How to Keep My Cat From Jumping Onto the Basement Rafters

Cats like to hide in high places. Your cat may like to hide in the rafters in your basement, which can cause damage. Your basement rafters may also offer her access to crawl spaces and other places you̵7;d like her to avoid. There are multiple ways to discourage your cat from accessing your rafters, and you can try them individually or use multiple techniques at once.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat tower or climbing tree
  • Double sided tape
  • Aluminum foil
  • Spring-style mousetraps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy a cat tower or climbing tree. Many cats will stop climbing rafters and other undesirable locations if given an acceptable alternative to climb and hide in.

    • 2

      Move any pieces of furniture that your cat uses to launch herself in to the rafters so it̵7;s harder for her to access them.

    • 3

      Say ̶0;no̶1; in a firm voice when your cat is in the rafters to express your disapproval.

    • 4

      Place double-sided tape or aluminum foil on the rafters ̵2; cats dislike walking on these surfaces.

    • 5

      Place activated mousetraps upside down on the rafters. When the cat jumps up, she̵7;ll set the mousetrap off, making a loud noise to discourage her. Placing them upside down reduces the risk the trap will close on her paw or tail.