Cats love to climb, and it’s often on places we just don’t want them to. Lisa Chelenza has some tips for keeping cats off tables and counter tops in this edition of Pet Pointers.

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So your cat prefers your kitchen counter or table top to the cozy couch. Not surprising. It’s higher than most places, making it prime real estate for cats.

Try giving your cat an even better location with some alternative high places to go that are appropriate, like a cat tree, or some shelving on the walls. Rubbing kitty approved spots with catnip or feeding her dinner there are nice incentives, along with petting and praising your cat on it.

When you see them go on the table, quietly pick them up and move them to the appropriate area with positive feedback like petting as you move them and when they are in the right spot.

Make the table and counter less attractive by using plastic carpet runners upside down on the surface so the nubs are sticking up, held in place with double sided tape. Most cats don’t like to walk on the nubs.

Also try using double sided tape in star or “X” patterns to discourage them from using certain areas. The tape sticks to fur and paws and they really do not like the feel of it and will likely jump off. Once they understand this spot is off limits, they will move on.

Of course you can try spraying them with water each time they jump where they don’t belong. But this can make them avoid you too, so only use the spray bottle method as a last resort.

Remember, changing behaviors takes time, so be patient with your kitty and eventually they will catch on.