Cats are known to wander around and they are naturally fond of climbing and jumping. And most of the time, they would end up in high places where you least want them to be, like your shelves. Don't fret, we have researched ways on how to keep your cats off the counters or shelves without punishing them.
The following are some ways or tips you can try at home to stop your cats from jumping on shelves without the need to punish them:
- Use sticky or double-sided tapes
- Make a loud noise
- Spray natural cat repellent on the shelf's surface
- Lay down tin or aluminum foil on the shelves' surfaces
- Use plastic carpet runners
- Provide for an alternative place for your cat and enrich your house
- Put on sandpaper sheets
- Hang towels on the edge of the shelves or counters
- Clean off shelves
Read further as we discuss each tip one by one. Additionally, we'll answer questions regarding how to keep cats off high places as well as if aluminum foil keeps cats off counters. Also, we'll explain what a natural cat repellent is and how to keep cats off furniture using vinegar.
9 Clever Ways to Prevent Cats from Jumping on Shelves
Use Double-Sided Tape
Double-sided tape is an effective deterrent to keep your cat away from your shelves because they dislike the sticky sensation it gives to their paws when they step on it. Just place strips of double-sided tape on the edge of your shelf's surface where your cat usually jumps up and voila! All done.
Make A Loud Noise
Cats hate noise in general. Cats can hear up to 64 kHz, which is 1.6 octaves higher than the human hearing range. This means that they are sensitive to sounds.
Hence a loud noise produced by clapping, party whistle, or shaking a soda bottle filled with coins will definitely shoo them away from your shelves. Just make sure that they don't notice or see you doing the noises because they might start to resent and not trust you anymore.
Spray Natural Cat Repellent On The Shelf's Surface
What better way to keep cats off your shelves than to use a natural cat repellent spray. Cats hate the smell of citrus scent. Hence, putting orange peels on your shelves or spraying on a mixture of lemon, garlic, and pepper will make them drive off.
They also hate the smell of vinegar and some herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme.
Lay Down Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is one of the known effective cat deterrents. Cats do not like the way aluminum foil feels and sounds underneath their paws. Hence, putting aluminum foil on the surface of your counters keeps cats off.
Use Plastic Carpet Runners
Place a plastic carpet runner with its nubs facing upward on the area where your cat usually jumps on. Placing it will make the shelf unpleasant for the cat to land on because of the nubby texture and will make him wander off.
Provide An Alternative Place For Your Cat
Cats, by nature, are built to jump and climb. They love climbing because, in the wild, cats hunt birds which are usually in trees, and conversely, they also hide on trees to protect themselves from possible predators. Hence, acting on these instincts, they love jumping and climbing on your house's high places.
In order to ward them off from danger, provide an attractive alternative for your beloved cat where he can freely jump and climb on. Cat trees are an excellent tool to let them climb, jump, and explore to their heart's content.
You may want to check out this post to give you an idea of what kind of cat tree you would like your cat to have: 11 Types Of Cat Trees You Should Know
And if you have already decided on getting a cat tree, check out this post before going to the next item for this will surely guide you on where you can best place your cat tree at home: Where To Place A Cat Tree
Put On Sandpaper Sheet
Sandpaper sheets have a rough texture that cats hate underfoot. Hence, putting sandpaper sheets on your shelf's surface is an effective cat deterrent.
Hang Towels On The Edge
When cats try to jump up on high places and steps on a hanging towel, they will definitely slide off. This will totally help stop them from jumping on shelves.
Clean Off Shelves
Always make sure that you clean off your shelves with any clutter so that your cats will not be tempted to jump on to it.
A key, pen, food, or a fragile figurine might catch his attention and will feed his curiosity. So, always clear off your shelf with unnecessary things to keep your cats from knocking fragile things off it.
How Do I Keep My Cat Off My High Places?
In order to keep your cats off the high places in your house, redirect your cats' jumping activity by providing them with vertical spaces of their own, like sturdy cat trees. You can also provide a cat window perch and floating shelves in order for them to have a good view and digress their attention.
One reason why your cats prefer to go to high places is that they feel safe there and can sleep uninterrupted. So to prevent them from going to high places to sleep, provide them with a comfortable cat bed and place it where they cannot be interrupted.
Does Aluminum Foil Keep Cats Off Counters?
Yes, as we have discussed earlier, aluminum foil keeps cats off counters because of its weird texture, reflectiveness, and the sound it makes each time the cat steps on it.
Among mammals, cats have one of the biggest hearing ranges. Thus because of their ultrasonic hearing range, they are very sensitive to the crinkling noise of an aluminum foil.
What Is A Natural Cat Repellent?
Natural cat repellents are those nontoxic methods, substances, materials, or scents that are used to keep cats off certain areas which you least want them to be.
They may either be a cat repellent spray made of natural and non-toxic ingredients such as vinegar, citronella, lemongrass, lemon, lime, and other citrusy-scented plants, or a sheet of sandpaper, aluminum foil, and carpet runners.
How To Keep Cats Off Furniture With Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the best natural cat repellents since aside from the fact that it won't stain fabrics and is nontoxic, it is also inexpensive, and can readily be available for use.
There are two ways of using vinegar to keep cats off furniture. The first method is by mixing 1 part water with 1 part vinegar. Once you're done mixing the two ingredients, pour it in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the mixture to the furniture you don't want your cats to be scratching on.
The second method needs three ingredients, namely, vinegar, water, and castile soap. Combine all three ingredients measuring 8 oz each in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake vigorously, then spray it wherever you want your cat to stop scratching.
In Closing
There are different ways on how to prevent your cats from jumping on shelves without punishing them. You can place an aluminum foil, double-sided tape, sandpaper, towel, or plastic carpet runner on your shelf's surface to drive off your cat from it.
You may also buy or make a noise device such as whistles, or spray on the surface using a natural cat repellent to stop them from jumping on the shelves.
Lastly, offer your cats an alternative tool or space of their own where they can freely jump and climb all they want. And make sure that you keep your shelves free of any clutter, like food, that could entice him to jump up there.
Some elements on this page may have been created by our team using advanced AI to provide you with top-notch cat inspired ideas. Read more about our AI Content Policy.