If you share your home with a cat, you’ve probably had that moment where you walk into the kitchen and catch them mid-slink across the worktop, looking far too pleased with themselves. And while it might seem harmless, having your cat on food prep surfaces isn’t the most hygienic or safe. The good news? You don’t need to shout or squirt water to set boundaries. These 10 tactics can help redirect their curiosity without stressing either of you out.
1. Figure out why they’re doing it in the first place.
Cats don’t just randomly climb for the sake of rebellion—they’re usually looking for food, height, warmth, or simply somewhere new to explore. If you can figure out what’s drawing them to the work surfaces specifically, you’ll have a much easier time redirecting them. Pay attention to when they’re doing it. Is it right before mealtime? When the sun hits that spot? Understanding their motivation helps you create a better alternative instead of just trying to block the behaviour.
2. Keep worktops clear and uninviting.
If your cat finds tasty crumbs or interesting objects on the worktop, they’ll keep coming back. Wiping down surfaces, storing food away properly, and keeping clutter to a minimum will make your kitchen less of a feline wonderland. Some cats also love the feel of certain textures under their paws. If you’ve got tea towels, paper bags, or cardboard on there, it might be time to move them elsewhere. A boring surface is often the best deterrent.
3. Offer a higher alternative they can use.
Cats love height—it helps them feel safe and in control of their surroundings. If you don’t give them an approved high-up space, they’ll just choose the next best thing (aka your worktop). A window perch, cat tree, or wall-mounted shelf can work wonders here. Once they have a new throne to survey their kingdom from, they’re less likely to need your chopping board as a lookout post. Just make sure their new spot feels rewarding with a soft blanket, treats, or even a view of the birds.
4. Reward them for choosing the right spot.
Positive reinforcement works beautifully with cats when done right. If they hop onto their cat tree instead of the work surface, give them a treat, a fuss, or a toy. Make the good choice feel like the better one every time. It might take a bit of consistency at first, but cats are quick learners when the payoff is worth it. Over time, they’ll start heading for the reward-friendly zone rather than the one where nothing happens—or worse, they get scolded.
5. Use safe but annoying textures.
Cats generally hate certain surfaces under their paws. Things like double-sided tape, tin foil, or plastic shelf liners (bumpy side up) can make the worktop feel unpleasant without hurting them. Lay them down temporarily in the places your cat targets most. Eventually, your cat will associate that space with discomfort and start to avoid it. Just make sure it’s only used short-term—you don’t want your kitchen to feel like an art project in avoidance tactics forever.
6. Make a loud, neutral noise when they jump up.
Some cats respond well to noise deterrents, as long as they’re not scary. A soft clap, a rattle of a jar with pennies in it, or a tap on the worktop can grab their attention and break the habit without creating fear. The key here is not to startle or chase them—just make the moment less rewarding. Once they hop down, ignore the bad behaviour but redirect them somewhere more appropriate instead.
7. Keep meals on a routine.
If your cat’s bench-surfing around dinnertime, they might just be hungry and looking for clues. Sticking to regular feeding times (and not giving in when they beg) helps them learn that food comes when it comes—not when they go hunting for it. You can also try puzzle feeders or slow feeders that keep them mentally occupied for longer. Boredom can be a huge driver for naughty behaviour, and a stimulated cat is usually a more respectful one.
8. Avoid accidentally rewarding the behaviour.
If you give your cat attention—even negative attention—when they jump on the work surface, they might see it as a win. Some cats will do it just to get a reaction, especially if you scoop them up every time and give them a cuddle on the way down. Instead, calmly remove them without eye contact or fuss. Save your affection and treats for when they’re sitting on their approved perch or behaving how you’d like. It makes your message much clearer.
9. Use motion-activated deterrents if needed.
If your cat’s determined, or you’re not always around to monitor things, a gentle motion-activated air puffer or noise device near the worktop edge can be a humane way to break the cycle. These aren’t harmful, just mildly annoying. They’re especially useful if your cat is a stealthy nighttime explorer. Just make sure to place them wisely and remove them once the habit starts to fade—it’s about disruption, not punishment.
10. Be consistent, but patient.
The most important part of breaking any cat habit is sticking to your response every time. If one day you let them hang out near the kettle and the next you’re scolding them for it, they won’t learn what you want from them. Change won’t happen overnight, especially if benchtop-climbing has been part of their routine for a while. But with time, alternatives, and a calm approach, most cats do learn that the view from the floor—or their own perch—is just as good.
