I need help with my cats!?

Question

We have two cats, we love them to death but have to keep them in the basement all the time because they ALWAYS get up on the counter! Is there anything we can do to keep them from jumping up there 24/7? is there anyway to break this horrible habit? we want them to be upstairs and socialize with us but we can't have them on the counter! HELP!

Answer 1

You didn't inform how age of your cats. It is important that first teach your cats socialization from bigining.

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Answer 2

Why?  

Cats are clean.  

But to ans your Q.

there are pads that you can put up there that vibrates when jumped on.  try fostersandsmith.com

I have also had success putting light weight plastic on my car... when the cat jumps it slides off... so it doesn't do it again.

Water pistol.

They don't like the smell of alcohol so spray the counter with it and then PUT THEM UP THERE... they will immediately jump down... and probably not go back.

Make sure there is nothing on the counter that the cats want.  food/ intresting smells etc.

I liked the idea of making a window seat that is high up ... like at the top 1/3 of the window... that way the cat won't be interested in getting on the counter.

good luck >^..^<

Answer 3

there are sprays you can buy at pet stores, also mats that give a slight shock, or make a noise.

i have always preferred washing the counter with bleach, or other strong cleaner.

you can also try leaving just water on the counter.

double sided tape will work too. stick it to the counter, they hate the sticky feeling.

Answer 4

Are your cats allowed outside? If not, this could be the problem: simple boredom. My two never showed much interest in jumping on furniture because they only come in to eat and sleep (on the sofa of course). I found that saying 'no' in a firm voice and putting them back on the floor worked. Apparently cats hate the smell of vinegar and can smell even a dilute solution that humans can't smell, you might want to try wiping surfaces with it? Or just learn to live with the cats on the counter phenomenon and buy a bottle of disinfectant.  

Answer 5

Well cats can climb and don't really care what they do, so you could try training them but there is a high chance that it wont work. They want to be up there because it is high, so I would give them a high scratch post or a nice window seat (they love to look outside) and put some cat nip, treats, or wet food up there. Cats always have a favourite sitting spot so you'll just have to make one!

Answer 6

Lots of cats like to be on counters. What's the big deal?  They like to be up high.  

If it's that important to you than train them not to.  Get a spray bottle or scat mats [sold at pet stores]

Answer 7

Can try a spray bottle. Sudden cool mist in the face , they might get the idea. Its how we trained ours. It was...semi-effective

Answer 8

Every time they jump up on the counter, get them off of the counter and say no. You could also use a spray bottle. Just lightly spray them every time they get on the counter and after a while they should realize that they can't be on the counter.

Answer 9

A squirt bottle comes in handy here. A simple squirt and a loud NO! a few times might help them break the habit. Also, tin foil on the counter works too. They don't like the feeling, nor the sound of the foil as they walk on it. Fly paper, sticky side up helps too. After a while, they will get the point.

Answer 10

you need to teach them that it's not okay.  i personally say their name and clap... example "FONZIE, DOWN! *clap*".  At first, they don't know what it means, but you teach them.  You start by saying "_______, DOWN! *clap*" and then putting them down.  They learn that those sounds are associated with going down.  Soon they will learn what you mean, and just do it on their own.  But it takes some time, especially with cats.  So you will get VERY frustrated with them, but just know they'll learn eventually.

You have to remember that they are cats, so they don't like to follow rules.  However, when they do it you scream _______, DOWN! they will soon learn to do it on their own.

As they get older, they'll just get a little too lazy to break the rules and they won't jump up there at all.  :)  Good luck!

Answer 11

Spray them with water every time they do that. It works really well. After a while they won't do that. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt them. I am still using that thing!

Answer 12

U need to get a spray bottle fill it with water and u must spray them with it every time u seee them do this.

Answer 13

lol as you can tell from my avatar I' am kitty experienced so what you should do is get thim a cat bungalow, or kitty kondo cats love being in high places so they feel high and mighty you can find these cat bungalows at any pet store and they range from 20-30 bucks and also to keep them off in general

you can follow this guide

Line the counter tops with tin foil. Cats don't like the feel or sound of tin foil beneath their paws and will usually jump down when they've landed on it. If the tin foil doesn't deter him or her, lay strips of clear tape upside down instead.

Spray your pet with cold water from a spray bottle whenever it jumps on a kitchen counter or table. Most cats despise water and will instantly run from a spray of it. Correct the cat immediately. If you wait even a few minutes your pet will not know why you're upset. You must catch him misbehaving to correct the behavior.

Use loud, sudden noises to surprise your cat. Loudly snapping your fingers, whistling or clapping your hands accompanied with a firm "No" tells your animal he's misbehaving.

Turn car floor mats or protective carpet runners upside down on the counter top. The rubber spikes on the bottom will not harm your kitty, but they create enough discomfort to keep your cat off.

Get an automatic spraying product. These types of products emit warning beeps whenever they detect motion nearby. If the motion continues, the product automatically sprays the cat. Place one on a counter or tabletop to deter your cat from climbing where it shouldn't

Place a motion-activated child's toy on the counter top, preferably one that makes noise. Whether your kitty finds it scary or annoying, it works.

Good luck and have a purrfect day