Cat Deterrents

Q: My cat gets up on the counter. How can I train my cat to stay on the floor?

A: There are at least three ways to approach this problem. The first is mechanical: meaning something the cat runs into. I suggest Sticky Paws which is applied to the counter and the cat lands on it. It is a sticky tape, and the cat doesn't like the feel of it on his feet.

The problem with this method is that the sticky paws gets dirty, an upleasant situation on a counter. The strips must be changed often, and removed while cooking,

The second is using a chemical deterrent. For this I suggest the No-Go Cat Deterrent. It comes in a spray bottle and is applied to the counter.

The last one requires a person to watch the cat. This can provide negative attention, but if handled properly, it is quite effective. Fill a squirt bottle with water, set it to stream. When you catch the cat going onto a surface where it is not allowed, spray by aiming for the face, but try to avoid the ears. Say the word "no" at the same time.

Q: I just got a new cat and it jumps on the kitchen counter. I don't want it on the counter or dining table. What can I do?

A: This question is similar to the first question, but I have other ideas for you. The easiest is something called "Sticky Paws" but it can be fairly expensive in this application. Try double-sided tape, several strips laid side by side. The tape will pick up food, hair, spilled coffee and sugar and become really nasty, so change it several times a day. Cats don't like the feel of the stickiness on their feet, and will jump down.

For the dining table, use a plastic sheet on the table surface to protect the table. Then, use the tape.

This is all fine and good for immediate results. However, you will need to apply cliker training or some other method to teach the cat that being in these areas is not acceptable.

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