How to Keep Your Cat OFF THE COUNTER (Changing Habits!)

[@laderekmcgill6158]

I am currently at war with my cat over my kitchen counters. I think it’s disgusting and we have provided other alternatives for the cat. Bottom line, they do not belong there. We prepare food on the counters EVERYDAY and I feel it’s just unsanitary. Some cat owners are fine with their cats taking over the entire house, I am not! Deterrents in motion!

[@00Tizzle]

Same but he does not care. Just goes right back.

[@VaniZo-jm2tl]

I absolutely agree! So unsanitary.My family member allows this and in return got a parasite from their own cat! Disgusting!

[@sryder8312]

Agree 1000%

[@elaineortiz653]

Have you tried scat mats? It works for ours. We have an almost 2 yr old who doesn't really care about the counters, but our 8 month siblings have some really bad habits. Scrounging is one of them. We make sure there are no dirty dishes or crumbs on the counters, but one of them would steal and eat my spatulas, dishtowels, and grab the disposal ring and eat it. We hid the spatulas and cover the disposal ring now, but we also put scat mats on the counters and after a few zaps, they won't even try to jump up anymore. We have an indoor camera for my Autistic son and I watch them when we are away. They won't even look at the counters. Idc what anyone says. Cats don't belong on counters. They got a whole 3,000 sq ft home to run amok in. It isn't going to hurt them if my kitchen is the only off limit area.

[@jillian7882]

My cat has a 7 foot tall climbing/scratching post, couches, window perches, it’s just me and I’m very consistent. They still get on my living room coffee table, knocked over water on my phone today. They only do it when I’m not around because they know better. Uhhhh I will try the double sided tape next!

[@femalesolohiker]

I'll try the double sided tape, thanks!

[@jasminem3902]

Yes I’m trying to nip this in the bud with my cat immediately! She JUST started doing this and it’s an absolute no for me..I find it disgusting 🤢! And I won’t eat at the homes of people I know allow this. It’s unsanitary. As soon as my cat saw me she KNEW she wasn’t supposed to be up there and instantly jumped down but I need to make sure it doesn’t continue to happen even when I’m not home 😒

[@asherpangu]

It’s impossible to stop this behaviour. Cats own our home. Whatever they “teach “ online to keep cats off counter don’t work!

[@laderekmcgill6158]

People up here saying it’s fine for cats to be in places where food is prepared is nasty work! Y’all be the same ones always bringing a dish to the potluck dinner too. Smh. Can’t be trusted.

[@Dgkman2004]

@@stinanikas we get it, bacteria lives everywhere but the point is if it’s unsanitary for a chef to take a dump and continue cooking your food without washing his hands then this is too. I love my cat but the counter is a no after watching him bury turds 😂

[@nicolearaujo3466]

@@stinanikasyou know there are different types of bacteria right? an organism found on a cats paws and anus is usually not the same found on tables and counters. also, cats can carry a bunch os verms that are microscopic, through their saliva and anus. you don’t get poop near cooking.

[@Mdw7375]

@@stinanikas a cat puts a shitty ass on stuff 🤮🤦🏻

[@ethanschaefer8327]

We have multiple trees, scratching posts, a water fountain, and food always available, our cat continues to get on the counters and eats food from dirty dishes, any chip bags left out fruit etc, it makes her sick and she throws it up. Have tried everything tape, tin foil anything and everything. At this point im looking into getting some sort of geofencing because its disgusting and hurting her but she will not stop.

[@Ластівка-б4ь]

Have you found a reason for your problem?

[@lostcause8880]

​@@Ластівка-б4ь yes do the dishes and put away the food.

[@elaineortiz653]

You have literally answered your own problem. Stop allowing dirty dishes to sit in your sink and toss away empty bags and left out food. That should be common sense. Even a dog would scrounge if food is left out.

[@ethanschaefer8327]

@elaineortiz653 thanks for the input, have a great day!

[@DiEtta]

Thank you for such common sense advice. Being a new cat owner for the first time, your videos have helped so much. Taming a 6 month old feral cat is being quite an experience. Hoping I will be able to stick with it…..😱🐈‍⬛🥰

[@cassieangel2961]

I do not care about stressing them out because they are stressing the hell out of me by getting on my counter. I don’t wanna eat cat hair. I will get rid of these jokers before I allow that to happen. I only got them because of my girls although I do love them and I think they are adorable, but I cannot stand to eat nobody’s hair.

[@elaineortiz653]

try scat mats.

[@CtrlAltElite404]

Agreed but unfortunately hair is the least of your problems, its the stuff you can't see left behind by their nasty little turn burying paws

[@I_Kan]

I have recently taken in two street cats that were strays, they haven't had to abide by any rules until now

[@musicbyryan717]

We have 2 rag doll cats and never cared that they are on the counters, but now they are literally opening cabinet doors and the other day they pulled a full loaf of bread out onto the floor and ate the whole thing!! We need to figure something out 😂

[@VintageLilies]

In terms of deterrents, can you please recommend a particular type of double-sided tape and motion-detecting spray?

[@joimonae4090]

Those carpet runners with the plastic put it on the table/counter and turn it onto the bumpy side

[@elaineortiz653]

Our cats have the lay of the land, but my counters and table is my only strict no. They have tall towers in every room including the breakfast room. We don't leave scraps, but the boy of our 8 month siblings is obsessed with food and has Pica. He's been cleared by our vet. We've actually had to have a 2nd opinion because he is constantly looking to eat stuff. Even with a changed diet and supplements, he is constantly scrounging for food. He will get on the counters and chew my plastic, rubber, and wood utensils and he pulls the rubber disposal ring out and eats it. We have resorted to scat mats on the counters, covering the disposal ring, and putting all my utensils in drawers. We can't have any throw pillows, throw blankets, or stuffed animals laying out. He will eat them. I have had to spray my couch corners with bitter spray. We also have to make sure every bedroom is closed behind us otherwise we will come back to eaten bedding and clothes. The scat mat is working for all 3 of them. It only took a few times. Most of them aren't even on anymore. We have an indoor camera for my Autistic son and I see the cats go through the kitchen when we are gone and they won't even glance at the counters.

[@katattack907]

I was thinking this is probably the best solution-creating places the cats are allowed to be up high in the kitchen. Maybe some wall-mounted shelves away from the food prep areas. They just want to hang out in the same room as us!

[@patdawson9104]

I want a cat so badly to keep inside the home, but they just cannot be dealt with in any kind of reasonable way. They just don’t play fairly, and I know for a fact I could not keep them off my counters.

[@pinkkay7235]

Get a boy cat because they’re super sweet and well behaved. But a girl cat o lord !

[@kfing1]

Cat here got the mothef of a telling off. He knows damn well. Fed up with it. It's an attention thing but i can't stand a litterbox using cat on the counter

[@anitaweingarten3956]

Thank you for the tips. I love the idea of providing an alternative perch in the kitchen, but with a small kitchen, any place I provide will necessarily also be a place they can use to jump from/to the counters. Can you suggest some way to avoid this problem?

[@elektras6325]

Spray bottle works. I was at wits end then resorted to that. I do give her cat treats when I do clicker training to teach simple words. No she doesn’t hate me because of spray bottle- most times I just say no and show her the bottle.

[@elaineortiz653]

We used to use the spray when our siblings would try to get on the table while we were eating. They are 8 months old and have very bad habits. Our almost 2 yr old won't come to the table at all, but these other 2 would jump up and try to steal food. Especially when my 4 yr old grandson was at the table alone. So we got a couple of water bottles and they hate them. We don't even have to spray anymore. They won't come to the table while we eat. We also make sure they have already eaten before we sit down.

[@untitledtruths]

Great video!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@tuftandpaw]

You're so welcome! Glad you found it helpful.

[@Olivia-gl5fj]

Problem is my cat wants to be at the windowsill in the kitchen, and can’t get to it without going on the counter🙃🙃🙃

[@joriswolthuis1554]

I should have bought a dog

[@alexanderpaul2570]

I so agree...

[@Lena-qg5bb]

I don’t understand the logic of this comment. Dogs are a lot of work and they will still try to get up on your counter lol.

[@deasdeas7749]

Lol dogs can do worse to your counter than your cat

[@ep6424]

Same. Cats carry disease and don't listen

[@Only1NLB]

😂😂 my sentiments exactly

[@m.daphneejsing2489]

My cat is adorable but is driving me crazy with the counter jumping. Dishwater has a delight taste apparently. The electric stove is formidable to nap on apparently. I have an alarm on my stove that beeeeeps loudly because she is there , and it sets me off every time. My new alarm in early morning is now my kitchen stove 😫My concern is she one day steps on a hot top and burns her little toe beans 😢 I say No No, and down! She responds with frustrated chatter. I lift her down for the 12th time that day and she gets frustrated and bites my ankle. I put her in the bedroom for a short timeout so that she doesn't kill my ankle. Rinse and repeat.

[@oliviagolding8829]

Hey! Have you found anything to works for you? This sounds exactly like our cat!

[@m.daphneejsing2489]

@ My cat has calmed down about it with time and doesn’t nip my ankle anymore. Lines of tape at the table edge work. Only when I’m in the house, feels a little mean to let her grow frustrated about sticky tape stuck to her fur by herself. At least she jumps down right away and no more naps on the stove. If your cat likes water like mine does, direct her to other water sources. Mine enjoys some dripping water at the bathroom shower and I make it a good habit to clear away dirty dishes in the kitchen faster, good motivation if I say so.

[@lorrainestuart1035]

Thank you so much for your tips my daughter has rescued a feral kitten from Corfu it’s just arrived in England already jumping up on the sides help lol 🤣🤣🤣😻😻😻

[@daniellehinton1286]

I use small candles around my counter, this works when I am home. But don't want to leave candles burning when not home

[@tuftandpaw]

Safety first! 🕯️

[@natureandsoulwomban]

Thank you ❤

[@ktureietta8212]

I scoot her off tables when I see her jump up, but when I wake up in the am she has pushed every thing off kitchen table and coffee table

[@aluraemerald]

Where did you find the window perch?

[@LoweMartin-ew7ee]

My cats just want all the food in the world that’s why💀

[@cindyrutherford177]

I've a kitchen bar table how can I teach my two kit cats to sit on there instead of kitchen counters?

[@tuftandpaw]

Redirection to the bar table whenever they go on the counter, and positive reinforcement (treats, pets, positive verbal cues) when they go to the preferred spot :) and patience!

[@I_Kan]

Double sided tape and spray bottle ❤ Thanks 😊

[@IBrickSquadI]

yeah I think my grandmother Cat (TOM) was so mad the other day bc I took his chair and he wanted jump on me so bad lol he end up jumping on the other couch.

[@Accnews_]

I did all you said but she still go 😢

[@mshotcounselor]

Bust her ass and she won’t I promise

[@CherryGlitz]

Same with my cat. Nothing works.

[@elaineortiz653]

@@CherryGlitz try scat mats.

[@leahbell9495]

Where is your cat tree from? x

[@tuftandpaw]

tuftandpaw.com :)

[@enaxtry]

Hello, I want to ask- if my cat jumps on the counter, should I take her off the counter or ignore him?

[@tuftandpaw]

This is the choice of eat cat parent. Many people allow their kitties to roam as they choose while others prefer to keep their kitties off counters 🤍.

[@enaxtry]

@@tuftandpaw He is 1yo cat, I have him for only a week now so Im not sure how possible is to teach cat no to jump on counter 😅

[@legonalas]

Why do all these videos say that cats don't understand that it os the specifoc action making you angry. That's just straight up a lie.

[@dainellew2950]

I’m going to try the rewarding system. I don’t mind if my cat jumps on the counters but if I am actively using my kitchen i obviously don’t want them there. Will the reward system confuse them in that aspect? would they learn when it is and isn’t okay to be on the counters?

[@tuftandpaw]

As much as you may not mind them being on the counter when you aren't cooking, it's probably best to stick to a single rule and gently remove them from the counter any time they go up there. Avoid giving kisses and loving speech when you take them off of it, as this might be rewarding to them. However, if you reward them when they are using an alternative location (like a perch or a tower) then they'll be much more inclined to return to those locations before jumping back onto the counter :)

[@ep6424]

​@@tuftandpawdumbest response ever, any cat owner knows this girl approach doesn't work

[@AcewingOFFICIAL]

How are you going to make a video about how to keep your cat off the counter yet the cat is on the counter and table the entire video? Makes no sense. I'm convinced your cat trained you to make this video tbh.

[@tuftandpaw]

Just including the full visual 💛

[@amynorby5728]

Well, my cat is just simply and asshole! (we do love him however) His only mission is to tap something until it falls to the ground and breaks! He loves that! Thank you, but didn't help me.

[@tuftandpaw]

Sounds like he's quite the energetic troublemaker! He might need more dedicated play time & enrichment in his life :)

[@Mike-bk5yc]

Saw a sticky note prank was hailrious. Cat got the sticky note stuck to the cat's paw freaked out and ran into the other room😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@CollinsCorp]

❤

[@vivienjobbagy6264]

Did your cat go up into the hammock from the table? 😂

[@tuftandpaw]

Maybe 😸

[@izaakpillatzki7585]

So, you're giving advice on how to keep cats off counters when you allow yours to go where ever they want? I'm sorry, but cats, despite them cleaning themselves are pretty filthy and there's no way I would want my cat on my kitchen counters.

[@joelrivera3500]

Yeah because some of us need the advice? Stop being an ass

[@DannyGautama]

No. My space counter is clean. It is only when I make food and my protein shake that he climbs. And I still clean my counter after my food is done.

[@natejudd4349]

Didnt help at all

[@imaginemagic9575]

Dont leave food on counters Dont pet them when they are on the counter Get them something tall or high up to sit on (if they don't wanna sit there, give em treats)

[@amparorandall4292]

@@imaginemagic9575did all that. Didn’t help at all :(

[@rohanarts1158]

You talk to much . Dislike

[@ABCBom4thgen]

🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢

[@alexys72904]

No, everyone gets the reason “why” wrong. Cats have to put their poop smell and nut smell all over everything, or they won’t feel like they are at home. Just let them put their poop hole all over the table and don’t wipe it off- that way they won’t feel the need to keep doing it. They are just being cats and cats are territorial. Congrats on your poop covered table.

[@krisakastarlic]

Ew.

[@asiadlafrance9734]

Lady go sit down that's your advice😮👎🥱🆗