As much as we love our furry feline friends, we don’t always love finding their paw prints on our kitchen tables or counters. Cats are attracted to our countertops for a few reasons; cats love heights, they like playing with water, and it smells good up there! Here are some tips to change their minds.

Provide Alternative Perches – Cats love hiding and being up high, so providing alternative perches can satisfy their natural instincts and keep them off our tables. Consider investing in a cat tree, window bed, boxes, or installing shelves for your cat to climb and perch on.

Use Double-Sided Tape – Cats don’t like the sticky feeling of double-sided tape on their paws, so placing strips along the edges of your countertops may be an effective deterrent.

Create a Barrier – Create a physical barrier between your cat and the countertops by placing items along the edge that will make it difficult for them to jump up. For example, a row of books or a tray of water can discourage your cat from leaping.

Positive Training – If your cat is in the kitchen eyeing the countertop, get your clicker out and reward him before he jumps up. If he is already on it, toss a toy in the other direction, then click and treat when he chases it. Be sure the snack is scrumptious!

Running Water – Many cats love the sound of running water; consider buying a cat water fountain.

Provide Interactive Toys – Puzzle feeders or toys that dispense treats can keep your fuzzball occupied and entertained, reducing his desire to jump up on the countertops.

Be Consistent with Training – Reliable training is key to keeping your cat off the countertops. Use a firm voice and gentle physical cues, such as gently taking your cat off the countertop and rewarding him for staying on the ground.

Keeping your cat off the countertops can be challenging, but these tips should work. With patience and consistency, your cat will learn to stay off the countertops, and you can enjoy a clean kitchen.