Cats getting on counters is a fairly common behavior that drives people nuts. Cats have a natural tendency to climb so it’s not really surprising they’d go on the counters. Thankfully, there are things you can do to discourage them to stay off the counters. No, it doesn’t involve a spray bottle so put that squirt bottle down (or, better yet, toss it in the trash).
Realistic Expectations
Before we go further, let’s set some realistic expectations. You are going to have a really hard time completely keeping your cats off the counters. Cats may not be on the counters while you’re there, but I can almost guarantee that they are on the counters as soon as you leave. Even if you try discouraging them with remote punishment based methods (which I don’t recommend), you aren’t addressing the underlying need of the cat to climb. If they’re motivated enough to jump on the counter, they’ll just bolt right through the deterrent and jump on the counter.
That doesn’t mean you can’t reduce the chances of the cat going on the counters or encourage them to go somewhere else instead. However, you may have find yourself less frustrated by recognizing that your cat isn’t going on the counters to be naughty, spite you, or create trouble. It’s an instinct for them and you can help them carry out that instinct in a more acceptable location.
Speaking of which…
Provide Plenty Of Places To Climb
The reality of having a cat is that you need to provide them with places to exhibit natural cat behaviors. This means that yes, you do need cat furniture. This includes cat trees and other places for your cat to climb nice and high.
It doesn’t need to be ugly cat furniture, though. Something like the Grove Cat Tree from Tuft and Paw or a modern cat tree from the Refined Feline are excellent choices if you want a cat tree to fit into your decor.
Placement Matters
Of course, just tossing a cat tree up anywhere you please won’t keep your cats off the counters. Place them strategically so there’s one near the counters you want your cat to stay off of.
If you live in a small space, you can still provide your cat an acceptable place to climb in your kitchen so they stay off the counters. A window perch is great to place in a nearby window. You can also use a flat topped trash can as a small perch for your cat. It allows them to get up off the ground, but still be somewhere besides your counter. Plus, it serves a function for you so it doesn’t take up room in a space you may not have room.
Encourage Them To Use The Tower
Some cats don’t naturally start immediately using a cat tree when you set it up. While it may seem like they don’t like it, in reality they may just need time to figure out that it’s not a threat. You can encourage them to go onto the tower using treats, play, or catnip. It won’t instantly result in them staying off the counters forever, but if you repeat it enough and make it predictable, your cat will learn to love the tower.
One strategy to avoid? Putting your cat on the tower. Much like how this isn’t necessary with litter boxes, showing your cat the tower isn’t going to make them like it. In fact, it may cause an aversion if they become fearful. Let them discover it on their own or encourage them to choose to go on the tower.
Distract Your Cat
If your cat mostly tries to get on the tower when you are cooking, the allure of an illicit snack is going to be hard to overcome. Thankfully, giving them a guaranteed prize rather than one that they may have to work hard for without success can help your cat learn that staying off the counters is actually more fun.
Use something like a food puzzle, a fun toy, or even just feeding them a meal (ideally using something to slow down their eating so you have more time uninterrupted) to give your cat something to do instead during while you prep your dinner. It also can help reinforce the behavior of sitting on the ground or staying calmly in the other room.
Remove Tempting Items
Don’t give your cat a reason to go on the counters if they are bored or looking for a snack. Don’t leave things that they may be curious about. Cats like to knock things off counters because it’s a hunting game for them. Either remove anything they may try to knock over or secure it so they can’t knock it over. Earthquake putty is a great tool for this.
Wipe Down Your Counters
Even if you’re not actively cooking, wipe your counters after you cook. This is a good idea anyway to prevent ants and keep your home clean, but it’s especially important if you have cats This will remove any residual food particles that your cat may lick off the counters. Even a small amount of food remaining up there may be enough that your cat will jump on the counter if they can smell it and happily lick away.
Keeping Your Cat Safe
Likely, these interventions will help but you won’t completely stop a cat from going on your counters. Again, cats naturally need to climb so you’re asking a lot of your feline friend to not do something instinctual. Instead of fighting it, accept that they are on the counters from time to time. When you go to use the counter, use a cutting board (like this cute cat shaped one) or wipe down your counters before using them.
If your concern is safety, cat proofing is easier than you think. Use knob covers to protect the stove knobs from your cat or use a silicone stove cover so they don’t damage the stove. Keep them distracted and away from the stove until it is cooled down or in use.
Ultimately, deciding not to care was the strategy I chose when I got my first cat. It did wonders for my stress level because I didn’t have to fight him constantly. I wiped off my counters every time before and after I used them. Anything that could have hurt him was quickly removed. Sometimes it just isn’t worth the effort.
