Keeping a Cat Out of the Top of the Fish Tank

Cats are attracted to the movement of fish swimming in a fish tank, and their hunting instinct will often make them want to try to fish them out of the water. Popular wisdom suggests you squirt a water pistol at a cat, so it will be discouraged. But cats are too smart for this and will wait until you are not around to go fishing. A better ways enables you to have a cat and a fish tank in the same household.

  1. Rearrange the Furniture

    • If it is possible to place the fish tank where the cat cannot reach it, this could be your easiest solution. Small tanks can be placed on a bookshelf where it is impossible for the cat to get at the top because of the shelf above, but you can still slip your hand in to put feed in. Do not put things near a tank that a cat can use to jump from to reach the top.

    Cover the Top

    • Place a heavy glass lid or a wire mesh top to completely cover the top of the fish tank. The lid must be strong enough to carry the weight of your cat if it does get up there. This is not the best solution, as fish can become stressed from having a cat lying on the tank batting at them down the side. Put double-sided tape on the top to deter your cat.

    Apply Unpleasant Odors

    • Animal deterrents available through pet stores smell bad to cats but humans barely notice them. You can spray these on the outside of the tank or on strips of paper that you stick to the tank. A cheaper alternative that works well is to simply use white vinegar, as cats find the smell unpleasant. Make a solution of half vinegar and half water and spray it around the tank twice a week.

    Work to Change Behavior

    • If you have a kitten you can train it from an early age that the fish tank is a ̶0;no go̶1; area, in the same way you train it not to jump on kitchen bench tops and the dining table. With an older cat, sit in a chair where you can watch the fish tank and stroke him, letting him know that watching fish can be enjoyable and he does not need to chase. Try placing his cat tree or cat basket where he can watch the tank from a distance.