Having a pet in your home is a joy. And new troubles. The fluffy ball is trying to climb higher and taste everything. It can be difficult to stop a cat from climbing on a table. A selection of clever life hacks from experienced owners will help you cope with this difficult task. Thanks to these tips, even the most ill-mannered cat will become an exemplary pet.
Causes of lawlessness
To catch a cat, you need to think like a cat. Therefore, first you should figure out why the fluffy climbs onto the dining table. There could be a lot of reasons for this.
Why does the cat walk on the table?
- He is exploring . Little kittens ignore rules unconsciously. Kids explore the world and try not to miss a single interesting detail. Everything needs to be sniffed and knocked over.
- Delicious smell . As a rule, the table smells of food, and it’s rare that a cat doesn’t stretch out its muzzle to catch the smell of meat. But animals have a much stronger sense of smell, so they can even smell traces of food. This is why cats jump even on an empty table.
- Passion for heights . Predators like to climb trees to observe their territory from above. There are no tall plants at home, so we have to adapt.
- Plots a route . Sometimes the table is not the end point of the cat's route. If the furniture is on the way to the window, the woolen one will walk along it without even noticing his “misdeed.”
- It's getting warm . Sometimes the floor is cold or there are drafts. Heat-loving cats are looking for a secluded place to sleep, and this place can even be the dining tabletop.
- Craves attention . The most risky stock. Some cats sit right in front of their owner while he's having dinner. It is unlikely that they are praised for this, but pets try to attract the owner’s attention with their immodest persona.
No matter how beloved your pet is, it is not advisable for him to climb onto the table. Firstly, there may be food there that animals should not eat. Secondly, hygiene must be maintained. After all, the paws that stepped on the table had just come out of the toilet. Don't forget about wool. They say that in a house where there is a cat, lint is a seasoning. But it is better to eliminate this “spice” from food.
Simple life hacks from experienced owners will help you wean your cat off this bad habit.
Effective methods for weaning yourself from a bad habit
It is imperative to wean your cat from walking on the kitchen table and other surfaces in this room, and for several reasons. The first of these is hygiene. Nobody likes cat hair as a seasoning. In addition, the cat steps on the floor with its paws, climbs under sofas and on cabinets, where it is very dusty. And in general, many microorganisms that are relatively safe for cats can be harmful to people. No matter how clean she may be, her concepts of cleanliness are still different.
Secondly, household and cutlery may be unsafe for the animal itself. Thirdly, a cat, while living in a house, must still follow basic rules of behavior. Even if an animal considers itself the rightful owner of the apartment and the king of the world, it still must adhere to some rules of the hostel.
From infancy, the owner must explain in a popular manner, understandable to the cat, but without using physical measures, how to behave in the house.
If time is lost, and the cat has acquired the habit of sitting, walking or sleeping on the table, then experts offer several tips for weaning the animal from incorrect behavior.
The next time you attack the table, you should use a toy weapon - a water pistol. If you don’t have one, you can use a spray bottle or any other device that sprays liquid. When the cat jumps to the surface, you need to spray water on it.
Most of these animals categorically do not like such influences. In order for it to understand what they want from it, the procedure needs to be repeated several times. That is, if a cat jumps off in response to a “shot” and leaves, then you need to detain it, put it back on the table and spray it with a pistol. Then she will understand that the owner disapproves of her behavior, and thus punishes her.
Another method to play on cats’ dislike of water is to place a baking tray filled with liquid on the table. The item should be secured well, for example, with double-sided tape, and water should be poured. Then you need to remove from the cat’s access area all objects that it can use as intermediate steps on the way to its goal. That is, move the chairs in, remove the shelves if possible. The cat will have to jump from the floor. Having raised a sheaf of spray, the cat will experience a number of unpleasant sensations, and is unlikely to risk repeating the maneuver. However, it is still worth repeating the experiment, in case the knowledge gained is not fixed in the cat’s memory at once.
Treating kitchen surfaces with strong-smelling substances is another effective way to wean your cat from walking on them. These animals have an extremely negative attitude towards strong odors, especially those emitted by acids. Spraying essential oils with citrus scents and treating surfaces with a solution of acetic acid will help rid your cat of a bad habit.
Another common method to stop a cat from jumping anywhere is to cover the surface with foil. The rustling of this material is extremely unpleasant and even scary for these animals, and the pet will quickly stop jumping into such a dangerous place, in its opinion.
Another option is tape. This is one of the most commonly suggested methods. By placing pieces of this sticky material on the table, you can permanently discourage the animal from jumping into an unauthorized place. An almost win-win option is foil and tape at the same time.
Unexpected fall
The method is somewhat inhumane, but one session may be enough for the cat to forget the way to the table. To carry out the plan, you will need a lightweight plastic tray.
The tabletop is furnished with “inconvenient” objects so that only one side remains free. Bottles and pots will come in handy as an impromptu fence. Place the tray on the free side, pushing it slightly beyond the edge of the tabletop. You can pour some water into the tray itself.
Further events can be predicted. The cat doesn't want to jump on the tray, but there is no choice, because the whole table is occupied. The animal jumps, knocking over the tray. Water pours onto the cat, and the container itself falls to the floor with a crash.
After such a procedure, the pet will not dare to explore the table for a long time. For greater effect, the grief tray can be left in sight for several days.
Why is a cat interested in a table?
In fact, there are not many reasons why a cat often visits the surface of the table. One of the most common is curiosity. You could easily leave something interesting on the table, and the cat decided to check out the unidentified object. If you want to prevent your pet from jumping on the table, you should not leave objects on it that are worthy of your pet’s attention.
In addition, if the cat is hungry or thirsty, then trying to find food on the table will be a great idea for him. In such cases, it is best to monitor whether there is food on his plate and whether the water in his bowl is clean.
Many cats feel that their place to rest is not comfortable enough, so lying on a table is the best option for them. In order to prevent this disgrace, try to make every effort to make the cat feel comfortable and cozy in other places in the apartment. Then he will definitely not be entertained by thoughts of sneaking onto your table.
It is recommended to purchase a cat house that will be located at a height of a meter from the floor. It will arouse much more interest in your pet, especially a young one, and he will stop paying attention to most of the furniture in the apartment.
Foil covering
The method is similar to the previous one, but is more secure. This method is not suitable for small kittens. It is better to use it against adult, conscious offenders. Regular foil will help stop cats from climbing on the table.
The edges of the table top are wrapped in food foil, pressing it down slightly. The layer will quickly take the shape of the tabletop and will not give itself away.
Next, the cat tries to jump in a familiar pattern. His front paws catch on the foil and it slides off. The animal falls.
It may take several approaches and a whole roll of foil, but sooner or later the effect will be noticeable. The cat will give up the obsession.
Why the kitchen table attracts animals
How to stop a cat from climbing on the table
Having figured out the methods of influence that will help wean your pet from walking on the table, it is worth understanding why they generally like to be in territory that is forbidden to them. The answer to this question lies in several reasons.
Curiosity
First of all, the reason for such chaos is cat curiosity. This is an innate character trait, so the cat will always climb into all corners of the house, as well as pieces of furniture. New interesting objects that the owner brings home will always be the center of attention of the animal. The objects on the table will not be left out of attention.
Curiosity attracts cats to the table
To prevent a curious animal from being interested in climbing onto the kitchen table, you just need to remove all objects from it and leave it completely empty.
Advice! It is worth pushing all the chairs around the table under the table.
Search for food
Cats love to steal food from humans. Everyone knows that instincts are developed not only in wild animals, but also in domestic cats, so they consider stolen food to be their rightful prey. You can combat this in the following way: after a meal, put all food in the refrigerator, carefully collect leftover food, wiping the surface.
The cat climbs onto the table for food
Desire to rest
Furry friends love to sleep where the aroma of food is present. Sitting on the tabletop, like on a bed, and stretching out to their full height, they feel quite comfortable. To avoid such arrogant behavior, you need to equip a special place for your pet where he will feel good and cozy.
Advice! Since cats like to climb higher, to enhance the effect, you can put a cat resting place, for example, on a nightstand.
Cat in a cozy lounger
Love for heights
Four-legged pets like to watch what is happening from above. They climb higher and from there they look at what is happening below. Basically, this behavior can be noticed when there are several animals living in the house.
In this case, the owner will come to the aid of a special shelf that needs to be hung in the kitchen. It will serve as an “observation post.” If a cat jumps on the table, you need to shush him and move him to a personal shelf.
Cats love to climb higher
Finding a warm place
During the cold season, cats are always looking for warm places for themselves. As you know, warm air rises, so animals consider a table an excellent place for a cozy pastime.
To keep your pet warm outside the kitchen countertop area, you need to build a hammock for him near the radiator or move a chair next to it. It is also necessary to remove the desk lamp and laptop from the table after using them, as they also emit heat, attracting unwanted attention.
Warm place for the cat
Hunting instinct
Cats are natural hunters. If the table is near the window, then the animal can sit on it to watch what is happening on the street through the window. Cats can follow a fly, a bird or the glare of the sun.
In this situation, it is necessary to curtain the window or act more radically and move the table to another place. There is another, more cunning option: you can hang a bird feeder opposite another window, thereby providing the animal with a new place to observe.
If you find out the answers to the questions why cats like to jump on the table and why it is dangerous, it will be easier to deal with this problem. A few simple ways will help you fight your pet’s bad habit. Having studied these methods, pet owners will be able to easily put all the tips into practice. You just need to be patient, spend a little time, and everything will definitely work out.
Scented repeller
A cat's nose is the strongest indicator of odors. It can capture aroma in just a few molecules. And strong and intrusive odors act like an explosion on animals.
To stop your cat from visiting the table, it is enough to “scent” the tabletop with unpleasant odors for your pet:
- You can rub the surface with a piece of lemon or orange. The method is effective, but the scent will have to be updated periodically.
- Natural aromatic oils . It is enough to saturate the fabric with them and leave it on the table. No cat will go into the danger zone. However, it is worth choosing pleasant options so as not to wean your household away from the table.
- Aroma lamp . A good way to wean your pet and at the same time transform the atmosphere in the house. The same aromatic oils are poured into the lamp, a drop of water is added and the candle is lit. A floral train will turn the table into a real cat's nightmare.
The disadvantage of aromatherapy is that the cat can overcome irritation in order to still explore the table. And if she stepped over herself once, then no smells will be scary to her anymore.
Video: raising a cat correctly
Practice shows that the method using citrus essential oils is practically fail-safe. It effectively solves the problem of a cat climbing on tables in your absence and fills your home with a pleasant and refreshing aroma, which, by the way, also has a positive effect on your health, having immunostimulating and antiseptic properties. The main thing is that until the cat learns to walk where it is not supposed to, do not forget to treat the necessary surfaces before leaving the room. As with any treatment, the main thing here is systematicity.
Sticky method
According to reviews from owners, this method can be considered the most effective. You will need tape or sticky tape. You can also use double-sided stationery.
A so-called sticky perimeter is constructed on the table. Place tape on all edges with the adhesive side facing up. When the cat decides to land on the countertop, its paws will become glued. You will have to lick the pads for a long time and remember your fiasco.
Several features of the method:
- The owner must understand that he will also have to work hard. It’s not easy to clean the table from double-sided tape, so it’s better to use regular tape and struggle with securing it.
- The method is only suitable for short-haired breeds. If a piece of tape sticks to a fur coat of a fluffy cat, it will have to be cut off.
- It is better to wean small kittens from the table in other ways. A young pet may become frightened, thinking that it has fallen into a trap. And his strength is not enough to peel off the tape on his own.
- It is better not to leave the cat alone with the trap. Some animals react in ways that are not entirely predictable. Playful cats try to attack the “grabbing” one. In this case, the pet may be completely wrapped in tape, from where it will have to be rescued.
How to stop a cat from climbing on the table:
- Take a baking tray and fill it with a small amount of water - one centimeter will be enough. Place it so that it is invisible from a cat's view. When the cat jumps on the table, it will certainly wet its paws. And since almost all cats are afraid of water, she is unlikely to want to jump there again.
- You can place empty plastic bottles on the table. When the cat jumps on the table, they will fall to the floor with a roar, which will frighten the kitty, and she will hastily leave.
- You can scare the animal away from the table using foil - cats do not like smooth, rustling surfaces. They won't feel comfortable walking on the foil and will probably jump off the table.
- Cats don't like sticky surfaces either - you can stick double-sided tape to the tabletop. Having jumped onto such a table and slightly stuck to its surface, the cat will not want to be on it and will go off to do other things.
- Some smells repel cats - the aroma of orange peels, which is quite pleasant to humans, will drive the cat away from the table.
Splashes and waves
Not a bad method, but its implementation will require the constant presence of the owner. And during the experiment, the friendship between a person and a cat may suffer.
So, every time the cat jumps on the table, he is sprayed with warm water from a spray bottle. And every time he certainly gets angry with the person, because the shooter will not be able to go unnoticed.
The duration of the method depends on the cat’s persistence. Some test subjects stop trying after the first shower. For others, it will take a few generous waves to learn the lesson. If you act systematically, you can wean your cat off the table very quickly.
The disadvantage of the method is that the cat will clearly associate the owner’s person with the intrusive splashes. Therefore, she will certainly walk around the table when left alone at home. Leaving valuables and food in plain sight is not recommended.
Effective methods
There are several ways to stop a cat from climbing on a table, shared by their owners. These methods have been used by animal lovers more than once, so their experience can be trusted.
The kitchen table is one of the favorite places for cats.
When exchanging experiences, the animal owners came to the conclusion that aggressive actions will not lead to the desired effect: the cat will regard them as a personal attitude towards her, and will not understand the owner’s indignation regarding her presence on the table. As a result, she will not only continue to climb onto the table, but will also harbor a grudge against the owner.
Important! Under no circumstances should you beat an animal or pour water on it.
Empty tin cans
Place tin cans in the middle of the table surface. The idea behind this method is that cats don’t like loud noises. The next time he “conquers” the kitchen table, the fluffy will probably drop at least one of these cans, creating an unpleasant crash. The animal will react instantly and run away.
Using tin cans
Baking tray with water
Place a baking sheet or tray filled with water in the center of the table. Everyone knows that in 99% of cases our smaller brothers avoid contact with water. When trying to jump onto the surface, the cat will wet its paws and immediately leave the “scene”.
Using a baking tray
Scotch
Cover the surface of the piece of furniture with tape. It can be classic or double-sided. When the cat climbs onto the table, the tape will stick to its paws. The animal will begin to intensively wave its paws in an attempt to get rid of foreign objects it does not understand. Since cats are very clean by nature, after such an “adventure” she will lick her dirty paw pads for a long time and is unlikely to want to repeat the experiment.
Using tape
Foil
Place sheets of foil along the edges of the table. This should be done in such a way that part of the foil hangs off the table. Just like noise, pets do not like the sound of rustling foil. In addition, cats are uncomfortable with the feeling that occurs when their paw comes into contact with metal foil, so they will definitely avoid these places.
Using foil
If you use one of the listed methods, then the cat, finding itself on the table with a “trap,” may experience shock. When the animal starts to run away in panic, it may hit the corner of the back of the chair hard and get hurt.
The kindest way
Rumor has it that there is an owner who managed to raise a cat using this method. But only owners with colossal patience and nerves of steel can use it. The method is to distract the animal and encourage good behavior.
Every time the cat tries to climb onto the table, the cat is distracted. You can simply call her or lure her with food. Kittens are attracted to play. By replacing your pet’s motivation with a stronger one, you can wean him off a bad habit.
If the cat jumped on the table for the owner's attention, then attempts to attract the person will become stronger. When the pet has become too intrusive, it is enough to regularly play with it to drive it away from the kitchen table.
What not to do
When raising a furry friend, it is better to avoid physical force and loud screams. You cannot hit, swing, or shout at the animal. No need to spray water from a spray bottle. When owners scare their pets and punish them for misbehavior, they themselves become the cause of stress for the cat. And this is a dangerous condition that is often not fully appreciated.
The cat cannot connect her action with punishment. She will be offended and stop trusting. The pet will develop a negative association with the owner, and not with her being in the wrong place. The resentment in the cat's soul will lurk for a long time, but it will still continue to jump on the table.
Extreme measures
If water and tape don't work, it's time to move on to the big guns. The method can be considered a last resort, so it is better to resort to it after the previous points.
Pet stores sell special contact mats to stop cats from climbing on tables. The principle of operation is amazingly simple. As soon as a cat's paw touches the surface, that same paw is struck by a current discharge. The voltage in the device is small, so it won’t harm the animal’s health, but it can easily ruin his mood and turn the affectionate Barsik into a nervous furball.
If the need for weaning is more important than the moral state of the cat, you can buy a mat. It is better to do the weaning procedure under close supervision.
Feeding rules for owners
The first question for the owner is: is the cat eating enough? You may be mistaken in thinking that you are feeding your pet well. If you notice that your pet is stealing food from the table, make sure that you provide it with adequate nutrition.
When weaning your animal from climbing onto the table, follow a few “food” rules:
- before you sit down at the table, first feed your pet well;
- Offer a cat begging for food something unappetizing, for example, highly peppered meat. He must understand that your food is not tasty;
- Train your animal to wait quietly while you prepare dinner. Stop attempts at persistent begging. If you give in, the cat will decide to climb onto the table.
By weaning a cat from stealing food, it can show character and begin to starve. Your task is not to give in. Soon the pet will realize that it is better to eat what is in its bowl.
Cats steal food even when they are full - they are driven by curiosity or the instinct of a hunter. This behavior requires correction.
How to make a table uninteresting for a cat
If the cat eats enough and still steals food by climbing on the table out of curiosity, then start with gentle methods. Try to make him lose interest in the table. Firstly, after eating, food must be removed so that nothing remains on the surface that attracts the animal. If there is no research item left, the cat may lose interest in the table.
If the table is empty almost all the time, but the cat still jumps there, it means that it is not food that attracts him. Animals love to watch what is happening from above. In this case, set up a tree house for your pet. A tall scratching post, a climbing tree, or a shelf against the wall will do.
Perhaps the cat found shelter on the table from small children or from the dog? Make sure you have a quiet and secluded area for him. The same applies to the desire to create a warm, cozy place to sleep. This is especially true in winter. Set up a cat bed near the radiator. You can rearrange the chair. And if the table is located by the window and serves as an observation point, then rearrange the kitchen.
Ways to teach your pet a lesson
If a cat climbs on the kitchen table, you need to stop such liberties. There is no point in throwing a kitten off the surface or hitting it. You won’t achieve full results, but you can ruin your relationship with your cat. Let's look at the main ways to raise your pet.
Scaring sounds
In order to wean your cat from climbing on work surfaces in the kitchen, leave tin trays or bowls in the center of the countertop. The next time the animal jumps there, the dishes will fly down with a crash. Such a sound will certainly frighten your pet, and if not the first time, then after several such situations he will forget about this surface.
Since your furry pet doesn’t like loud, unpleasant sounds too much, you can take advantage of this in the process of instilling good manners in him. Cover the tabletop with foil or plastic bags. When the cat starts rustling on the table with its paws, it will simply be afraid of the effect.
Strong odors
If the cat continues to climb onto the table, it’s time to use pungent scents, because they can also scare the animal. A good way out of the situation would be to treat the countertop with a vinegar solution. Of course, the smell will persist for some time, but the cat will stop dozing on this surface.
Alternatively, place a few wedges of fresh lemon on the table or sprinkle some lemon juice on your napkins. The cat also does not like the aroma of citrus fruits, and this is worth remembering if you want to wean her from climbing on the table.
Irritating surface
When a kitten jumps on the table, it is important to promptly fix in his mind the not-so-pleasant associations with such a process. To do this, place a baking tray with cold water in the center of the surface and wait until your cat decides to try his luck again. After a swim, the pet will be seriously scared, so it is unlikely to try to climb onto the table again.
Watch the cat during the process. If she suddenly decides to be cautious and bypass the baking sheet, place her paws in the water. In this case, a reflex will be fixed in her consciousness: the table is an unpleasant place for her. True, it is quite possible that you will have to repeat this procedure.
Double-sided tape should also be considered an irritating surface. You can use it to cover your kitchen work surface. A cat, having once walked across such a table, will no longer want to repeat its experience. However, keep in mind that peeling off the tape is not so easy.
Radical methods
You can wean your cat from walking on the table using more radical methods. Buy a special electric mat, spread it on the countertop and connect it to the network. The cat will receive a light shock as soon as he jumps in there again. Such measures will once and for all help your pet forget about his favorite prank. There is no need to worry about the cat’s health - a little current will not harm it in any way, but you will certainly achieve the desired effect.
