out than the counter.
Put a bed or blanket on a windowsill where your cat can look out the window. They love to look outside and see birds and what’s going on around them.
Lastly, remember, it is your responsibility as a pet owner to provide a safe, stimulating environment for your cat. Be patient, understanding, and loving with your cat. Don’t get angry or scold her just for doing what a cat does. Being consistent and thoughtful in providing for your cat's needs and wants will produce the desired results for both of you.
