How To Train Your Cats To Stay Off Counters?

Cats like elevated places, and the counter or table is the highest surface from the floor in many homes. These spots can be incredibly tempting if the cat finds food.

Are you frustrated with your counter-cruising cat? Follow these guidelines.

Why Do Cats Jump on the Counter? 

Kitchen counters attract cats for several reasons. Once you identify why your cat likes the countertop, you can use this information to modify or redirect your cat’s behavior.

• Cats love heights. Get cats together with a climbing tree or cat tower, and you’ll have a ready-made contest of “King of the Hill.” Countertops are high enough so that most cats can jump up from the floor or get aid from a well-positioned chair.

• Kitchen counters smell good! They’re often loaded with tempting things to eat, such as raw chicken parts, ground beef, or yesterday’s tuna casserole ready for dinner. A carelessly cleaned countertop may also be home to crumbs and spills a cat might enjoy nibbling on.

• Cats like fresh running water. Some cats are also drawn to running water in the kitchen sink. For many cats, this is their primary source of drinking water. Although the kitchen sink is probably cleaner than the toilet, your kitty has better options.

• Cats are curious. We all know the adage about curiosity and the cat. But the reality is a cat’s curiosity is a mark of intelligence. When it comes to counter-jumping, many pussycats are just looking for answers. Particularly for indoor-only cats, the counter provides a new area (and new smells, sounds, etc.) to explore.

How to Train Your Cat to Stay Off the Counter

• Eliminate Temptation. First, tackle the most obvious trigger — food! You can’t realistically expect a starving kitty not to go where the food is. Keeping your counters and sink clean is vital. Rinse dishes immediately and avoid storing food on the counters — especially in plastic bags. Kitties can rip into the plastic to get to the food, which is a potentially dangerous situation. They could consume part of a plastic bag or food contents that are harmful to them. There’s also a chance of suffocation should their face become trapped in the plastic bag. 

• Make the Counter Unappealing for Your Feline To Walk On. You don’t want to cause discomfort or stress — you want your cat to prefer not to step on the counter. Place crinkled aluminum foil on the counter or double-sided pet tape on a piece of cardboard. You can set this where needed on the counter instead of applying the tape directly. 

• Give Your Cat an Adequate Alternative To Meet Their Needs. It’s essential to try and figure out why your cat is jumping on the counter in the first place. They’re probably attempting to meet a specific need, and maybe you can give them an acceptable alternative. For instance, if your cat charges for the countertops to get away from the dog, or the kitchen is where all the action is at dinner time, providing a cat tree or cat shelf in that room may be the best option. Maybe too much time between your cat’s meals leaves them starving, so they’re on the counters looking for food. Or your cat may be suffering from boredom. Look at their feeding and play schedules to address their needs in these cases.

• Stop Your Cat From Jumping on the Counter. If your cat hops on the counter, as neutrally as possible, pick them up and put them on the floor. Please don’t talk to them, look at them, or make a big deal out of it. If your cat gets on the counter as attention-seeking behavior, even telling them “no” can feel like attention. Keep it neutral. 

• Redirect Them to the Appropriate Alternative. Wait roughly 60 seconds after removing your cat neutrally from the counter. Then, use a toy or treat to divert them to an appropriate high perch to fulfill that need. You want them to learn that nothing good happens when they get on the counter and are placed on the floor. But they get good things like treats and verbal praise when they use the appropriate alternative. In time, they’ll choose the option with the rewards.

• Look for Opportunities To Provide Positive Reinforcement. Any behavior that is rewarded is more likely to be replicated. If they use their appropriate alternative perch on their own, reward them. 

What Won’t Work to Keep Your Cat Off the Counter

Cats typically don’t respond well to punishment. They become scared and don’t make the connection that their behavior caused it. If you have more than one feline, punishment can frighten the other cat while doing an appropriate activity, like using his litter box. Physical and verbal punishment often causes cat stress or generates aggression, unlocking the door to problems such as biting or litter box refusal.

Avoid using aversives that will cause discomfort, pain, or stress. Products like shock mats and plastic spikes are not helpful.

Next Steps: 

Suppose nothing seems to work despite your consistency and effort. It may be time to call a feline behavioral therapist in that case. The expert will likely visit your home to assess the situation and develop new behavior modification strategies to help you keep your cat off the countertop.

FAQs

Why do cats like to jump on counters and tables?

Cats are naturally curious and might view counters as elevated vantage points or potential hunting spots, driven by their instincts to explore.

How can I deter my cat from jumping on counters?

Use deterrents like double-sided tape, aluminum foil, or motion-activated devices to discourage jumping. Some cats dislike the sticky sensation or noise.

Are there training methods to keep cats off counters?

Yes, positive reinforcement methods like clicker training can be effective. Reward your cat for staying off counters and redirect them to acceptable areas.

Can I use physical barriers to keep my cat off counters?

Placing obstacles or physical barriers at the edge of the counter can dissuade your cat from jumping up by making it less accessible or comfortable.

Do cats respond to scents to stay off counters?

Cats dislike certain scents like citrus or certain herbs. Using sprays or wipes with these scents on counters can deter them.

My cat keeps jumping on counters despite my efforts. What else can I try?

Try enriching your cat's environment with interactive toys or tall cat trees to provide alternative elevated spaces that mimic the appeal of counters.

How can playtime help in keeping cats off counters?

Engage your cat in active play to expend energy and satisfy their natural instincts. A tired cat might be less inclined to explore counters.

Can I train an older cat to stay off counters?

Yes, cats of any age can learn new behaviors with patience and consistency in training methods.

Is it safe to use deterrents like double-sided tape or motion-activated devices?

Most deterrents are safe for cats, but it's essential to use pet-friendly products and avoid anything that might harm or stress your cat.

My cat persists in jumping on counters. Should I consult a veterinarian?

If counter-jumping persists despite training efforts or if it's a sudden change in behavior, consulting a veterinary might help rule out any underlying issues influencing behavior.