Keep Cats off Counters & Furniture

Posted by Jennifer Copley Jul 30, 2008

All cats should be provided with a scratch post and trainedto use it. However, some cats have a strong preference for scratching the furniture and many cats like to jump up on kitchen counters, tabletops and other surfaces that owners prefer to keep cat-free. Hitting or yelling at cats for engaging in problem behaviours is a bad idea, as it can lead to anxiety and aggression.

To keep cats off surfaces such as countertops, cover them with carpet runner or car mats (bumpy side up), or clear tape (sticky side up) for a week or two to break the habit. If you use sticky tape, be sure to buy a non-toxic brand. Sticky Paws offers of a variety of non-toxic double-sided surface tape products designed specifically to keep cats from clawing furniture, jumping on counters and climbing into plant pots.

Cats loathe sticky surfaces, and after a couple of attempts at walking on them will usually begin to avoid the area. When the habit is broken, the tape can be removed. Sticky tape or upside-down carpet runner is also useful in discouraging cats from peeing on furniture and other surfaces if there is an area outside the litter box that the cat uses regularly.