If you’re a pet keeper, you may have noticed that your kitty likes to hang out on your kitchen counters. Although many owners think it’s OK to allow their felines to “counter surf,” this is a nasty cat habit that needs to be restricted.

Cat counter surfing offers several potential risks to both owners and their cats.

For instance, a feline that usually hops up on a kitchen counter could be in danger of landing on a warm stove or consuming chemical trash from recently utilized cleansing products. Its keeper could be at risk for sanitary problems that occur when felines get into food.

Pets step on their claws in the litterbox and later on your counter. There is a high risk of spreading bacteria from the litter box over the counter. It could lead to bacteria getting their way into food.

It could be hazardous for anyone with a damaged or poor immune system (children, pregnant females, old, etc.) It’s good to keep your pet away from the countertops.

Why Do Cats Jump on the Counter?

Kitchen counters draw kitties like a magnet for many reasons. Once you know why your pet loves the countertop so much, you can apply this information to change or redirect your pet’s behavior.

●     Cats like heights

 Take any two cats together with a cat tower or climbing tree, and you’ll witness a custom-made game of “King of the Hill.” Counters are just high enough so that most kitties can either use a well-placed chair or directly jump up from the ground.

●     The kitchen counters smell great!

They’re usually filled with fascinating things to eat, such as ground beef, raw chicken parts, or yesterday’s tuna casserole that’s waiting to be heated for night dinner. A casually cleaned counter can also be home to spills and crumbs that a kitty might like nibbling on.

●     Cats like fresh running water

 Many cats are also attracted to running water in the kitchen washbowl, and for several felines, this is their primary source of drinking water. Although the kitchen washbowl is mainly cleaner than the toilet, there are better options for your furry friend.

->> Best Cat Treats and Snacks – Soft & Crunchy – HUGE Selection <<-

How to Stop Counter Jumping?

You can apply some training methods to help your kitty to stay away from the counter. These have shown to be successful, but you need to keep consistency if you desire your furry friend to get off and stay away from the counter.

Try the technique that serves most suitable for your situation or that your pet reacts to most positively.

●     Use adhesive tape to the edge of the counter

Felines hate the feel of adhesive tape. Once they feel the tape on the countertop edge, they’ll probably be depressed after one or two attempts.

The downside is that you may need to continue reapplying the tape frequently, and the sticky part may be challenging to clean up later. Also, the kitty may outsmart you and get a plan to get on the countertop by bypassing the edge.

●     Tape a strip of crinkled aluminum foil on the countertop

It’s not just the feel of it on their feet but the sound that prevents felines. Be aware that this plan may be troublesome to the way you practice your counter and can also be wasteful.

●     Use clicker training

Felines react best to positive support instead of punishment. If you notice your kitty on the countertop seeking food, provide a gift or other prize, such as throwing a toy on the ground near the countertop to lure them off.

Once they drop off, pair the prize with a clicker that produces a sound. Ultimately, your pet will associate the clicker with the reward, and the clicker can be practiced by itself to entice your cat away from the countertop.

●     Eliminate the chair

If your pet can only go on the counter with support from a chair, remove the chair and reduce the boost.

 

●     Offer legal jumping targets

 Buy in (or make) a cat tower or a climbing tree for your cat. Get it exciting enough to hold the cat’s attraction, and from time to time, “sweeten the deal” by hiding a pleasing surprise at the tip.

Pet and appreciate your furry friend when it uses the climbing tree so that it will connect the new cat furniture with genuine feelings.

●     Keep your counter clean

 Eliminate some lures by not leaving crumbs, food, or other treats on the countertop that your cat can be attracted to.

●     Address the faucet

 If your pet is constantly drinking water at the faucet or water bowl, figure out if there are nuisances around the washbowl (is it near a pretty trafficked space, near the litter box, etc.) and reduce the stress.

Your pet may favour the cold and fresh water from the tap, so replace their water more frequently and drop an ice cube or two to maintain the temperature down. Never keep the faucet running; it’s unfavorable and attractive for the kitty.

You can also purchase a kitty water fountain that will help to run the water in the bowl. By applying a little ingenuity and being “one step” ahead of your pet, you should be able to control your cat’s counter-surfing manner.

 

Next Steps

If nothing looks to benefit despite your effort and consistency, it may be time to invite a cat behavioral therapist. In this kind of case, the professional will probably visit your house to evaluate the situation and begin new behavior modification methods to help you manage your pet away from the counter.

If you find your furry friend is sick, visit your doctor soon. For health-related issues, always consult your vet, as they know the cat’s health history, have examined your cat and can make the most suitable guidance for your pet.

 

FAQS

 

1.   Does tinfoil keep cats away from the countertop?

Both the feel and the noise of tinfoil below their paws will keep kitties away from the counter. Just tape a few layers of foil on the edges of your counter.

2.   What scents do cats hate?

Citrus: cats hate lemons, limes, oranges, and the like. Some feline repellents even apply these scents to keep cats off. Banana peels can be pungent, and kitties find this to be particularly right. Dropping one out is a sure method to keep a cat out of the counter.

3.   How high can cats jump?

On average, an adult cat can jump four to six times its height, approximately 4 to 5 feet.

4.   How Social Listening works?

Social listening is a process of understanding what people are saying about you and your brand in social media. It can be used to understand what your audience wants or needs, spot trends, and monitor the competition. And, social listening tools collect data available online about your brand and the brands of your competitors.