My cat won't stop jumping on counters. What really works to train him?

Question

My cat Bingley has become very naughty. He hops on counters, the stove, the refrigerator... Anywhere and everywhere. We have tried EVERYTHING to discourage this behavior but he doesn't seem to learn from anything. He does not respond to tone of voice, loud noise, a swat with a newspaper, spray bottle... He does not seem bothered by any of these things and will continue the bad behavior right away, sometimes keeping me up all night trying to control him. Please help me, how do I make him learn? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 14 days old | 6 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry that Bingley is being so bad! First for your sanity, at night I would confine him so he isn't keeping you up at night. Put him in the basement (with food, water and litter boxes) or a separate room. That will keep him from getting in to things and allow you to sleep. The good news is that he will grow out of this behavior, he is very young still. As for getting up on the counters, etc: cats like high places. First provide alternatives, get a couple of cat trees or other things to enrich his environment. Make sure all food is put away and the facet doesn't drip so he isn't attracted to the counters. Then you have to make the counters unpleasant: cover the counters with textures cats hate — aluminum foil is one example; cardboard covered with double-faced masking tape or shelf liner is another. No, you won’t have your counters covered forever, but you will need to keep them covered while your cat learns to use the new perches. For the more determined cat, you can look at harmless automatic devices that discourage counter cruising by making sounds cats dislike when they trigger a pressure pad or electronic eye by jumping up. I hope this helps and have a great day!

My cat won't stop jumping on counters. What really works to train him?

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