How to wean a cat to climb tables?

All happy owners of cats know what wayward animals they are - very often they do what they want, even if the owners are not happy about it. One of the most common problems that cat owners face is the study of kitchen tables. On the one hand, the cat on the table can look cute and even funny, but if you look at it from the point of view of hygiene, then such behavior is simply unacceptable. If you are also wondering how to wean a cat to climb tables, then this article is for you.

Before you begin to fight with your tailed rebel, try to figure out what pushes him to jump to the dining surface. Perhaps you just need to understand the situation and then you will no longer have to “fight” with your pet - the problem will be solved by itself.

• It is believed that such behavior is characteristic of these animals because of their natural curiosity and fussiness. Since cats naturally love to explore new things, they can jump onto the table exclusively for this purpose. In this case, in order to get rid of the addiction in the animal, you just need to keep the table empty and clean.

• Cats jump onto the table in search of food. For them, the food they receive becomes the prey they “hunt” for, such are their instincts. To prevent such theft, you need to not only keep the tables clean, but also remember to feed your pet. When leaving home, make sure there is always some food in her bowl. Usually well-fed cats do not bother to study the tables.

• Some animals are drawn to arrange a couch where food is present. From the point of view of a person, sitting or sleeping on the table is somehow strange, but cats don’t think so, besides, the table is a high surface, which these fans like to climb higher. They gladly climb onto the dining surface, where they feel very comfortable, stretch out to their full height and fall asleep sweetly. In this case, to wean the animal from addiction, you need to create a worthy alternative to it.

• Some cats just like the high position of the countertops, because on a dais they feel superior to others. If your four-legged friend really likes to watch what is happening from this position, try to equip him with a special shelf in the kitchen. The structure can be nailed directly to the wall at the level of the table, but away from it. The pet will appreciate that the owner has made a personal "place".

• In the cold season, cats seek warmth. As a rule, the higher the surface, the warmer it is, so cats climb onto cabinets and tables. In this case, the cat needs to create a warm place. For example, move a chair to a heating appliance so that it can climb onto the back and lie down. Turn off laptops and table lamps located on the dining table so that they do not heat it and do not make it even more attractive in the eyes of the animal.

• Sometimes a table attracts curious cats as a window seat from which you can admire street landscapes. Do not deprive the pet of this joy, because he already has to live in four walls. To get rid of the problem, pull the curtains, so the cat will understand that you need to climb on the windowsill or move the table away from the window. And so that she had an incentive to climb on the windowsill, make a small bird feeder outside the window, but do not forget to close the window when the birds eat, otherwise the fluffy pet can get carried away by hunting and fall out of the window.

The following methods can help wean a cat to climb tables.

• A fall. Pay attention to which side he usually jumps onto the table. Put a large tray there so that it peers over the edge of the countertop. Now, if the cat tries to climb onto the table, then it will fall with a roar. Do not worry about her, the cat is likely to land on four legs and does not get hurt, but the noise combined with the fall will frighten her and reduce her desire to travel to forbidden places.

• Smells. There are smells that cats simply hate. Usually it is citrus, eucalyptus, clove. The most accessible way to deal with the problem is with citrus fruits, they can be found in any home. Generously lay out the peel of a lemon or orange, but do not forget to change it once every few days, and also rub the table with the juices of these fruits. Essential oils with unloved aromas have an equally rich smell. They can be rubbed onto the table or poured into an aroma lamp.

• Foil. This rustling material with a mirror surface can serve you in the fight against climbing the cat on the table. To do this, wrap its edges with this material so that it is enough not only on the edge of the countertop, but also partially on its surface.The foil will immediately take the form of a table and fix, but as soon as the cat jumps onto it, pulling itself slightly on its front legs, it will immediately fly down. This method is considered quite safe.

• Scotch. If you are not afraid that there will be traces of adhesive tape on the table, you can safely use this method. Put adhesive tape around the dining surface and fix it a little. When the cat once again climbs onto the table, he will be very surprised and scared by the sticking of tape on his paws. In addition, the adhesive will have to be licked out of the wool for a long time.

• Splashing water. This method can be applied only when located near a pet. As soon as you see that he jumped onto the table, spray him with water from a spray bottle, while aiming him right in the face. This method is more effective in raising kittens, then jumping on the table will be associated with water. Ideally, you need to spray water from the shelter so that the cat does not understand anything. Then the method may be suitable for the re-education of adults.

• Iron sheet. To prevent the animal from jumping onto the table, lay a sheet of iron on it so that when jumping on it, there will be a rumble. However, any surface that makes loud noises when touched is suitable. Noise scares cats and helps to discipline these wayward creatures.

• Promotion. Not every owner can go this way, because it requires great patience, care and attention. Its essence is as follows: as soon as you see that the cat wants to jump onto the table, distract him with a toy or a treat, while praising him. You need to do this constantly for a long time - only then can you see the result of your efforts. For owners who love their cats very much and cannot apply inhumane methods of education to them, this option is best suited.

• Electricity. There are special devices with weak discharges of current, they have a very low power, so they do not harm the health of the animal. The effect of such a charge will be felt by the pet as a strong click. The most “formidable” version of this series is a collar with a remote control, which gives a weak discharge when a button is pressed. Typically, these gadgets are used by dog ​​owners, but some for educational purposes use them with cats. There are ultrasonic collars that are also able to scare away an animal.

There are also prohibited methods in raising cats, consider them further.

1. It is forbidden to apply physical force to animals. This will not lead to a positive result, but it can offend a cat. In this case, retaliatory aggression will come from him, he may get angry at you and begin to take revenge. And the war with a cat does not bode well for you - some of them, in response to rudeness, begin to mark territory or commit other minor dirty tricks.
2. No need to allow pauses in your educational process. If you have firmly decided to get rid of your cat’s addiction to tables, then do not forget to daily spray the table with odors unpleasant for the cat, lay the foil or spray it onto the animal from the spray gun. Acting from case to case, you will reduce progress to nothing and only confuse the animal.

Experts in feline psychology claim that these animals hate screaming. The “reporting” intonation of the owner and a loud cry scare them.Having survived such a shock several times, pets can abandon the idea of ​​climbing the tables forever. Of course, this can only work if you usually do not yell at the cat for other reasons and do not appear angry every day.

You can look him in the eye and strictly scold the animal. Cats are smart enough and often such methods work with them more effectively than physical punishment.

In addition, shock techniques such as screaming or watering are better at animals at a young age. No matter how inhumane this may sound, kittens learn the lessons learned from this method well. The main thing is not to overdo it so that the animal does not get scared more than necessary.

Raising a cat is a complex process that requires patience and a reasonable approach. But for a loving and caring owner, nothing is impossible. If you want to teach the animal the rules of behavior in the house, then over time you will certainly achieve this. The main thing is to find out the cause of the cat’s bad behavior and try to eliminate it.

In the next video, you can visually familiarize yourself with one of the options for weaning a cat from climbing the table.