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How do I stop my cat from jumping on kitchen counters and eating food?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 8.75 lbs

My cat won't stop jumping on our kitchen counters looking for food and eating out of the sink. We cant keep any food out. Ive spoken to our vet and nothing she can do. It's my fault. When she was a kitten, in my apartment I would feed her off my counter, chicken ect. But now I'm in a house with my husband and newborn and she won't stop searching. We've tried everything, tapes, scat mat, machines that puff air ect. I'm thinking about invisible fence inside my home. What should I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 8th, 2018

Have you tried crating her? Or confining her to another part of the house like a basement. I wouldn't do this all the time but when you are cooking or if the baby is around and you don't want Isabella all over her having a place where she can be safe and confined might be a good idea. It will not eliminate the jumping on counters but when you are doing something that you don't want her on the counter it is a way to keep her out of the kitchen. There is nothing you did to condone this behavior. Sometimes cats just do this so don't think that it is your fault, because it's not. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 4th, 2017

    Training cats is not easy! Ideally you could eliminate her access to the kitchen while you're in it, but if that isn't an option getting a Scat Mat would be good as well. I've had to use one on my own cat, and it definitely works! With that method you don't have to worry about what will happen when you aren't there to watch her. Good luck!

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