How to Keep a Cat Off of a Windowsill

Cats love to sit in windowsills and watch birds, squirrels, other pets, and passersby, but some windowsills are off limits, especially in the kitchen. I enjoy feeding wild birds and squirrels, and my cat used to take every opportunity to jump up on the kitchen counter and onto the windowsill directly above my kitchen sink. I had to find a way to keep my cat off the kitchen windowsill, and I finally found a method that worked.

If you have a problem with a cat jumping onto a windowsill that's supposed to be off limits, give these ideas a try. What works to keep some cats down might not work for others, but hopefully at least one of these ways will work for you. It may take a little time and a lot of patience, but eventually your cat will stay off specific windowsills in your home.

Aluminum Foil

My cat hasn't attempted to jump onto the windowsill above my kitchen sink since I lined it with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cats apparently don't like the feeling of aluminum foil beneath their feet, and this idea is working exceptionally well to keep my cat down. I haven't caught him on the windowsill, and I can tell he hasn't walked on the foil.

Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil, fold it over, and lay it on the windowsill. Set something heavy in the center to keep it in place. Chances are your cat won't hop up onto the windowsill again, and eventually you'll be able to take it down when the cat decides it isn't the best window seat in the house.

Stay Away Spray

Spray to keep pets away works for some, but it didn't stop my cat from jumping on the countertop and onto the windowsill. His mind was on the birds and squirrels on the window ledge, and no amount of smelly stay off spray would have kept him away.

Despite my experience, stay off spray has worked for some to keep cats down, and it's worth a try if foil doesn't work. Follow product label instructions for use, and spray it on a folded rag or paper towel. Lay it on the windowsill, and if the urge to look out isn't too great, the spray will probably keep the cat down.

Double-Sided Tape

Pet supply stores sell double-sided tape that works to keep cats away from specific areas, and it's ideal to use on a sill. If you don't want to stick it directly to the framework, stick it to cardstock, cardboard, or something else that will stay in place. Cats don't like the way the sticky tape feels on the pads of their feet, and it's a great solution for keeping cats down from areas where they don't belong.

Orange or Lemon Oil

Cats have a natural aversion to the scent of citrus, and sills wiped down with lemon or orange oil aren't at all appealing. If the cat doesn't like the scent, chances are he'll find a different place to relax and look outside. You might even try placing citrus peels on the sill. It's a cheap way to keep cats out of windowsills, and it's definitely worth a try!