Kitten training - tables/kitchen surfaces

[CatLadyInTraining]

Does anyone have any tips on how to train a kitten not to go on the kitchen counter or dinner table? Repeatedly saying no and removing her from there is having no effect. Aside from the hygiene issues I am worried she will end up burning herself.

"DOWN" and reinforce with a water pistol or plant spray on the jet. "No" can be used for lots of things but down is an action which they seem to understand a bit better.

we always say OFF with a purpose coupled with throwing a small cushion at them. now we only have to pick up cushion and they get the message

we used one of those air can duster sprays for cleaning computers - they hate the noise. you only have to squirt in their general direction and no one gets hurt

and now we just have to shake it

of course, when you're not in the room all bets are off....

I imagine they run up and down all night long

Current cat waits politely on the floor in sphinx position to be invited on to furniture.
Previous cats knew enough to not trample on work surfaces if I was watching but helped themselves to furniture and probably romped over work surfaces with gay abandon when my back was turned!
Current cat is the only truly trainable cat I have had, although he's one step ahead most of the time. I taught him to sit for a treat, when I get home he now grabs the packet of treats, dumps them on the floor, slams his backside down and stares at me.....

Our cats do what they like when we are looking. God only knows what they do when we aren't.

I've had cats for about 35 years and when I've caught new arrivals on the worktop I've picked them up and gone in my deepest voice bad girl. Put them on the floor and done a happy good girl. Picked them up put on work surface and repeat bad girl and back to floor of good girl. They've soon all got what's allowed and what's not with a few days of that repetition.

That was until the floofs arrived back in May, 3 kittens forming the whole of a litter. Little buggers they are and flatly refuse to obey. 😡

Mine have never been in the worktop. They have really stubby legs and can’t jump that high.

My dog polices the cat. If she jumps up the dog races through to the kitchen and barks until she gets down.

I gave up, he can give me the fuck you mommy look more often than I can say bad cat get down.

He wants it more & I have to respect that.

Hmm... not sure getting a dog to discipline the cat is a viable plan for us....
Will try cushions or duster spray. Those of you who succeeded - how long did it take to train?

@Toddlerteaplease same I don't think my BSH can jump up to the worktop!?

That's fantastic scurryfudge I've accepted that cat will go where she pleases but oh doesn't. Would love a dog but hes vetoed it.

The dog sounds like a tattletale.

Another excuse to post Cozie's favourite photo :)

I am an expert in this field as you can see. Mine wouldn't dream of going on the worktops

Pretty sure they’ll do whatever they want when you’re not around, however well “trained” you think they are!

My old cats weren’t allowed on the work surfaces. Everyday when I got home from work, I heard a “thump” as they both jumped down from said work surfaces 😂

Packets of anti bac wipes, wipe surfaces before you use them. Telling off hasn't worked for us but our lovely cat is v dim

It can take a while, and they'll still do it when they think you won't see. We have a 'kitten' (she's 4 now) who will look a bit guilty when she's caught, the other two are merely indignant!

Just accept that she'll do it and wipe down before you start as well as when you've finished.