It may seem like a mystery to us why our cats like jumping on counters and laying on the kitchen tabletops, especially when they have a nice cozy bed to snuggle up in! However, to our feline friends, exploring the kitchen counters can be a great adventure. Although it might be fun for them, having paw prints on your counters might not be so fun for you. So, if you want to know how to keep your cats off counters, these six tips can help you get a bit more control over your kitchen.
Why do cats like jumping on counters?
There are many reasons why cats like jumping on counters; their naturally curious nature means that they love to explore. Cats also like elevated positions so they can keep an eye on their surroundings, and a high kitchen counter is the perfect lookout spot! If your kitchen counter is by a window, your cat may also be lying there to soak up the sun. Any tempting odours or leftover food on the side can also act to lure your cat to the counter.
However, it’s important to think about if there’s an underlying reason as to why your cat is seeking more elevated places. Sometimes changes in the home can make cats feel the need to protect themselves.
If your cat’s behaviour has changed, they could be feeling worried or unsure about a change in their routine. If there has been a recent change that’s making them anxious, try FELIWAY Optimum to help your cat ease into these changes and create enhanced serenity in your home.
How to stop cats from jumping on counters?
Cats lounging on kitchen counters is not only a hygiene concern, but there are typically dangers in the kitchen such as sharp and hot objects to be weary of. So, if you’re wondering how to keep cats off counters, we have six top tips to help you limit this behaviour.
1. Provide alternative elevated options
Providing an alternative elevated space can keep your cats off counters by giving them a different option. Cat towers or trees are a great choice as it gives them a safe space to observe the area from up high. It creates a stimulating space for them to use that draws their attention away from the kitchen surfaces.
You can use treats to encourage your cat to discover the tree and build positive associations with it.
2. Remove leftover food from the counters
Keeping your kitchen counters clean of food crumbs and leftovers can reduce the temptation for your cat to jump up to them. If they have had yummy food from the surfaces previously, being able to eat them is like a reward to your cat. Therefore, they think this is good behaviour and will keep jumping up to see if something tasty is there.
3. Use engaging toys as a distraction
Consider the mental stimulation that your cat has access to each day. They could be exploring other parts of the house because they’re lacking entertainment. Having more play sessions with your cat that involve mental stimulation can help to keep cats off furniture and counters.
Some examples to try include puzzles, activity feeders, lick mats, and fishing rod toys. If your cat has lots of opportunities to use their brain and energy throughout the day, they can be less likely to want to find other sources of entertainment.
4. Training cats with positive reinforcement
If your cat likes to be with you when you’re in the kitchen, using positive reinforcement can help train them to use a different elevated surface whilst you’re cooking. With positive reinforcement, you can help keep your cat off counters. Using a cue word is a great training tip as this will help them form a new behaviour. Use your chosen cue word when your cat naturally jumps from the counter and give them a reward to follow. Over time, your cat will then associate this cue word with jumping off and receiving a treat!
5. Think about changing their water area
You might find that your cat is on the kitchen counter to access the sink tap. If this is the case, consider how you’re providing water for your cat. Their water station should be in a quiet and accessible area where they feel comfortable. We suggest keeping their water source away from where they eat and go to the toilet.
If you’re positive that your cat feels comfortable with the area where they drink, think about changing their water container. Your cat may be jumping on the kitchen counters because they like drinking from the tap, in this case, a cat water fountain will provide them with flowing water throughout the day.
6. Close off access to the kitchen surfaces
If the other tips won’t stop your cat jumping on counters, you can make sure they’re unable to access the surface. Using aluminium foil on the counters can help deter your cat from jumping up, as they don’t like tinfoil because of the feel or sound. However, this can be a tricky solution as your clever cat may find another way to get on the counter and you can’t cover your whole kitchen in foil!
Another option is using a physical barrier to prevent your cat from entering the kitchen. When closing access to a space, make sure you are providing your cat with other items that give the same experience, such as a cat tree.
If you’d like to know more tips about how to keep cats off counters, check out all our other brilliant blogs online! Or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’ll be delighted to share all the insights we can. And while you’re here, don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with all our latest news, articles, and product info.