The idea of training cats is not as common as that of training dogs because we always imagine cats as more free and independent animals. However, the furry ones can also present certain inappropriate behaviors that are corrected with training. One of them is climbing on the table. Some tutors do not mind this, but others do not approve of the behavior because, in addition to dirtying the furniture(Knowing how to educate a cat that climbs on the table prevents it from hurting itself with knives, plates and plant pots, objects that are often left on top of the furniture.

It is at the table that the family usually gathers and it is natural that the kitten wants to climb up to be together - especially if there is a food that he likes to snack on. In addition, kittens naturally like high places. Therefore, the table is very attractive to the animal. It is part of the cat's instinct to explore the environment and climb high places. The guardian cannot prohibit this behavior of the pet, as it isBut, as the table is not the most suitable and safe place for this, you need to learn how to redirect this habit in a healthy way. Check out how to teach your cat not to climb on the table efficiently!

Step 1: Create an environment that attracts the cat more than the table

A big mistake when it comes to learning how to teach cats not to climb on things is to think that it is possible to make the pet never have this behavior again if he has nowhere to climb. As we explained, felines have a need to explore and investigate every place they are and those that are higher attract their attention. If you want to learn how to educate cat that climbs on the table, the first step is todirect your attention to another place that has everything that attracts you so much at the table: height, fun and food.

With environmental enrichment, it is possible to offer a space in a practical way. Invest in niches, shelves, toys, interactive feeder, scratching posts, burrows... The gatification of the house is fundamental in the process of training cats not to climb on tables, because then the other places in the house will arouse their curiosity and the pet will leave the furniture aside.

Step 2: To train cats, speak firmly but without shouting or fighting

The way you train a cat makes all the difference in the process. Seeing the cat on the table, it may happen that the guardian yells at the animal to show that it is wrong. However, it is not with screaming and fighting that the process of how to educate a cat that climbs on the table - or any other process - should be done. Pets are sensitive, so yelling, pushing and aggressive tones will not work,It can even cause the opposite effect and make the animal more stressed, anxious or disobedient. The best way to train cats is calmly and firmly. When you see the kitten on the table, say no firmly - but not aggressively - pick up the animal gently and take it to the place you have prepared for it to explore.

Another common mistake is to indirectly encourage your cat to climb on the table. You know when he climbs up and you give him a little food? You're associating that place with something positive, because he'll think that every time he's there he'll get a treat. So, to learn how to teach cats not to climb on things, you'll need to do away with these treats.

Step 3: The best way on how to get the cat to stop climbing on things is to encourage it to use the catnip environment.

After following step 2 of how to teach your cat not to climb on the table, it's time to make your pet perceive the new environment as something fun. When you put the animal in the place made for it, offer a reward. It is worth snacks, caresses and games. Whenever the animal is there, take care of it so that it realizes that it is a nice environment and has everything it needs to be able to enjoy it.If you want to know how to train a cat in the most efficient way possible, you can be sure that positive association is the best choice. With so many treats, it will be much easier for the animal to understand that space as a good thing and want to spend more time there - and less on the table.

Step 4: Making the table a boring environment is a valuable tip on how to educate cat that climbs on the table

By following step 3 of how to get your cat to stop climbing on things, you've already achieved the goal of providing a cooler environment for your cat to explore. However, it's not enough for your cat to see the new place as fun: it needs to see the table as a boring place. To do this, you can appeal to your cat's keen sense of smell. Certain smells, such as citrus, are not very pleasant for your cat.So, you can leave an orange on the table or apply some cleaning product with this odor. Also, avoid putting the cat's food in the feeder on the table, as the aroma will stay there and the pet will be tempted to climb.

Another way to educate a cat that climbs on the table is to keep the furniture always clean, without leftover food that can leave smells that attract the pet. Objects such as keys, cardboard and papers also attract the attention of the kitten, so avoid leaving them within reach. Finally, another tip for training cats is to line the table with some fabric that the feline does not feel very comfortable, such as plastic or evensome double-sided tape around the edges.

Step 5: Synchronizing meal times with the animal makes the process of how to teach cats not to climb on things easier

One of the reasons that most lead the kitten to climb on the table is food. When smelling your lunch, the pet will certainly follow you and try to tear off a small piece. Therefore, a tip on how to teach a cat not to climb on the table is to synchronize the time of meals of the guardian and the animal. Just before taking your plate to the table, fill the food bowl. Thus, the pet will start eating its own foodIf the kitten still tries to climb up, you can be sure that the reason is just his great curiosity. So, take him to the specific corner for him, show him toys and make him occupy his attention with other things.