Mary Allen
When cats constantly jump on the table and kitchen counter, it’s not only annoying, it’s also dangerous. The hot stovetop, poisonous kitchen plants, sharp knives are just a few reasons why our curious velvet paws have no place in certain areas of the kitchen.
Despite this, or precisely because of this, many house cats are almost magically drawn to the table and kitchen counter. It is not easy to break the habit of doing the forbidden jump. Here are a few tips on how to make it clear to your cat that a trip to the kitchen furniture is not worth it.
Wean Cats From Jumping Onto the Table: Quickly & Consistently
An important basic rule in cat training is: Don’t make exceptions. If you decide that you don’t want your cat to jump on the table, don’t let her get away with it once. Instead of yelling and scolding, consistency is the order of the day. A loud command “No!” and removal from the table should immediately follow any of their illicit excursions.
Make sure your cat isn’t too tempted to make things a little easier for her. A delicious sausage sandwich can also be a reason for the best-behaved cat to jump on the table. Put groceries and leftovers away and, if you are not at home, possibly close the kitchen door so that your pet does not make itself comfortable on the kitchen counter during this time – otherwise your house cat will never understand the ban.
Few Tricks
Cats don’t like unpleasant surprises, but they can expect them if they keep jumping on the table. A wet counter is just as uncomfortable for the cat’s paws as a work surface covered with rustling aluminum foil or newspaper.
With a bit of luck, she will be so frightened that she will not dare to jump onto the forbidden piece of furniture a second time. A spray bottle for flowers, which is filled with water and gives the cat a little wet scare every time it jumps, underlines your “No!” clear and can thus become a help.