How do I Stop my cat from climbing on counters?

Question

I don't want to hit her, but I want creative ways to stop her from going on the counters even when I am not home. It has to be something creative to scare her so she doesnt WANT to climb on the counters. Preferably something tried and true....but it must be humane!!!

Answer 1

Double-sided sticky tape - they hate the way it feels
Aluminum foil - they hate the sound it makes
Can of quarters - rattle when she does something bad, they hate the sound
Squirt gun with lemon water - get your point across from a distance

That being said, I feel strongly enough about the 'cats on the kitchen counter' issue that I will smack my cat in the butt or flick his ear if he gets up there. I do not want nasty litter box feet on the surface where I prepare food. I don't hit him hard at all, just barely more than a tap to get my point across.

He doesn't get up on the counter though.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

This gets annoying doesn't it? Well I have two cats that are both ornery as all get out and they used to have the habit of climbing on the counter(especially when food was up there) here's how i dealt with this. You need a simple squirt bottle. Everytime they begin to jump up there, lightly squirt them with water, it doesn't take long for them to realize they will get wet when they do it if you stick to it and squirt them everytime you possibly can when you catch them in the act. Granted it seems mean but water doesn't hurt cats, just pesters them like them being on the counters pesters you. I hope this works for and best of luck!

Answer 3

Hi there...cats are instinctively curious and to better train them we need to provide an environment that is mentally stimulating for them. To prevent counter top surfing consider using double-side sticky tape as cats dislike having their paws stuck to the tape and soon learn to avoid areas that are unpleasant, which is more beneficial than a water bottle squirt since you can't always be there to supervise your cat. Additionally, if there are food, dirty dishes on the counters while you are away, it's important to clear off the counters and wash dishes when you are training your cat.

Answer 4

We use spray bottles or water guns, but you have to try to do it so your cat cannot see you spraying it (if that's possible!). Both of our cats just go up on the counter when we're not there and when they hear us walking into the kitchen they jump down from the counter and run as fast as they can by us.

Answer 5

Try keeping a spray bottle always handy and spray her (but not in her face) with it and sternly say "no,no!" I have used balloons on the counter or even aluminum foil, they hate balloons especially if they've ever popped one..and there is something about the feel of aluminum foil that they don't like...Just be consistent...if she jumps down when you've told her 'No' reward her with a treat...

Answer 6

get a squirt gun, fill it with water. Everytime you see her on the counter, fire away ! Cats hate that and its humane and after a while, she will get the idea that if she jumps on the counter, she gets sprayed with water. She should get the idea pretty quickly, not to jump on the counter. Best of all, you get to practice your marksmanship !

Answer 7

Get rid of the counters. Thats pretty much the only way to make her quit. Cats have a mind of their own.

Answer 8

get a super-soaker water pistol it will get her very wet. It does not hurt the cat they just don't like it,anymore than you would. as far as when u r gone use something like cereal boxes along countertops it will deter her from jumping up there when u r gone then she will find another comfortable place to rest and forget about countertops.Large cans boxes block sink front too. It will be awkward for awhile but does work!

Answer 9

mouse traps. itll go near it & snap! scare it & not again. if u think not humane do something else on that line. Something it wont like. Hey put plastic plates all over the counter, & fill them w/ water. cats hate water.fill entire counter w/. good luck

Answer 10

I solved that problem by gently pushing him off each time he jumped on them. It worked! Another method is to visit a pet center and purchase a spray to use. That method is safe and humane. Usually the humane society can offer tips.