How to Keep Your Cat Off the Kitchen Counter

Cats are naturally curious creatures. For most cats, one of the safest and most desirable places to be is on a higher shelf, such as your kitchen counter. The view from this height can allow to cat to see more of the house, and any food that can be devoured. Unless you keep your kitchen counters spotless, they may smell like last night's tuna casserole to your hungry cat. Keep your counters, and food, safe by deterring your cats from them once and for all.

Things You'll Need

  • Double-sided tape
  • Cookie sheets
  • Water
  • Motion-detecting alarm
  • Orange-scented cleaner
  • Window perch or cat tree
  • Catnip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place double-sided tape on the edges of the countertops and scatter a few pieces onto the top as well. Cats detest the feel of the sticky tape on their paws and will stay away from the counters.

    • 2

      Pour water into two or three cookie sheets with raised sides. Place the cookie sheets onto the counters a few inches from the edge. The cats will jump onto the counters and land directly into the water, which the cat will not enjoy.

    • 3

      Place a motion-detecting alarm on the countertop. These can be purchased at most pet stores. The alarm sounds each time the cat jumps onto the countertop. The loud noise frightens the cat away and eventually the cat will begin to associate the counter with this unpleasant sound.

    • 4

      Clean your kitchen counters with an orange-scented cleaner. Cats dislike this smell and will avoid the counters.

    • 5

      Give your cat an alternative high spot on which to sit. Install a cat perch on a window or place a cat tree in the corner of the kitchen. Pour a few ounces of catnip onto this new space to attract the cat.