How do I keep my cat off the kitchen counters?

Cats jump on counters because they are high, warm and usually covered in food smells, so the fix is behavioural as much as physical.

First, cut the payoff. Never feed your cat from the counter or the table, clear crumbs and put food away immediately, rinse food residue out of the sink, and keep dirty dishes out of reach. If the counter stops producing snacks, it becomes far less interesting. Do not leave the room with food sitting out.

Second, use consistent deterrents. Double-sided tape, aluminium foil or a plastic carpet runner placed upside down makes the surface unpleasant underfoot and is harmless. Motion-activated compressed-air cans give a startling but safe puff when the cat lands. Scat mats with soft plastic nubs work for some cats. Citrus scent is often disliked, but do not use citrus essential oils or diffusers, which are toxic to cats; stick to physical deterrents. Because cats learn quickly that a spray bottle only appears when you are watching, shouting and spraying usually just teaches the cat to jump up when you are not there.

Third, redirect. Put a sturdy cat tree or a wall shelf next to, but not on, the counter, so your cat can still be up high and watch you cook. Reward it with a treat whenever it uses the approved spot, and teach an off cue by luring it to the floor and praising it. Consistency matters: every family member must use the same rules every time. With a few weeks of removing rewards, adding an unpleasant surface and rewarding the alternative, most cats give up on the counter.