Get Recall AlertsKeep Cats Off Counters: 12 Amazing Tips for Kind Cat Parents
Struggling to keep cats off counters? Cats love high places, but with positive reinforcement and smart alternatives, you can train them to stay grounded. Discover 12 kind, effective ways to reclaim your counters while respecting your cat’s natural instincts.
At least 40 million U.S. households share life with a cat (1), and one of the biggest problems they face is how to keep cats off counters. Maybe you’re a pet parent who often finds feline family members perched high atop a counter. They lock eyes with you, waiting to see how you react before moving.
You aren’t alone if your kitty treats your counters like their own personal runway. Cats love to be in high places to feel in control and examine their surroundings. Their feline ancestors often sought elevated hiding spots to observe and stalk their prey.
Today’s domesticated cats are no longer jungle animals, but their natural instincts carry over into modern times. As a kind cat parent, you likely want to discourage this behavior in positive, practical, time-tested ways. Here’s how to reclaim your counters from feline invaders.
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Why Do Cats Love Counters?
Jumping is an innate cat behavior. They love high places for safety, observation, and comfort. If you spend time watching how your cat moves through their day, you’ll notice a few common things:
- Cats love high places
- Cats are curious and like to explore
- Cats enjoy observing their world
- When bored, cats will try to get your attention in many ways
- Some cats like running water and may try to drink from the sink or tub
Some of those behaviors, including jumping on counters, are often frowned upon. Because kitchen counters are used for food preparation, the bacteria and germs from a cat’s paws can create an unsanitary environment. Cats are in and out of their litterbox, walking around your residence, and shedding. Even the cleanest cats naturally shed fur and dander, which can land in food, on dishes, and in the utensil area.
Positive, kind solutions are the key to keeping cats off counters. Finding a balance between respecting their instincts and teaching them alternatives is where the magic happens. Here’s how it works.
12 Kind Ways to Keep Cats off Counters
Contrary to what some believe, cats can be trained with positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency. Here’s how to successfully train your cat to stay off counters:
Provide a Better Alternative
Cats are like children–they might want something bad, but they quickly change their minds when offered something better. Cats love to jump and climb, so offer them a high-quality cat tree or scratching post. Reward your cat for using those alternative things.
Make Counters Less Appealing
Cats aren’t fond of the feeling of sticky tape on their delicate paws. Apply double-sided tape in areas you want your cat to avoid. Be sure the tape is safe for your counter’s surface. Most cats don’t like the sound or texture of aluminum foil. Try placing a sheet of foil on the counter surfaces your cat tends to use.
Reward and Reinforce Good Behavior
When your cat decides to use the cat tree or another area instead of the counter, reward them with their favorite treat or toy. Positive reinforcement involves celebrating good behaviors.
Consider Motion-Activated Deterrents
A motion-activated deterrent may work for cats who don’t respond to other positive reinforcement methods. The SSSCAT Automatic Spray Pet Deterrent works by sensing your cat from up to three feet away. A quick, odorless spray deters jumping on the counter.
Use Clicker Training
Cats are super intelligent. With the right motivation and your patience, some cats do well with clicker training. Whenever you click a little device (a clicker), this signals to your cat that they did something good. This method of positive reinforcement training has been around for decades.
Block Access from Tempting Counters
Sometimes, the best solution for curious cats on counters is to remove the temptation. Close kitchen doors, put up a pet-safe gate, or block counters while you aren’t around.
Invest in a Water Fountain for Cats
Most cats are instinctively drawn to running water. A feline water fountain, such as the PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Fountain is a popular option. If your cat hops on counters to access your sink, a water fountain is an appealing way to keep them hydrated and off counters.
Try Puzzle Feeders and Lick Mats
Dogs are often mentioned as enjoying puzzle feeders and lick mats, but cats love them, too! Food puzzles for cats are very beneficial (and distracting), so they stay off counters. Your cat may be more interested in a puzzle game or lick mat versus jumping onto counters.
Pro Tip: Spread your cat’s wet food or sodium-free broth on the lick mat and freeze it for 15 to 20 minutes for extra stimulation.
Use a Pheromone-Based Deterrent
Cats, like many animals, communicate through chemical signals released from their glands, called pheromones. Synthetic pheromone sprays such as Sentry STOP THAT! discourage unwanted behaviors such as jumping on counters. The signal received from the pheromone tells cats to stay away. Sprays and diffusers work by releasing pheromones into the air or on counters to discourage jumping.
Invest in a Scat Mat
Scat mats are often used in a garden but are a humane cat counter deterrent. There are many different styles and types of scat mats. They are designed not to hurt your cat’s paws but to prevent them from staying away from designated areas like counters.
Keep Your Cat Mentally Stimulated
Like bored kids, a bored cat is ripe for trouble. Consider creating an amazing indoor cat play area, and providing interactive cat toys, as discussed above. Engage with your cat daily so they know you love them and enjoy spending time together.
Set up a Special Perching Area
Your cat may want to be near you, as the kitchen counter is a major hub of activity. Give them a special perch to watch from high above. Unlike a cat tree or scratching post, a perching area is an elevated space where your cat feels right at home from high up. Some examples are window perches, cat hammocks, elevated beds and condos, or wall-mounted shelves.
What Not To Do About Cats on Counters
Punishment is the last thing you ever want to do to keep cats off counters. This leads to fear and stress and may hurt your bond with your cat. Here’s what not to do:
Never Physically Remove Them or Push Them Off
Some cats may assume you are playing a game when you remove them from the counter. Discouraging unwanted behavior is different from pushing a cat or physically removing them. A cat will often continue jumping on counters in your absence. Cats can also get hurt if they fall.
Never Yell or Scold
Loud voices can upset cats, leading to physical and mental stress. Cats won’t understand what is causing your anger, but they will understand the loud reaction is upsetting.
Never Get Upset After the Fact
You see your cat on a home video camera prancing all over your counters. An hour later, you come home and scold the cat. Your feline family member has no idea what you are saying or why you are upset. Locking them in another room confuses cats and teaches them nothing.
Never Spank, Hit, or Scare Your Cat
Laying your hands on an animal is wrong. It teaches them you inflict pain. Animals are on this planet for a short time. Love isn’t angry or harmful.
When to Be Concerned About Excessive Counter-Surfing
Teaching a cat not to jump on counters is successful in most cases. Seek veterinary attention if your cat has any of the following issues or behaviors:
Sudden Behavioral Changes
If your cat suddenly jumps on counters whenever a certain person comes around, or if they hide on counters, they may be under stress. Pay attention to their behaviors and who or what is happening.
Changes in Health
Cats with kidney issues or are dehydrated may seek water from the kitchen sink. If your cat shows this behavior, have your veterinarian check her blood levels and urine.
Lashing Out Against You or Others
Cats who swipe at you, hiss, or refuse to move from counters may have something deeper going on. They may be in pain or have something brewing. Seek veterinary attention.
Signs of Boredom
In many circumstances, your cat is bored. They may jump on counters knowing they will get a reaction from you. Like kids who get into trouble, a little attention from you is better than none. Spend quality time with your cat and ensure they have plenty of things to do.
The bottom line is cats often behave instinctually, and jumping onto higher surfaces is a part of that. By following our tips with positive reinforcement, your cat will be happy, and so will you!
Resources
Feature Image by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash
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