How To Keep Cats Off Counters And Tables

Are you tired of constantly battling with your feline friend to keep them off the kitchen counters?

You're not alone.

Many cat owners have experienced the frustration of finding their furry friends perched atop the counters. In this article, we'll explore effective strategies for preventing cats from jumping on counters and keeping them safe.

But first, let's take a closer look at the scenario. The following story is based on posts shared on our cat forums.

Picture this:

you're sound asleep, dreaming of sunny beaches and endless pina coladas, when you're suddenly jolted awake by a blood-curdling scream.

It's your partner, and he's just caught your beloved cat red-handed - or should we say, red-pawed - lapping up his chocolate milk from the kitchen counter.

You're instantly filled with dread, as you know chocolate is toxic to cats. You rush to the kitchen, heart racing, only to find your furry friend looking up at you with a look that says, "What? I was thirsty." You can't help but wonder: how on earth do I keep my cat off the counters?

We get similar stories on our forums all the time.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent Kitty - or whatever your furry friend's name may be - from jumping on the kitchen counters or dining tables!

There are also things you need to avoid, though. For example, spraying your cat with water may seem like an easy solution, but it can actually be counterproductive in the long run. Plus, it's not very pleasant for your cat.

We're here to help with the dos and don'ts of teaching your cat to stay off the tables and kitchen counters!

With the right strategies, patience, and consistency, you can train your cat to respect your boundaries and keep them safe from dangerous foods and objects. So, let's dive into the tips and tricks that will keep your countertops cat-free and your furry friend happy and healthy.

Why Do Cats Jump on Tables and Kitchen Counters?

Jumping to gain access to high places is a natural instinct for cats, as it allows them to survey their surroundings and feel safe.

However, as a responsible pet owner, you need to ensure that your cat's jumping behavior doesn't put them in harm's way. Kitchen counters, for example, can harbor dangerous objects and foods that can harm your feline friend. That's why it's important to teach your cat to stay off the counters and keep them safe.

But before you start limiting your cat's access to certain areas, make sure they have plenty of climbing and exploring space within your home.

Investing in cat trees, gyms, and shelves can provide your furry friend with the vertical space they need to feel comfortable and happy.

Two cats high up on a cat tree furniture item

This stage is crucial! Denying your cat adequate climbing space can result in stress, frustration, and even more behavioral issues down the road.

If you're not sure how to make more vertical space for your cat, don't worry! We have some creative ideas that will make your home feel bigger and more exciting for your felines.

Why Negative Reinforcement Isn't the Answer for Keeping Cats off Counters

Before we move on to positive reinforcement methods, let's talk about why negative reinforcement and punishment are not the best ways to teach your cat to stay off counters.

Negative reinforcement, associating a negative outcome with undesirable behavior, is often used to keep cats off counters.

However, it can be stressful and even traumatic for your cat, and may create new behavioral problems or worsen existing ones. Therefore, it's best to avoid negative reinforcement methods altogether.

Some common negative reinforcement methods for keeping cats off counters include:

Water squirting

This involves using a spray bottle to squirt water at your cat when they jump on counters. However, this method can associate you with punishment, lacks consistency, and can be too stressful for most cats.

Can shaking/compressed air can

This method involves making a loud and disturbing noise by shaking an empty soda can with coins inside or using a compressed air can.

However, it can also associate you with punishment, creates a big problem with continuity, and can bring about a strong stress response in many cats.

"Booby-trapping" your counters

This method involves setting up obstacles on the counter that will startle your cat if they jump up. Examples include using empty soda cans filled with coins or beans tied together or setting up mousetraps on the counter covered with a sheet of newspaper or towel.

While this method may be more consistent, the loud noise can be too startling for some cats, causing them to become stressed instead of trained.

So, what's the solution?

Positive reinforcement is a much more effective and humane way to teach your cat the behaviors you want them to exhibit. In the next section, we'll cover some positive reinforcement methods that can help you teach your cat to stay off counters in a way that's both effective and gentle.

The Sticky Solution: How to Keep Your Cat off Counters and Tables

If you're looking for a simple and effective way to keep your cat off the kitchen counters and tables, you might be surprised at how easy it can be.

And the best part? You won't need to resort to startling your furry friend with loud noises or sudden movements. More about that in a minute.

The secret to teaching Kitty to stay off the counters:

Make the surface uncomfortable to walk on.

One option is to use plastic carpet runners with points facing up, or you can try using double-sided adhesive tape.

Don't worry - you won't have to stick any tape directly onto your counters. Instead, you can create your own sticky mat by covering a thick plastic sheet with double-sided tape. Then, whenever you're not using the counters, just cover them with the sheet of plastic.

If you prefer to tape directly onto surfaces, regular adhesive tape works well too. Just create small loops of tape with the adhesive on the outside of the ring, and place them across the surface. This creates a similar effect of a sticky surface, but it's easier to lift off than double-sided tape.

The end result is that the surface becomes uncomfortable for your cat to walk on. They might try jumping up once or twice, but soon they'll realize it's not a pleasant experience and they'll jump off. Within a few days to a couple of weeks, your cat should stop jumping on the treated surfaces altogether. And the best part? You don't even have to be around for this to work! The consistent negative reinforcement from the sticky surface will be enough to teach your cat to stay off the counters.

It does take some effort, but the payoff is worth it. You'll have a trained cat without creating any new behavioral problems. So why not give this method a try and see how it works for you and your furry friend?

The Solution that Works for You and Your Cat

Negative reinforcement can be very effective as a way to teach your cat what not to do. Hopefully, this article has provided a better understanding of how negative reinforcement works and why some methods, such as can shaking, water squirting and booby-trapping, should not be used.

Remember that you must always provide your cat with plenty of space, including appropriate vertical space for climbing and jumping. Only then can you implement the sticky surface method. Be consistent and give it time. Some cats can take up to three weeks to stop trying.

It can be a long journey, but we're here for you!

Why not start a thread in our cat behavior forums and let us know about your progress?

Comments? Leave them using the comment section below. Questions? Please use the cat forums for those!

Red tabby cat on kitchen countertop - learn how to keep cats off the kitchen countertops

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35 comments on “How To Keep Cats Off Counters And Tables”

Paige July 13, 2022

I have had carpet spikes covering my counters for 2 years. Whenever I attempt to remove them, within minutes of me leaving the room, both cats are on the counter/stove, in the sink.. eating a plant they shouldn’t be. Double sided sticky tape doesn’t work. “Booby traps” don’t work. Aluminum foil doesn’t work. Daisy just ate the foil. Spray bottles don’t work. They just sit there and get sprayed. Citrus sprays don’t work. Scccat! Doesn’t work. Giving them alternative high perches around the counters/home doesn’t work. There is never food on the counter. I’ve stopped putting plants on the counter. There’s never anything left in the sink. And if the counter is covered in spikes, they get on my entry table and knock everything off so they can sit and look at the 6 foot tall cat tree I bought them. I’m starting to think all of these recommendations out here are lies. You may think your cats don’t get on the counters- but I guarantee if you set up a camera with motion detection, you’ll see they do whatever they please when you’re gone or asleep.. because I’ve tried everything.

Twocoastscat December 8, 2022

Yup. My cat had no problem walking on foil and the sticky tape. Nothing repels him. We have no choice but to sequester him when we are cooking and eating because he’ll get right up into the food. He may jump down for two seconds when we say no or redirect him but he’ll jump right back up again. Cannot open a tuna can in his presence. And he gets plenty to eat and is in good health, was fostered from birth and adopted at 12 weeks so I don’t get it. Been living with it for 12 years…..

Mr B December 7, 2021

That’s alot of work & double sided tape, plus covering the entire kitchen, bonus room, & living room furniture with plastic. Simpler to move the cat & his litterbox outside where he can hunt & play to his heart’s content. Sure saves on vacuuming!

Robert November 21, 2020

I have two cats. My oldest is nearly two years old, youngest is almost a year and she learns by watching my oldest! They are both very smart and talented! The water bottle worked for my oldest cat, but I never have had to use it on my youngest! As far as the oldest goes, if he starts to do something wrong, all I have to do is say "no" and most times he will stop, but if he doesn't, just reaching for the bottle is enough to make him stop! Believe it or not, raising cats is ALMOST the same as raising human children, and they react about the same! (notice I've upper cased the word "almost" in the last sentence. Haha!) My father used to break off a switch from a tree and remove all the leaves from it and place it above his bedroom door for me to be able to see. And, if I did something wrong, he'd take that switch above the door and spank me with it! Most of the time all he'd have to do is look toward it and I'd stop doing what he didn't want me doing. I'd say a water bottle is somewhat tamer than a tree switch, and it works without really having to use more than half the time!

Judith Cushman August 30, 2020

We have a former feral cat from the Human Society 1and 1/2 years ago and she is afraid of loud noises, voices, fireworks and also will not let us pick her up. Is there any way we can teach her to let us pick her up when it is necessary to take her to the vet, etc. She is 4 years old and very attached to us and especially my husband. We are in our late 70's and really enjoy her but we also live in Florida where it is necessary to keep inside due to dangers of Bob cats and other things that are dangerous outside to her. She is getting quite heavy from not getting any excercise and she's bored. Is there any way I can do things for her, with her to entertain her so she can shed some weight? I know this is long but, anyway you can give me information or ideas to keep looking forward to getting some movement would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Judith R. Cushman, [email protected]

MarkMDP September 2, 2020

Hello Judith! No online advice beats professional diagnosis. Please go to your vet immediately. If you insist on seeking for online advice, you might want to start a thread in the Cat Health forums here: https://thecatsite.com/forums/cat-health.4/

meme April 14, 2021

Get one of those little pointy laser lights and see if she will chase it around the house. My cats love it and get tons of exercise chasing it around!

Furballsmom June 9, 2019

maggie101 said:
When I am preparing food for my 3 cats, my car Peaches jumps up right where the bowl is,grabs a bite,then jumps back down. It happens too fast to stop her. Should I put her in my bedroom while making the food ? I can't put tape where I'm preparing food

Hi maggie101! I noticed you're posting on the site, and I'm hoping you were able to get your question answered in this forum Cat Behavior

myrnafaye said:
My kitten - 7 months old - does not go on counters, he jumps up on the dining room table when we are eating He is interested in what we are EATING. I can't put double sided sticky tape on my table. Any other thoughts?

Hi Myrnafaye! I see you're currently posting on the site, and hopefully you had your question answered in this forum Cat Behavior

maggie101 January 31, 2019

When I am preparing food for my 3 cats, my car Peaches jumps up right where the bowl is,grabs a bite,then jumps back down. It happens too fast to stop her. Should I put her in my bedroom while making the food ? I can't put tape where I'm preparing food

myrnafaye December 19, 2018

My kitten - 7 months old - does not go on counters, he jumps up on the dining room table when we are eating He is interested in what we are EATING. I can't put double sided sticky tape on my table. Any other thoughts?

Merlin77 December 11, 2017

:sigh: Nothing works for us. The cats know they aren't allowed up on the counters, but they will jump up while we cook and prepare food. They have stolen noodles and chocolate-covered croissants (which is really bad). They steal bread and rip apart paper towels. We can get them to go down by giving them a quick spray of water, just from the sink/hands, or we carry them off. Oh well. At least they stay outside the majority of the time, hunting or napping in their shed.

Dana the cat lady June 28, 2017

I am having a great deal of difficulty stopping my cat from jumping on EVERYTHING from the kitchen counters to the table to the 6-foot bookcases! He is deaf, so anything that makes noise doesn't deter him at all. I have tried everything from the water bottle (unsuccessful - he laughs at it and thinks it's a game) to aluminum foil (he plays with it). I can't put sticky tape on the counters when in use. It's frustrating!

dallasstorm May 11, 2017

ettina said:
I wonder if putting a toy piano there would work? My cats hate jumping on the keys of my piano, because they don't like when their footsteps make noise.

They say to praise your cat. So my suggestion is when you are cooking to remove him from the counter and tell him NO firmly and put him where he should be and tell him good kitty and pet him. That is what I was told to do. It may take some time, but as with a kid you have to do it each time and they will learn.

Anne May 4, 2014

Just a reminder to everyone: if you need advice about a specific situation, please post about it in the forums rather than here. The comments section is for comments, but questions are more likely to get replies in the forums themselves: http://www.thecatsite.com/f/5/behavior

nasty cat May 4, 2014

Nothing works for my cat. He's on every horizontal surface in my house. He has his own multiple level tree. His latest is to pull the rubber ring AND metal cap off the disposal and play with them on the floor. I've tried everything suggested but nothing works. I say NO, firmly, he bites me and draws blood. I'm 83, love him like a child but I'm at my wits end. He's nine months and eleven pounds. I do not like cats on my counters. I'm a clean freak. HELP!!!

simbamowgli January 25, 2014

I slapped some wax paper onto the counters. Mowgli loves to jump up, he's a slender guy, but we simply can't have him jumping onto the counters! Now, the wax paper really helps. Every time he jumps, a loud crinkly sound occurs and he gets frightnened and jumps off. Try it! :)

neko0takusan November 24, 2013

Our Tuxedo just started jumping up on the counter recently. Then she purposely knocks something off on the floor with her paw. All to get my attention. She is clever and gets bored easily...an attention hoar...I say no and she gets her attention....I've given in. hehe

kansasguest November 15, 2013

Well, how do you get the cat to stop getting on counters when you ARE cooking without using a spray bottle? The sticky tape method isn't appropriate when when we're using the counters for meal prep, etc. Our 8-month old cat can now jump straight from the floor to our kitchen counter tops. He's become a powerful jumper because we have a 2 story house & he uses the stairs for exercise. He also LIKES clutter. It's like hunting for him, to see what is under everything. I use the sticky tape for our upholstered furniture, and it works great. But, the directions say clearly that it will damage wood, leather & hard surfaces (like kitchen counters). The little stinker is smart & persistent. He figured out that we use the sink to wash dishes with food on them. So, we've even caught him sticking his nose down the garbage disposal after everything is cleaned up to try & score a few pieces of food. It's not like he's starving. He's well-fed. We put the sink stopper on, wipe everything down & he still counter surfs. Grrr...

ettina October 23, 2013

I wonder if putting a toy piano there would work? My cats hate jumping on the keys of my piano, because they don't like when their footsteps make noise.

pegalena May 16, 2022

I just had to reply to this. I had a cat that liked to play the piano. He would get on the keys and go down to the end turn around and go back to the other end. He especially liked it when I sat down to play. We often played a duet. I miss him.

kaos8 October 10, 2013

Honestly, the "(Name) and NO" in my "satan Mommy Voice" works for all other issues..

Oh, and I forgot to mention- I actually purchased these plastic things with the little spikes on them (kind of pricey) and I also used upside down floor runners...And my cats loved them- apparently, it felt good on their feet and to rub and sleep on. Maybe I just have CRAZY Cats!

I have only 2 cats of my "herd" that insist on being on the kitchen counters. One does it, because he thinks he is going to get treats- when I am making my medicine concoctions for my one dog. The other, who incidentally is his sister, Celine- sneaks up there and pees on my glass top stove, the counters- but never when we are watching...She is very sneaky. I have to tell you I have tried all the things mentioned in this article. The Tin Foil - it is cheap and I tried this first. My cats love to play with it- so, obviously this did not work. Have used the Double sided tape (my own and the stuff you can buy- worked- but unfortunately was really heavy duty and could not use the counter or stove with it there) The stuff I sticky tape bought was one time use stuff and kind of expensive when purchased (was only 3 of the XL Sheets for like $20). The next thing I tried was the SSSCat- this is awsome. Is an air can that goes off by movement.... Only problem is that my cats seem to gang up on it, and hit if from every angle to see where it won't get them...So, then she pee'd just outside the can spray area- just off to the side of it... This works great in a door way- if you need them out of a room, but if you have a larger area- this is a very costly way to fix the problem. So for my counters the only solution that worked was CLUTTER...Looks horrible and I have to do major cleaning before anyone comes to the house, but really embarrassing to explain that I have to do it- or one kitty pees there! So CLUTTER it is...and SSSCAT for my one doorway to a room they need to be out of. (incidentally- have a 6ft tall wrought iron gate in this doorway- that only one cat can jump/clear- totally put up to keep cats out and SSSCAT is the only thing that works)...

jasei santiz October 7, 2013

great ima try this with cheetos he's an avid jumper lol

pawpurrints August 29, 2013

Awesome....I'm already at that stage where my cute ones keep hopping on the table during dinner. I'll start hunting for a carpet runner!

sadie66 August 25, 2013

Hi, first i wouldn't spray them, my granddaughters cat tigger use to do that, so everytime i saw him i firmly told him no, then i put things in the way for a while so he would get the hint, and also if you wipe the area with vinegar water daily it works he finally got the hint and then i could remove the items in the counter but still to reinforce the training when in kitchen glances at counters i say no tigger, and of course always keep counter clean of food that may be the problem they want what smells good

newkittyowner August 15, 2013

I tired this today after reading this article and it worked for our garbage can lid. The garbage happens to be right next to our kitchen counter and it's a great step for them to jump up on and then to the counter. The jump onto in now, feel the sticky tap and then jump back down. We have a lot of surface area in our kitchen so it's hard to do this on all the surfaces. What concerns me is when they jump onto the stove! Luckily the times they have we have been there to stop them from getting burned! I might have to get some of those carpet runners for the counter tops.

nullentropy August 14, 2013

I tried the sticky tape, and it did nothing except ruin my counters! I'm kind of at a loss. They eat tinfoil and aren't bothered by sticky tape.

dianec August 11, 2013

As i've always had cats they seem to follow the behaviour of whoever was there first - The first cat i had to teach was simply with a rolled up newspaper - i banged it on the counter near to him everytime he got up there only needed to do it once or twice and he stopped even trying. Cat do seem to copy each other.

Anne July 30, 2013

I'm glad this is helpful! Please do start a thread in the behavior forum when you start the training process!

chloeg July 29, 2013

thanx for a great article.Im having this problem ,but just waiting to get more vertical space before implementing your tips.

mservant July 28, 2013

This sounds great, makes total sense. Might try on one or two high shelves I've got that Mouse is trying to get on to but not made yet. I think I've missed the boat on everything else with him but if I have to have a next time - result :)

Anne July 24, 2013

Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

taxido February 10, 2013

Double sided sticky tape works a treat. I have a large aquarium, always very tempting to cats. It is always covered with double sided sticky tape. Once a cat sticks to it, they never try the same thing again. A simple, cheap deterrent.

How To Keep Cats Off Counters And Tables

Why Do Cats Jump on Tables and Kitchen Counters?