It's frustrating to face a cat who likes to jump on the kitchen table, or to other tables such as the living room table, lamp table, etc. However, this behavior problem is common with cats, and there are actually ways to prevent your cat from jumping on tables and other surfaces. Cat owners should follow the three-way approach described here. This includes teaching the cat that the table is forbidden territory, giving the cat another alternative that can satisfy his instinct to climb, and making the table less attractive to the cat.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Punishment Mechanisms
Step 1. You can create a punishment mechanism for the cat
The punishment mechanism, also known as “remote correction,” is to discipline the cat in your absence so that the cat doesn't associate the punishment with you. If you punish your cat for jumping on a certain surface, the cat will avoid that surface when you are home alone. You can make your own remote correction kit, but don't make one that could hurt your cat.
Step 2. Place the light parchment paper on the edge of the table
The intent is simple: to discourage your cat from jumping on the table because it will land on the paper. The noise and movement produced by the friction with the paper will frighten your cat, but they won't physically hurt your cat. Gradually, the cat will associate the tabletop with this sound and the stress this thought creates makes him not want to jump on it.
You can also fill the grill with water and place it on the table. Cats are not only bothered by sound, but also by water. What's keeping him back is the fear of slipping into the water, so if your cat is old or just not an alert cat, your cat will find it better to avoid this, for fear of slipping and hurting herself
Step 3. Create a trap sound
Tie a thin rope along the path your cat would normally use to jump onto the table. Glue the end of the string to an empty can that falls easily. If you position it at the right spot, when your cat jumps onto the table, it will nudge the rope and the can will fall off, making a startling sound that will stop her from jumping onto the surface again.
For a more surprising sound, add a coin or small object to the can
Step 4. Place double-sided tape onto the table surface that is off-limits to cats
Spread and glue the double-sided tape at only two points, at the ends, then when your cat jumps onto the surface, the soles of its paws will stick to the tape, and this shock will stop the cat from going back to that place. Cats are very easily distracted and irritated by sticky objects, so double-sided tape can be an effective deterrent.
You can also try laying the aluminum sheet on the forbidden surface. The resulting sound will stop your cat from rising to that surface
Step 5. Purchase a kit specially designed to startle the cat and place it on the table
These devices startle the cat with a loud noise, sudden movement, or double-sided tape. There are shops selling these kinds of preventatives, so do your research to find out which one is the most effective.
- Motion-activated air explosives are an example of an electronic device intended to prevent cats from climbing onto tables or other surfaces. This device detects the cat's motion sensor in a restricted area and “blows” air at the cat, to surprise him.
- Motion-activated alarms are another device that can help prevent cats from climbing onto tables. A motion sensor that activates a loud alarm can startle the cat and alert the owner of the cat's behavior. Some motion-activated alarms are also pressure sensitive, and activate when the cat touches them or when the cat's position coincides with the sensor. There are even pressure-sensitive “mats” that you can lay on the table to work when your cat lands on them.
- Slow motion activated alarms are a less annoying alternative than other alarms. These alarms emit high pitched sounds that cannot be heard by human or even dog ears, but prevent cats from climbing onto tables.
- Textured mats are a harmless barrier and require no electricity, batteries, or air compressors. This mat is textured with tiny, bumpy spots that are uncomfortable for a cat to step on. If you step on it, the cat will jump right out of the area.
Step 6. Use your own sound generator
Hide yourself from the cat's view and make a sudden loud noise as your cat jumps onto the table. There are lots of sounds you can use, and there are even some specially made sounds to keep cats away.
- A honking trumpet can be an effective tool for preventing a cat from climbing onto prohibited surfaces. Hide and make those noises when you catch him climbing onto the table. Just make sure that the trumpet you choose doesn't sound too loud so as not to hurt the cat's hearing.
- Some manufacturers make trumpets that make a loud sound when blown as well as spray pheromones that prevent your cat from engaging in unwanted behavior.
Method 2 of 3: Providing Other Alternatives
Step 1. Provide your cat with alternatives so that it can satisfy its natural instincts of climbing and jumping
For example, cats crave what veterinarians call “vertical challenges.” Because of this, your cat will be less interested in the table if there is something else she can jump or climb on to.
Step 2. Place a vertical cat-only piece of furniture near the window
Trees for cats, terraced mats, or climbing tools can provide a means for cats to climb, jump, and observe their surroundings. Being near a window allows the cat to monitor its prey, and this satisfies the cat's curiosity and stimulates it in such a way that it won't be attracted to jumping onto tables or other surfaces.
Step 3. Install the shelf for the cat
A shelf for cats is a padded surface that is attached to the side of a window sill. Like tree branches for cats and other cat furniture, cat shelves satisfy a cat's curiosity while providing stimulation for the cat. Choose a window with good sunlight, as cats love to bask in the sun, and a cat rack is an excellent place for this, as it is located near a window with lots of sunlight. A cat rack gives your cat an alternative place to sleep and/or monitor what's going on outside so it can distract her from jumping on the table.
Step 4. Give your cat a toy to play with on the floor
These toys can help the cat to channel its energy, so it is less interested in jumping on the table. If you can make the cat more interested in toys that are usually on the floor, you can also discourage the cat from jumping on the table. Provide different toys in turn so that the cat does not get bored and starts jumping on the table as a new form of stimulation for him.
- Many cats like simple toys, like stuffed mice and rats that you can place indoors for them to chase. Maybe your cat will even bring the toy back to you!
- Some cats will usually avoid expensive toys and instead play with empty plastic bags, boxes, clothes baskets, etc. Try different toys to see which your cat likes before buying an expensive toy.
- Many cat toys today are electronic, such as mouse toys that can walk on rails, or even ones that have wheels so they can walk around carpets or floors. There are also toys that have LED lights and other technologies. These toys can stimulate the cat, so keep them off the table.
Step 5. Give your cat some rest in the house in a warm, sunny location
Cats like resting places that allow themselves to "nest" or hide. Cats sleep for 16-20 hours a day so most of the time the cat will not be interested in jumping on the table. If you provide tempting places for your cat to sleep, you will encourage her to sleep in these places, and not on the table. You can also help make sure your cat is making the most of her sleep and not looking for new stimuli around the house, such as table tops.
Step 6. Put your cat in another room while you cook
This keeps them from being curious about what's going on on the table or the smell of delicious food in your kitchen. A cat's sense of smell is forty times stronger than a human's. Cats are capable of smelling anything you cook, and this will pique their curiosity when you're not at home, so that the cat will climb onto the kitchen counter as a source of that scent.
- Cats even have a hard time controlling their curiosity and often end up jumping on the table even while you're cooking. Keeping your cat in another room while you cook can lessen her curiosity and keep her from jumping on the table.
- Provide a toy and a comfortable place to sleep wherever you put it while you're cooking so the cat can play and feel comfortable.
- Not all cats can be successfully placed in another room while you are cooking, so don't be surprised if your cat cries in that other room. If this happens, don't leave the cat in the other room for too long to stress the cat.
Method 3 of 3: Reducing the Attractiveness of the Table
Step 1. Clear the table of human food that can tempt your cat
Again, cats have a very keen sense of smell, so food scraps left on the table can tempt the cat to come up and eat the leftovers you forgot to clean, or the cat can scratch and bite the food storage bins you put on the table. on the table. If you want to keep food on the table, place it in a container that the cat can't open by biting or scratching it.
Step 2. Clean your desk often
This will remove food odors from the table surface. Use a cleaner with germicide when you clean the table, which will remove odors that may attract your cat's attention while keeping the table surface clean and hygienic.
Choose a cleanser or germ killer, especially one that smells like citrus, aloe, eucalyptus, or wintergreen. These scents will keep the cat from getting on the table. In addition, many types of fragrances have the same effect
Step 3. Consider giving your cat more food
It's possible that your cat is climbing onto the table looking for food out of hunger. If this is the case, just give your cat more food than usual. If your cat is no longer on the table after you give him more food, this means that you have solved the problem. However, some cats do like to overeat, and even though you may have offered more food, the cat will still jump on the table. Be prepared to face this possibility.
- If you're not ready, put a bowl of dry food out for her so the cat can eat as she pleases. Many cats like to snack, which means they like to eat small amounts throughout the day instead of eating large amounts of food at each meal. If your cat likes to snack, make sure that you provide the cat with a bowl of dry food, but not more than the one-day serving stated on the package (unless your vet advises otherwise). You can also serve smaller portions throughout the day if that's convenient for you, but the point is to have a supply of food for your cat so the cat doesn't have to jump on the table looking for food.
- Pay attention to your cat's eating habits and body weight so that the cat avoids obesity when you change its regular diet.
Step 4. Try to keep your desk clear of objects that attract cats
If you have a cat toy or other object on the table that he likes to play with, the cat will be tempted to jump up there and pick it up. Keep in mind that cat toys aren't the only things that cats love to play with. Your cat may be tempted to get up on the table to play with other objects such as keys, pens, lip balm, and paper.
Also keep in mind that you shouldn't place toys near a table surface, such as in a cupboard near a table. If it sees the toy there, your cat will jump on the table to reach for it
Step 5. Close the window near the tabletop
Make sure that you cover any windows that the cat can access through the table top, with curtains or cloth. Cats like to look out the window to see the birds, squirrels, and other animals outside, so the cat will jump on the table to be near the window. That's why it's a good idea to provide an artificial tree specifically for cats or a cat rack that they can climb to see the view outside (see Method 2).
Step 6. Clean your countertop with a lemon-scented spray or lemon oil
Cats don't like lemons, so this method will work to repel your cat.
Warning
- Do not use punishment mechanisms on cats who tend to be restless. Cats with restless tendencies will actually be afraid to wander around your home.
- Don't hit or yell at your cat to get him off the table. Cats don't understand punishment for their behavior, and will only learn to develop a fear of you.
