They are generally well-trained and well-behaved. They will come when called and sit on command, and there have been no litter-box problems. We tried putting aluminum foil on the counter, but they just play with it and knock it off. We have tried shooting them with a water pistol when they get on the counter, but lately this does not discourage them: they will hunker down and get wet rather than get off the counter. They seem to really want to go up there.
2006-09-06 05:04:02 · 19 answers · asked by cosmo 7 in Pets ➔ Cats
Scat Mats. They can be a bit pricey, but with stubborn cats (it sounds as if yours are definitely stubborn), it could be the only thing that works.
You can also get those plastic rug runners. They have plastic nubs on their undersides. Put them underside up on the counters and see if they stay down. Some cats don't like the feel.
2006-09-06 05:12:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cat is a cat, not a human. Spanking and squirting cats with water will only lead to the cat being left feeling confused and abused and it can cause long term behavioral problems in cats; somethign you were trying to avoid in the first place.
Sticky tape on the counters might work as cats hate having things stuck to their paws, though the residue from the tape left on your countertop can be undesireable, especially if you have real stone countertops like granite. You could also try leaving some tin cans full of pennies on the counters. Cats hate loud noises and when they jump up on the counter, they'll knock over the tin cans causing a rather loud noise. The cat will then start to associate jumping up on the counter with the loud noise and it normally deters cats from jumping up on the counters.
Though do understand that when you're out of the house, the cats will do whatever they want and you won't be there to enforce the rules. So it's best to just keep your countertops clean at all times. Cats love high places and coutertops are a number one choice.
2006-09-06 07:13:36 · answer #2 · answered by nenya_of_adamant 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend getting a spray bottle rather then a water pistol. Spray bottles usually cover more area and you can really soak them. Unless of course your cats like water but most don't like being sprayed directly in the face (which is what you should aim for, this won't hurt them just extremely annoying). Trying to prevent them from getting on the counter with foil doesn't make much sense, cats love shiny things that make sound. This seems like it would be more interesting to the cat. I have had as many as 13 cats at one time and the spray bottle has never failed me. You may have to really get them to get the point across but over time you will be able to simply place the bottle in view and the cat will go no where near it. Cats are really tolerant and persistent... You just have to ware them down.
2006-09-06 05:36:54 · answer #3 · answered by mercgirl1954 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had cats and kittens on kitchen counters in all these fourteen years I've had cats. They don't get sick and I don't either. Just make sure there is not something up there to attract them. With my son when he started toddling around I had a choice to say "No!" 25 times a day to those things on the coffee table that he wanted to get into, or just remove those things from the table. You can easily guess the course of action I took.
Quicksilvergirl's suggestion really made my jaw drop. Never heard that one and I bet it would work for sure!
Remember, what you put energy into INCREASES so I would just relax and not put energy into trying to correct them.
Sounds like you really have some very nice kitties!
2006-09-06 05:32:38 · answer #4 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't leave tasty smelling food there. Place a small table with their "snacks" and wiggly fun toys on it nearby. Gradually move that little table further from the counter over a few days. And you could also spray a bit of moisturizer (water) on them when you catch them on that counter.
2006-09-06 05:13:11 · answer #5 · answered by HoneyBearCub 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you keep a sink full of soapy water, each time they jump on the counter, give them a good dunk and generally 2 times will cure them of the need to be on the counters. The soap should be mild and if you have any available, use Dr. Bronner's. it is safe to consume.
2006-09-06 05:10:48 · answer #6 · answered by quicksilvergirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give them a window perch of kitty perch to stand on that is the same height as the counters. Maybe they just like the viewpoint.
2006-09-06 05:11:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i might attempt perchance a lemon juice blended with water to spray down the counters. i'm extraordinarily particular that cats do no longer purely like the scent of lemons, so if the counters scent like lemons, he will stay off.
2016-09-30 09:49:26 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Double sided sticky tape! Cats HATE sticky stuff. At Petco they have double sided sticky sheets that you can put on surfaces where you don't want your cats. Eventually, they will learn that the counter is sticky and they will quit jumping up there.
2006-09-06 05:09:03 · answer #9 · answered by nmtgirl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use a spray bottle filled with water handy and squirt them everytime they get up there. I've used this effectively with my cats, they learn to associate the counter with getting wet, which they hate but it doesn't really hurt them and they learn to avoid getting up theret. Good luck!
2006-09-06 05:09:33 · answer #10 · answered by Mother Bear 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋