Treat the issue of kit counter-hopping with these easy-to-teach and adjusting techniques. There is no denying that domestic cats have an original character. From jumping over or catching a mouse, to sharpening nails or chasing laser points, they just know how to maintain their fun lives. However, when our furry friends make a habit of jumping on tables and tables, pet owners are forced to draw a line.
Cats are often drawn to the counter for a specific reason:
- They want height.
- They love food.
- They are drawn to the fresh water flowing from the dish.
- They are curious and are not trained to know what is not allowed.
Correcting unwanted behaviours can often be done by giving the pet an alternative to their goal, combined with strengthening training. Confused owners need to be patient and remember that it is very possible to train your cats to stay on tables and countertops.
Why Should Cats Not Be Allowed to Count?
Unless you do not want your cat to split from your charcuterie board when your back is turned, it is important to keep bacteria and germs out of your food preparation areas. Although viewed as “clean” pets, cats carry bacteria on their legs from their movement inside and out of the garbage can. Sewage and related infections are likely to spread to more populated areas and even to food, the disease invites, especially to pregnant women, the elderly or those with a weakened immune system. Relax better by setting better boundaries in your home to prevent cats from jumping on kitchen counters and tables.
Cat Teaching Techniques
The first step to correcting a cat’s bad behaviour is to see why they keep climbing on the counter or table in the first place. Cats may be changing, but often there is a purpose. Once you know why they are doing this, you can take steps to correct their behaviour. All of these techniques can be used in conjunction with other teaching efforts. Be aware that when a cat has a kitchen opportunity you are not there to provide emphasis; it is difficult to emphasize both good and bad habits. Look for training if you know you can be active, focused on participating in practice, and try to make the kitchen or dining room unrestricted in your absence.
Keep the Snacks Hidden
The food and snacks stored on the countertop is a simple draw for curious, hungry cats. Keeping snacks locked or behind cabinet doors is an easy choice. Out of sight, out of the mind if your cat knows how to open cabinet doors, consider placing child protection keys on the knees during exercise to prevent bad habits.
Fix the Leaky Faucet
A drop pump usually invites cats to the counter; if you can fix it, it can help. That said some cats learn to stop taps-turned on or turn knots to turn on the water themselves. If your cat really needs fresh water sauce, consider kitty well to quench their thirst and attract their attention.
Apply Tape or Aluminium Foil
Leaf adhesive tape or strips of aluminium foil glued to the edge of a table or countertop can transform a cat’s landing area into an unwanted area. It is not a good long-term solution, but if you are absent for an extended day and want to ensure that your pets are protected from counters or other table tops, consider using it above to prevent it.
Accept Clicker Training
Clickers are used by many professional instructors in tandem with good emphasis. To be effective, a teaching effort must be consistent. The cat should begin by learning to associate the clicking noise with a positive response (handling, for example). You will have to be present if you use the clicker to discourage unwanted actions. With consistency comes success. For some cats, a flashlight or a laser can be used to stabilize well instead of a loud click.
Given another Chance to Climb
Cats need high places, and counters with shelves like Everest. Instead, invite your cat to play with a higher ground, such as a standing cat tree or a kitty condo with a cool resting nest. Use good reinforcement theory to encourage cats to choose the platform and not the countertop. You may also find that your pet enjoys observing the outside world. If so, consider an outdoor action. Some products are comfortable and functional on the outside, while some cat solariums stick to the window to give the inner cat a better view.
Look Up In the Kitchen
Cats need to be close to us. Sitting on the Cats Off the Counters puts them on the same level as their person. Alternatively, give your pet friend a high viewing spot nearby, like a cat tower or over a refrigerator – rated by a cat as “the most popular kitchenette place”. Counter cruising is similarly popular in homes where windows are installed near the top of the work, as bird watching is a distance required by cats. Put a perch on the kitchen window or let your cat sit on the pantry cabinets by stepping up and down the fridge. If your cat climbs on the work surface to reach the window, cover the glass with blinds or window film.
Counter Surfing Training
The most effective way to prevent counter-saving is to adjust your cat’s behaviour with the use of click training. There are three basic steps to train counter surfing:
- Practice ‘go to the mat’ or ‘sit on a stool’ outside the food preparation area. A mat or stool becomes a rewarding place also for sitting on a high stool and another way to jump on kitchen counters.
- Gradually resemble a real situation with minimal flaws.
- Emphasize patterns at a high level in real-life situations with as many repetitions as possible.
