How to Keep a Cat Off the Kitchen Table

Cats love to jump and climb, and they want the best seat in the house. Sometimes the best seat in the house isn't a seat at all, and it ends up being the kitchen table. When a cat sees a any type of platform it views that platform as a place to lay down or sit, and it can't tell the difference between a chair that's okay to sit on and a kitchen table that's off limits. However, a cat can tell the difference between a happy human and an unhappy human, but even when constantly scolding the cat, chances are it will keep going back - until it associates that kitchen table with something unpleasant.

If you have a cat that insists on jumping on the kitchen table, consider the following ways to keep it off the kitchen table. It will take time to train the kitty to stay off the kitchen table, but cats are intelligent creatures, and they're also stubborn. Your cat will finally learn where he's allowed to go without continual scolding. You can keep him off the kitchen table for good!

Water Mist

Most felines don't like water, and a water bottle is a great training aid for those with a cat that refuses to stay off a kitchen table. Fill a spray bottle with water, and keep it close at hand. When the cat does the unthinkable, give it a quick spray of water. Chances are the cat will immediately jump down and run off, but he'll be back. Each time you catch the cat on the kitchen table, give him a spray. The little bit of mist won't harm the furniture or the cat, but it will send a message to the cat. It may take a few weeks, but he'll eventually learn to stay off where he doesn't belong.

Stay Off Spray

Spray used to keep pets away from specific areas is fantastic for keeping cats off kitchen tables, but it shouldn't be sprayed directly on wood furniture or places where food is served or consumed. However, it can be sprayed on a paper towel or rag, and it can be draped over a centerpiece. The scent is enough to keep some cats off, and it isn't a scent that travels through the air or stinks up a room. Give it a try to see if your cat considers it offensive enough to keep him off of places he doesn't belong.

Noise Maker

Cats have an excellent sense of hearing. Their ears are designed to rotate and pick up any and all sounds. This helps when training a cat to stay off of a kitchen table because when they do something unacceptable, sound can be used to deter the bad behavior.

Fill a dry empty aluminum soda pop can with coins or small stones. Each time the cat is caught on the kitchen table, shake the can and say no in a very stern voice. It will take more than one lesson to teach your cat to stay off the table, but in time he'll associate the sound with what he's doing, and he'll stay off the table for good.