How To Keep Cats off Countertops

While some cats are naturally more curious than others, almost all pet parents will experience their cat jumping onto counters and getting into mischief. It might seem like cats do this to give their humans a hard time, but the behavior actually stems from instincts to protect themselves and to search for food, as cats would in the wild.

However, it’s a good idea to discourage cats from jumping onto counters so they don’t injure themselves or get into dangerous human foods or toxic chemicals.

Instead, cats should feel empowered to seek out more ideal spots in the home for perching so they can express this normal behavior safely.

Why Do Cats Jump Onto Countertops?

Cats jump onto countertops for a few reasons.

1. Countertops Are a Good Vantage Point

Countertops are one of your home’s most easily accessible raised areas. Cats may see them as a good vantage point to see what’s going on while protecting themselves from any potential dangers.

As prey-predators (small-bodied hunters who themselves are hunted by larger animals in the wild), cats have a natural tendency to be on high alert for threats, even in their familiar home environment.

Because of this, countertops are an ideal location for many cats to perch. Some cats might even prefer to eat their meals on the elevated surface of a countertop.

2. Your Cat Is Looking for Food

Cats can learn quickly that countertops are where human meals are prepared—and perhaps where cat treats are stored. So, they may seek out the countertop as a potential source of human food scraps and other high-value items.

3. It’s Attention-Seeking Behavior

Cats can also use counter surfing as a method to get attention from human family members, since it can be hard to ignore a cat who is closer to eye level on a countertop.

Cats may jump onto counters for attention more often when they are mentally understimulated and have not had enough interactive playtime with family members. They may also seek attention when they’re not feeling well or when they’re stressed or anxious.

It’s important to figure out why your cat is jumping onto counters and asking for your attention so you can address their needs.

Are Countertops Dangerous for Cats?

No matter the cause, it’s best to discourage your cat from jumping onto countertops. It can be dangerous for cats—some can injure themselves jumping down from high places, especially if they’re limited by health conditions such as arthritis. Cats can also hurt themselves on objects kept on countertops, such as knives or hot burners on a stovetop.

Cats can also push objects off countertops, which poses safety risks. For example, a shattered drinking glass might cut your cat if they jump down and land on the shards.

And if you store foods such as onions or chocolate, or chemicals such as household cleaners, on your countertop, your curious kitty could potentially ingest those substances and become sick. Even skin contact with certain substances could be harmful to them.

From a human safety standpoint, allowing cats on the counter could risk contaminating food prepared on that surface. So keeping your kitty off the counter is in everyone’s best interest.

How To Keep Cats off the Counter

Depending on the cause of your cat’s counter-jumping behavior, there are several ways to discourage them from wanting to be on the counter in the first place.

But if your cat is suddenly counter surfing more than usual, talk to your vet. Behavior changes like this can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

1. Provide Cat-Friendly Elevated Spaces

If your cat likes to climb to have a safe vantage point for observing their domain, consider providing them with cat trees or wall-mounted cat shelves.

When your cat uses these instead of the counter, praise and reward them. This positive reinforcement encourages your kitty to continue using their own furniture instead of the counter.

2. Make Sure Your Cat Gets Enough Food

Cats jumping on a counter in search of food might not be getting enough to eat, so ensure you’re feeding them the right amount of food on a consistent schedule. If your cat is on a diet, feeding them at least a portion of their meals from treat-dispensing toys might help curb their hunger between meals and distract them from feeling hungry.

3. Play With Your Cat

Toys can also be helpful for bored cats who are jumping up on counters to get their humans’ attention. Wand toys for interactive playtime will keep your cat mentally stimulated and satisfied.

4. Calm Your Cat

Cats experiencing stress or anxiety might benefit from calming products, such as Purina Pro Plan Calming Care probiotic powder or Feliway MultiCat calming pheromone diffuser.

5. Deter Your Cat

If possible, you might just need to keep your cat out of the kitchen. If that’s not possible, you can use deterrents as a last resort.

Spray bottles, forced-air devices, loud noises, and physical punishment should be avoided. Rather, use gentle methods like placing aluminum foil or sticky tape on your countertops so your cat is exposed to an unpleasant—though not painful—sensation when jumping onto the counter.

If all else fails, put away all human food, chemicals, and sharp objects. This way, if you just can’t prevent your cat from jumping on the counter, the risk of injury or illness is at least much lower.