If you’re tired of watching your cats climb all over your counters, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem cat owners face, and there’s a ton of advice about what to do. But what about all those videos you keep seeing pop on social media with cats jumping off or running away from aluminum foil? Does it work, and is it the best way to keep cats off counters? The truth is that aluminum foil may keep your cat off your counter but it won’t deter all cats.
We’ve highlighted exactly how aluminum foil works to keep cats off counters and the potential shortfalls it has. Finally, we’ve highlighted a few other methods you can try when you’re looking for ways to keep cats off your counters.
Does Aluminum Foil Keep Cats Off Counters?
Yes, aluminum foil can keep cats off counters. There are a few reasons aluminum foil makes an effective solution, and there are a few reasons your cat might not care about aluminum foil. Understanding how it works is the key to getting the most out of it and keeping your cats off your counters.
Let’s start with how aluminum foil works. First, it looks different from what a cat expects to see. Sometimes this will keep a cat away, and other times, it’ll bring a cat in to investigate. From there, cats don’t like how aluminum foil feels and sounds.
Aluminum foil gives off a high-pitched sound that humans can’t pick up on, but cats can. They can’t stand the crinkling sound, and since they don’t like the way it feels either, they do their best to avoid it.
However, it’s worth noting that these deterrent methods only work if your cat touches the aluminum foil. If they can work their way around the foil, that’s what they’ll do. And since aluminum foil is extremely visible, once you remove it from the counter the cat might think that means they can go back up!
Top 5 Alternate Tips and Tricks to Keep Cats Off Counters
While aluminum foil might work to keep cats off your counters, it’s far from your only potential solution. If aluminum foil isn’t working for you or you want to try something different, we’ve highlighted five other methods you can try to keep cats off your counters.
1. Use a Noise Maker
Cats don’t like lots of noise, so if you make a ton of noise whenever they get up on the counter it can be a very successful deterrent. Jars full of coins, marbles, or other similar hard objects are a great choice.
The problem with this method is that you’ll need to pay attention every time your cat gets on the counter. This isn’t a passive method, so it can require a ton of work and observation until your cat gets the message.
2. Give Them a More Attractive Spot
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply find a better spot for your cat. Putting up a cat tower in a prime location is an excellent way for you to help your cat find a new favorite place to lounge. They still might go up on the counters some, but having a better spot to go should help quite a bit.
3. Peppermint Spray
Plenty of experts agree that cats can’t stand the smell of peppermint. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oils to water and spray around the counters you don’t want your cats to visit. The effectiveness of this method varies, and you’ll need to reapply until your cat learns to stay away.
4. Use Sandpaper
Sandpaper is another option you must put on your counters. While sandpaper doesn’t create the unpleasant sounds that come with aluminum foil, cats don’t like the abrasive surface.
However, the same problems with aluminum foil come with sandpaper too. Your cats might just decide to walk around it, and when you remove the sandpaper, they might come right back to the counter.
5. Use Double-Sided Tape
If you find your cat is coming back every time you remove the sandpaper or aluminum foil, double-sided tape might be the solution you’re looking for. Use something like scotch tape so it’s not too sticky for your cat.
Cats don’t like the feeling of something sticky, so once they discover it on the counter, they should steer clear. They also can’t see exactly where the tape is, so it’s harder for them to walk around it. Not only that, but when you decide to take the tape off the counter, they won’t know and should still stay away!
Final Thoughts
Cats love to climb, stay up high, and explore. All these things make counters an attractive place for them to go and hang out. But now that you know about a few different methods in addition to aluminum foil, you can use to keep cats off your counters, you can make it a problem of the past!
It’ll take a little patience and persistence, but there’s no reason you can’t teach your cats to stay off the counters in your home.
Featured Image Credit: OceanicWanderer, Shutterstock
