Cats are soft, warm, and cuddly companions that are wonderful to have around on rainy days or chilly nights. Unfortunately, they can also be real jerks when they want to be. They love jumping up on the kitchen counters to scavenge for food or to see what you’re cooking, and it can be hard to stop them from doing this!
Getting Cats to Leave the Kitchen Cans
If your cat is constantly clambering up on the kitchen counters, it’s time to consider some potential causes. Some of these reasons are food-related, while others are behavioral issues that need to be addressed.
The first cause is that your cat is looking for a way to escape from someone or something. This is especially true if your kitty is being chased by a dog or small child in the house. Providing an adequate vertical escape route for your cat, like a cat tree or window perch, can help keep her from relocating to the kitchen when things get too intense.
Alternatively, your cat may simply be bored with the kitchen. If this is the case, try spending some quality time with your cat so she feels cherished and appreciated. This will go a long way toward preventing your kitty from jumping up on the counters to scavenge for their favorite foods or toys.
Another common reason that cats jump up on the kitchen counters is that they are thirsty. Make sure that you provide your kitty with plenty of fresh water at all times.
If you notice that your cat is licking the water from your faucet, consider getting them a fountain so they can have a place to drink. This will also help reduce the chances of them licking up other things that could be harmful to their health, such as cleaning supplies or chemicals.
Use Peppermint Essential Oil to Detour Your Cat
Some pet experts believe that using a few drops of peppermint essential oil will deter your cat from jumping up on the kitchen counters. This is because the scent of peppermint is similar to a smell that cats are sensitive to, which can cause them to avoid the area entirely.
Spraying your kitchen counters with unpleasant scents from food or other sources, such as garlic, citrus, and orange peels can also prevent your cat from jumping up on the counters to eat them. It will also discourage your cat from licking the food off of your counters, as it can be dangerous for them to do so.
Finally, you can try putting a layer of aluminum foil on the top of your kitchen counters. This will create a crinkly sound that is likely to frighten your cat away from the counters altogether.
If you’re still having trouble keeping your cat off the kitchen counters, talk to a veterinarian about what you can do. They can recommend changes to your kitty’s feeding schedule or diet that will help him feel less motivated to climb up on the kitchen counters and scavenge for his favorite foods.