I’ve always been more of a dog person than a cat person, and one of the reasons is because dogs are so trainable and loving. Don’t get me wrong, I love cats too, but they seem to be more stubborn when it comes to training. I have friends whose cats are always climbing on their counters and getting into trouble, which made me wonder if it was possible to train them otherwise. The answer is yes, they can be trained.
If you’re someone who has wondered the same thing, keep reading to find out how to keep a cat off a counter. This topic also applies to other surfaces you don't want your cat on.
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Why Do Cats Jump on Counters?
Jumping on counters is a common behavior for cats, but why do cats like resting on high objects? There are a few explanations for this behavior.
Cats Love to Explore
Cats are curious creatures. They like to have access to every inch of the house, and they’re especially interested in the areas they’re not allowed in. When they jump to higher places like kitchen counters, it’s their way of keeping themselves busy and entertained.
They Love Climbing
Jumping up on high places is similar to climbing a tree in the wild. It’s a fun activity for cats. Plus, counters are a height that’s perfect for jumping on and off of, so it’s a form of climbing that’s easily accessible.
It Provides Better Views
When cats climb as high as they can in your home, they’re able to get higher vantage points. Many cats like to see what’s going on around them at all times, so jumping up on counters is a great way to do that.
Kitchen Counters Smell Good
Kitchen counters are where food is prepared, so of course that’s appealing to your feline companion. There may even be crumbs left behind, so there are lots of tasty smells for cats to sniff out.
There’s Access to Running Water
Cats often prefer to drink running water rather than out of a stagnant bowl of water. So, they might hang out by the sink, hoping you’ll turn it on so they can get a drink. To prevent them from doing this, offer them running water in other parts of the home, such as by getting a pet water fountain like this one.
Can You Train Cats to Stay Off the Counter?
Yes, it’s possible to train cats to stay off counters (you can even teach them tricks). However, like with any pet training, it will require a lot of patience and consistency.
When training a cat, it’s best to either focus on positive reinforcement training or deterrents. Reward your cat for staying off the counter and/or find ways to make the counter less appealing. I’ll discuss some potential methods in the next section.
Do not use punishment-based training for keeping your cat off the counter. This will only scare them and teach them to avoid you, which could hurt your bond with them. It could also confuse them and make them unsure exactly what you’re expecting of them.
How to Keep a Cat Off a Counter
There are lots of methods for how to keep cats off the counter, such as the following. You can try one at a time, but pairing multiple (or all) together will likely have the most success.
Use Positive Reinforcement Training
Cats learn best from rewards, not punishment. So, if you see your cat about to jump on the counter, redirect their attention by throwing a treat or toy in a different direction. Many trainers recommend using a clicker to mark the good behavior. You can also call your cat toward you and reward them with a treat and/or clicker sound when they run toward you instead of jumping on the counter.
For this process, you’ll need to keep an eye on your cat when they’re near the kitchen counter so you can redirect the behavior right away. When you’re not home, try restricting access to the kitchen until your cat learns not to go on the counter. If you’re struggling to train your cat, you may want to work with a professional cat trainer for personalized advice.
Remove Items Giving Them a Boost
If there are any chairs, tables, or decorations nearby that help your cat reach the counter, move them somewhere else. While many cats can jump onto the counter from the floor, it’s easier for them if they have a shorter item to jump on first.
Make the Counter Undesirable
You can make the training process easier by deterring your cat from jumping on the counter. During the training process, cover the edge of the counter in a material your cat dislikes, such as tin foil or tape. That way, if your cat tries to jump up when you’re not looking, they’ll quickly jump down because they hate the feeling of the material.
Over time, you can remove the material. Your cat will likely associate the counter with that material, making them not want to jump up there even after it’s gone.
Provide Other Places to Climb
Jumping and climbing are normal cat behaviors, so you don’t want to deter your cat from doing those things completely. To satisfy their need to climb and explore, offer other places for them to climb on instead. When your cat tries to jump on the counter, you can guide them toward the desired climbing spot to redirect them.
Appropriate places to climb could include tall cat trees and cat ledges. Here are a few examples of awesome products for cat climbing:
Keep Your Countertop Clean
If you suspect that your feline is after food, make sure you clean your counters thoroughly after every time you prepare food. Cats can find even the tiniest crumbs, which could lure them toward the counter. The cleaner the counter, the less appealing it’ll smell to your furry friend.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Some cats jump and climb as a way to keep themselves entertained. If your cat has plenty of other items to keep them busy, they may have less interest in jumping onto the counter. Cat puzzle toys are a great way to provide mental stimulation for your cat. Setting aside more time for play sessions with them can also keep them entertained and content.
Here are a few great mental stimulation toys for cats:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Bad to Let Your Cat on the Counter?
It depends on your preferences, but it can be bad to let cats on the counter. It can encourage bad habits for your cat and your cat could get dirt, debris, and fur all over the space you use to prepare your food. So, it’s usually best to train them to stay off countertops.
Is it Unsanitary for Cats to Be on Counters?
Yes, allowing cats on the counter can be unsanitary. They’re walking, standing, and sitting in places where you prepare your food, so you could end up getting fur, dirt, and bacteria on your food if you don’t thoroughly wash your counters before each meal.
How High Can Cats Jump?
Most cats can jump five to six times their body length. However, it can vary based on the individual cat’s health, agility, and body condition.
Is it Okay to Spray a Cat with Water?
Spraying a cat with water usually isn’t recommended. It’s an outdated training method that scares cats and confuses them rather than teaching them what they’re supposed to do. Focus on positive reinforcement training instead.
It’s Possible to Keeps Cats Off the Counter
Now that you know some tips for how to keep a cat off a counter, you can try some of them with your own pet. Focusing on positive reinforcement training and making the countertop less appealing can set your feline companion up for success.
Cats can be stubborn, but with enough patience and consistency, you can teach them your expectations. When in doubt, try working with a professional cat trainer.