Cats on kitchen worktops

[Sunshine49]

Hi everyone, my two extremely timid rescue cats have now been with me a week and seem to be getting a little bolder every day, which is great to see. Because they've only been here a week and are extremely nervous around people, they're currently confined to the kitchen/diner only. Over the coming weeks/months we will slowly introduce them to the rest of the house and ultimately the garden.

However, this morning they have been jumping up onto the kitchen work surfaces. They seem to enjoy exploring and looking through the window into the garden.

I know it's not hygienic to allow cats on work surfaces, and obviously I do clean them all down with anti-bac wipes before preparing food. I'm just wondering - is there even any point in telling them to get down when they're up there? Obviously I'd prefer them not to be there, but I'm sure that even if I do tell them to get down, they'll be up again as soon as my back is turned anyway!

I’ve had cats for years, I just push them gently off the surfaces,eventually they learn. However. If they do go up it’s not a major deal. I would discourage it as opposed up allowing it but if they go up from time to time... meh.. that’s what anti bac is for!

They actually jumped up onto the work surface while I was preparing their food the other night, so I told them “no” and waved my hand in their direction, at which point they immediately jumped down! They haven’t done that since so I’m hoping they’ve got the message!

And where are the pics, young lady?

My cats know they aren't allowed on the kitchen surfaces but they do still try their luck from time to time a firm no and plonking them back on the floor normally does the trick.

I would let the cats explore a bit more as well tbh, I know cat rescue places advice going very slowly but if the cats seem relaxed and inquisitive I would think they will be fine.

Im more bothered about them cutting themselves or burning on the hob. Tbh ive never seen them do it even when they are chasing each other. The kitchen table is another story but im really not bothered.

Mine know I don't like it but don't give a shit, I will disinfect before doing any sort of food prep only to turn around and have one of them sitting on newly clean surface giving me the middle digit.

We shoo and quickly remove. They know they aren't allowed. They still try it on, but are not horrendous. The most chronic offender is the old cat with bad habits; the best behaved are the ones we got as kittens who know they'll be shooed every time.

Pah, I don't disinfect anything.

Why are people so worried about cats, ferrets, anything cute on a work top; I never prepare/put food straight on one (even now with no furries) as I use a chopping board - but yes beware hot cooker rings.

Their feet are dirty & rodents (including pet rodents) tend to wee as they wander around. I am relaxed, but not naive.

BulletFox - I've been trying to upload some photos to my gallery today, but can't get it to work for some reason! I'm not quite sure where I'm going wrong... I'll let you know as soon as I manage it!