You may have noticed that your cat prefers to lounge on your kitchen countertops if you have one. Although some pet parents think it’s acceptable to let their cats “counter surf,” this is a bad cat habit that needs to be avoided (or prevented if it’s already happening).
For instance, a cat who frequently jumps up on the kitchen counter runs the risk of slipping on a hot stove or consuming chemical residue from previously used cleaning goods. Owners of cats who get into food may be at risk for hygiene issues. Cats use their paws to maneuver through the counter and then the litter box. There is a good chance that the garbage packet’s bacteria will spread to the counter. Bacteria might end up in the food as a result of this. If you have somebody in the house with a weakened or compromised immune system, it is best to keep your cat away from counters (children, the elderly, pregnant women, etc.).
Why do cats leap onto the counter?
For a multitude of reasons, cats are attracted to kitchen counters like a magnet. Once you’ve figured out why your cat loves the countertop so much, you can change or redirect their behavior.
- Cats like to climb. Most cats can either jump up from the ground or use a chair strategically positioned nearby to help them climb onto countertops, and if you get any two cats together with a climbing tree or cat tower, you’ll have a ready-made game of “King of the Hill.”
- There is a lovely smell coming from the kitchen’s surfaces. They frequently contain a variety of alluring items, such as ground beef, raw chicken, or the tuna casserole from the day before that is ready to be heated up for supper. A countertop that has been inadequately cleaned may potentially include crumbs and spills that cats would enjoy gnawing on.
- Cats favor crystal-clear, moving water. Some cats are enticed to the running water in the kitchen sink, and many cats use it as their main source of drinking water. The kitchen sink is definitely cleaner, but there are other, cleaner options for your cat.
How to Avoid Leaping Over the Counter
You may get your cat to stay away from the counter using a few training techniques. These have shown to be successful, but consistency is required if you want your cat (or cats) to stop using the kitchen countertops.
Try the strategy that best satisfies your requirements or that your cat prefers.
- Apply some sticky tape to the edge of the counter. Cats find it unpleasant to touch sticky tape. Once they feel the tape on the edge of the counter, they’ll usually abandon up after one or two tries. The disadvantage is that you might have to keep applying the tape continuously, and any adhesive residue may be difficult to get rid of. The cat can also outsmart you and find a way to get onto the counter by avoiding the edge.
- Tape a strip of aluminum foil that has been crumpled along the counter. Both the sounds and how it feels on their toes are repulsive to cats. Get your cat a cat tower or climbing tree (or build one yourself).
- use clicker training Cats respond better to positive reinforcement than to punishment. If you see your cat looking for food on the counter, you can distract them away by dropping a toy nearby on the floor. Add a clicker that makes a sound once they jump off to the reward. Once your cat has established a relationship between the clicker and the reward, you can tempt them away from the counter using just the clicker.
- Remove the chair. If your cat needs the lift to reach the countertop, move the chair and remove it.
Set reasonable leaping objectives. Be cautious because this strategy could waste materials and interfere with how you use your countertop. Make it interesting enough to hold the cat’s attention, and every so often, “sweeten the deal” by hiding a tasty reward at the top. Pet and reward your cat when it uses the climbing tree to help it form a positive relationship with the new cat furniture.
- Preserve a pristine counter. You may lessen some of the temptations by not leaving food, crumbs, or other treats on the counter where your cat might be tempted to eat them.
- Handle the faucet. If your cat is constantly drinking from the faucet, check to see if there are any stressors adjacent to the water bowl—is it near the litter box, close to a busy area, etc.—and remove them. Replace your cat’s water several times per day, and to keep the temperature down, add one or two ice cubes. The cool, fresh water direct from the faucet might be what your cat prefers. The faucet should never be left running since it wastes water and tempts cats. You might get a cat fountain as well to keep the water in the bowl flowing.
- You should be able to prevent your cat from counter-surfing by being “one hop” in front of it and using a little cleverness.
Future Actions
If your persistence and effort appear to be in vain, it might be time to speak with a feline behavioral therapist. The professional is likely to visit your home to assess the situation and provide novel behavior modification techniques to help you keep your cat off the countertop in this type of situation.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your family pet, know the pet’s health history, and may make the best recommendations for your pet.
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