Keeping a cat off the counter

[teddybears4ever2]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep a cat off the counter?  I have tried using tape, squirting her, and many other things.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can use to keep her off the counter?

[nancyjac]

Many cats (especially younger ones) find squirt bottles, tape, and other efforts to keep them from where they want to be as part of the game.  Two alternative suggestions:

1.  Make sure the counter top is boring to her.  Remove or secure anything that would make it  an appealing place to play or nap.  Then ignore her when she jumps on the counter.  When she sees that you aren't joining her in the game by trying to keep her off and that is is actually a boring place to be, she will stop.

2.  When she jumps on the counter, give her someplace better.  A food treat or a toy or an empty box or paper bag on the floor to play with.

[teddybears4ever2]

I put tape up there once and she sat there and played with it, maybe she even liked the feeling of tape on her feet.

[Cinderella85]

My cat is smart, whenever he is doing something he shouldn't be doing, I just snap my fingers and point towards the door and he leaves the room. lol. He's such a smarty pants

[rumpled]

My boy cat that will jump off at the *sight* of the spray bottle, and he rarely gets up on the table, only when I am unpacking something, then he has to get in all the bags.

The girl seems to think they are her beds. You squirt her 20 times, and she sits there, looks at you, and calmly licks it off. She may meow like she is annoyed.

Double sided tape did nothing to deter her either. I have the bitter stuff - but I am kinda skeeved at the thought at putting it on the counters. I put it on the other stuff - like cords, that she had chewed.

[April2]

I think Savas recommended double sided sticky tape on the edges of the counter so when the cat jumps up their feet will stick. I'm not sure if it works because I haven't tried it yet but am thinking about it. I guess they don't like that feeling on their feet!
I only have one cat who does it but it does get old.
You can try the tape and see if that works. After they stop jumping on the counters you can remove the tape. I guess it's worth trying!
If anyone finds something that works let us know! I don't like them on my counters or dining room table either.

[dominosarah]

My cat owns the house and therefore the counters are included in that.  I have no solutions to your question but felt the need to chime in......sara

[PrettyKitty1]

What about bitter apple or other cat repellents? Have you tried those? Cats can be very, very persistent. I gave up with my cats; but gently poking them on the nose seems to be something they don't like so you could try that as well until she leaves, and continue to do it every time she jumps on the counter.  Thing is.......she will probably do it when you aren't looking. You've gotta love'em for that lol.....