My cat will not stay of my countertops or table. I think its gross because that is where food goes, not animals. I have tried the water bottle trick; all he is learned is to avoid getting caught and run from me when I come into the kitchen to spray him. I have read about putting double-sided tape on the countertops, but then won’t it be miserable and gross for the humans that have to work on the counter? Also, I live in an apartment and I can’t go destroying the couner with double-sided tape. Are there any other suggestions?? Serious answers only, please.
One method is to buy plastic carpet runners with the plastic spikes on the bottom, and flip them upside-down on top of your counters. These make the surface unpleasant to walk on, but do not hurt the cat. These can easily be stored when you need to use the counter until the cat learns not to jump up there, and will not ruin your counters.
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Spray Water At Them
They Dont Like That.
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When I first got my cats they did that all the time. I got them right after they jumped down put their paw on the counter and slapped them telling them no it’s bad. They learned right quick.
They Dont Like That.
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Never, never, never hit your cat. You will lose their respect (they are, after all, companions) and make them fear you. It also will not teach them to stay off the counter. It will only teach them that you are not a friend and that you cause pain.
The suggestion about the carpet runner upside down is a good one. You can also buy special plastic mats especially for training cats/dogs to stay off of areas. I think they are called X-mats. Some pet stores have them. Dr. Foster Smith carries them in their catalog — you may want to do an on-line search.
The method I used was to purchase scat mats. These can be ordered in different sizes and use a mild electric tingle when stepped on. After your cat has one or two experiences with this, you don’t even have to turn it on — they will avoid the mat itself. I don’t have to put the mats on the counters any more — the cats are out of the habit of getting up there now – thanks to the Scat Mats. The only problem with Scat Mats is that they are a more expensive option. You may be able to find them cheaper on eBay.
What ever method you use (even empty tin cans tied together loosely with a string rigged to fall when the string is touched), be sure that it is something that the cat causes himself and doesn’t connect with you. The cans, carpet runner and scat mats all do this.
My 6 cats!
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Cats don’t favor loud sudden noises. Try taking an empty can of nuts and putting a few coins in it and seal the lid back on it. Whenever the cats get on the table or countertops, grab the can and shake it….the cats hate it. We have even used loud clapping near them or making a loud noise with our mouth…PPPPPSSSSSSHHHH! and that makes them take off like a bandit. I hope that helps.
My 6 cats!
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