Reasons Cats Like Jumping on the Kitchen Counter (And How to Stop It)

Cats can be somewhat mysterious animals. Some odd quirks like Mr Whiskers’ love for small boxes, following you into the bathroom, or rubbing against you (and other objects) can be endearing. But others, such as jumping on the kitchen counter, are often less desirable behaviours for cat owners. Not sure why your cat loves jumping on the kitchen counter? Cat in a Flat explains the main reasons your fur friend enjoys hopping up on the counter and what you can do to stop it.

Why does my cat like jumping on the kitchen counter?

Why does my cat like jumping on the kitchen counter? Felines are very curious animals and tend to have a mind of their own. It’s not always easy to establish boundaries with Mr Whiskers because, well, cats tend to do what they like, when they like! That said, there can be a variety of reasons why your kitty loves jumping up on the kitchen counter. 

Cats love high places

Your tiny house tiger might like the kitchen counter because it’s a high place from where they can survey their kingdom. Often, the kitchen is the heart of the household, so there’s a lot to see and observe from the countertop! 

It’s the social centre

Our fur friends often have the reputation of being standoffish and aloof. But the truth is, most cats want to spend time around their favourite humans. (Which explains why your cat likes sleeping on you and your laundry!) If you spend time every day in the kitchen, it’s possible your feline likes to hang out there, too. 

They want attention

Cats are experts at getting attention—whether it’s by knocking things off tables or jumping on the kitchen counter. So, it’s possible Mr Whiskers knows that jumping on the counter will get an immediate reaction from you. 

Your cat is curious

There are probably all kinds of interesting sounds and smells in your kitchen—especially when you’re cooking. Your fur friend may just be curious about these, or knows they will find a tasty treat if they jump on the counter. Cats also love running water, so your kitty may want to explore your kitchen faucet too. 

How to stop my cat jumping on the counter

It can be frustrating to have your cat jump up on the counter even when you tell them ‘No’. What’s important to remember is that you can’t train felines the same way you would a dog. Most kitties will ignore verbal warnings, which can make it tricky at times to set rules. However, with the right approach and plenty of patience, it is possible to teach your cat to stop jumping on the counter. Here are a few tips to get you started: 

Make the counter less appealing

Start by removing items from your countertop that might spark your fur friend’s interest. This can be anything from plants, to food, to mail. Try to keep your kitchen counter as clutter free as possible so there’s less for Mr Whiskers to play with or explore. 

Remove access to the counter

If you can, close off access to your kitchen whenever you’re not at home. Not only will this stop your cat from jumping on the counter when you’re not around, but it will help break the overall habit. And if you’re going out of town, be sure to let your cat sitter know that your furry friend is not allowed on the kitchen counter. 

Focus on playtime

If you suspect your cat is jumping on the counter because they’re bored or want attention, then you should aim to increase their daily enrichment. Schedule in more playtime each day with your cat and provide toys for solo play when you’re not around. If you’re gone for many hours during the day and concerned your feline isn’t getting enough enrichment, consider hiring a sitter to pop in to play with your cat. 

Provide alternatives

A great way to distract your cat from jumping on the counter is by providing another, more suitable alternative. Scratching trees, attachable window perches, and cat-friendly shelves are all excellent options for your fur friend! 

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Redirect and reinforce

It’s important to remember that you should NEVER punish your cat for jumping on the counter. Felines don’t react well to punishment, and your kitty most likely won’t understand why you’re upset. And not only can punishing your cat make them feel afraid or distressed, but it may cause them to distrust you too. Instead, find ways to redirect their attention and reinforce good behaviour. 

For example, when your cat jumps on the counter, gently move them to a more suitable spot. If they stay there, give them a treat. Or, place a climbing tree near your counter and reward your cat when they jump up there instead of the counter. This will reinforce the positive behaviour and make Mr Whiskers less likely to use your countertop as a perch. 

Use a deterrent

Deterrents should only be a last resort after you’ve tried everything else. Before using them, consider carefully whether deterrents will cause major stress to your feline. The last thing you want to do is harm your kitty or have to deal with an aggressive cat. If you feel it’s a safe option and the only way to stop your cat from jumping on the counter, try these low-stress deterrents: 

• Sticky tape: Placing double sided tape on your counter can be an effective deterrent, as many felines won’t like the feeling of stickiness on their paws. 
• Foil: Taping crinkled aluminium foil to your kitchen countertop may help, as some cats don’t like the noise or feel of foil. 

And be consistent!

The most important tool for teaching your cat to stop jumping on the counter is consistency. While you may have a few frustrating days or weeks, with persistent work you will be able to teach your fur friend to find other places to perch. 

Looking for more tips on feline behaviour? Learn why your cat loves scratching your furniture (and how to stop it) and what to do when your kitty brings dead animals as ‘gifts’.