Provide more appealing high-up alternatives like cat trees, shelves, and window perches
Remove food, crumbs, and dirty dishes from counters immediately
Use consistent verbal redirection every time the cat jumps up
Reward the cat for staying on approved surfaces
Place double-sided tape or other cat-safe deterrent mats on counters
Use motion-activated air or noise deterrents near counter edges
Keep counters uncluttered and uninteresting
Close kitchen doors when possible
Block access with baby gates or other barriers
Never feed the cat on counters
Avoid using counters as play or petting areas
Trim the cat’s nails regularly
Be consistent with rules across all household members
Redirect the cat to an approved spot whenever it jumps up
Use puzzle feeders and enrichment to reduce counter-seeking behavior