How to wean a cat to climb tables and why does she do it at all?

The appearance of a cat in the family is associated with many positive emotions: from the very first day, the house seems to be filled with warmth and comfort. But even the cutest pets can be a nuisance. For example, walking around the dining table as if on a podium or jumping on it in a big way at the very moment when you put a spoon into hot soup! Why cats love to climb on the table so much and how to wean them from it, we will discuss in our article.

Contents

The cat walks wherever it pleases. And on the table, too?
Why is the cat jumping on the table?
How to wean a cat to jump on the table?

The cat walks wherever it pleases. And on the table, too?

Independence and jumping ability are inherent in cats by nature. Innate curiosity and a tribute to instincts make cats climb into the most secluded places and nooks and crannies, conquer new “heights”. It will not be difficult for any owner to remember the situation when his pet jumped on tables, window sills, cabinets and the most inaccessible shelves in the house. But if jumping on sofas and window sills is less of a concern for the owners, then walking on the dining table is already a matter of hygiene.

Even the cleanest paws should not go where people dine, and seasoning from cat hair will not make dinner taste better. In addition, we are also talking about the safety of the cat and family members. If you place a hot mug of tea on the table, your cat may knock it over, burn you, or burn itself. Or maybe the tea will just spread on the table and flood your phone or laptop …

No matter how independent and freedom-loving your cat is, it can still and should be taught the rules of behavior in the house. The main thing is to be right and friendly! And to begin with, let’s determine how your table can be attractive for a particular cat.

Why is the cat jumping on the table?

A cat can walk on tables because of banal boredom and a thirst for adventure. Or maybe the table is a barrier to the cat’s favorite pastime? Then you should move it so that it does not get in the way of the pet – and the problem will be solved.
Perhaps the cat jumps on the table to get rid of the obsessive attention of the second cat or your dog? If this is your case, think of new escape routes for her.
The most common reason for excursions around the table is tempting smells and the search for food. It is difficult to remain indifferent if the owner left his sausage sandwich on the table and went to take a bath.
And the last. A cat can jump on the table just like that, for no reason, simply because it “walks by itself”, and the owner did not inform her in a timely manner that the table is not a place for such walks.

How to wean a cat to jump on the table?

If you have a kitten recently

You need to instill the right habits as soon as the pet is taken into the family. If this is a small kitten, then it will be easier to teach him to behave culturally. From the first days of the appearance of the baby in the house, you need to forbid him to jump on the table. Stop trying to do this, even if he is just playing.
Remove from the table everything that could interest an inquisitive baby: from food to a ball of thread, which is so nice to drive with your paws!
Make sure in advance that the pet has a place where he can realize his physical potential. Ideally, install a multi-level cat complex, purchase toys and scratching posts, diversify your pet’s leisure time as much as possible. In this case, the temptation to explore the forbidden surfaces in the house will be less.

If the cat is already an adult and the habit of walking around the table has formed

Foil or parchment paper for baking, which can be found in every kitchen, will help to wean the offender. Just wrap them around the edges of the table. Outwardly, the pet will not notice the catch, but when trying to get on the table, he will get his paws on an unusual rustling material. No prankster will like this! After several attempts, the cat will associate jumping on the table with the unexpected noise and find something more enjoyable to do.
Cats have a sensitive sense of smell, which allows you to apply the following method. Treat the countertop with scents that are unpleasant for the feline family. Essential oils of citrus, rosemary, dried lavender flowers or just orange peels will do. You can put your favorite aromatic composition with citrus fruits on the table.
Cats don’t like loud noises. If you are often at home, try to closely monitor the behavior of the cat. As soon as she tries to jump on the table, make some kind of loud noise: for example, clap your hands.
If this does not help, we proceed to heavy artillery. You will need a spray gun or water gun and water. The principle of operation is the same as in the previous paragraph. Every time the tailed one tries to jump onto the table, splash water on it.

No need to wean your pet from conquering the table with the help of unstable surfaces and water containers. This can result in severe fright, injury or injury. Do not use physical punishment, do not scream, and even more so do not hit the cat. Using such methods, you will not wean her from a bad habit, but you will definitely intimidate or provoke her into aggressive behavior.

With pets as with children. The more love, care and understanding we give them, the more good we get in return. Applying the described methods, stock up on patience and love, then the desired result will not keep you waiting.

The article was written with the support of the Valta Zoobusiness Academy. Expert: Lyudmila Vashchenko — veterinarian, happy owner of Maine Coons, Sphynx and German Spitz.