How Can I Stop My Cat From Jumping on My Kitchen Counters?

Cats are naturally curious animals and, unlike dogs, cannot be easily trained to eradicate any unwanted or nuisance behaviors. One such behavior is jumping onto kitchen counters. A cat may be in search of food or simply a better view.

Things You'll Need

  • Air-tight containers
  • Snap mouse trap
  • 2 to 3 shallow baking pans
  • Balloons
  • Sharp object
  • Cat tower
  • Cat nip
  • Cat treats
  • Carpet runner
  • Utility knife
  • Double-sided tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove any food from the counter. Keep fruit in the refrigerator and place cereals and snacks into air-tight containers. The cat may be less interested in jumping onto a counter if there is no food available.

    • 2

      Place an unbaited snap mouse trap upside down on top of the counter. Each time the cat jumps onto the counter it will trigger the trap and the ensuing noise will scare the cat away.

    • 3

      Fill two to three shallow baking pans with water and place them onto the counter. The cat will become startled when it jumps into the water instead of the steady surface of the counter.

    • 4

      Blow up several balloons. Place one of the balloons in front of the cat's face and pop it with a sharp object. Repeat this popping several times during the day. Place two to three balloons on top of the counter and the cat will stay away because it has made the negative association with the popping sound of the balloon.

    • 5

      Place a cat tower or a high pedestal in the kitchen near the counter. Place cat nip or a cat treat on top of this replacement surface and the cat will begin to jump onto this acceptable spot instead.

    • 6

      Cut a carpet runner to fit the size of the counter with a utility knife. Secure the runner, with the pointed side up, to the top of the counter with double sided tape. The cat will jump onto the runner and begin to associate stepping onto the kitchen counter with this unwanted surface. Remove the runner once the cat stops jumping onto the counter, which could take several days.