Tag: catster-homepage-3-posts

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

Hopefully, you’ll be familiar with my handsome cat, Clutch. Well, before I met my husband, and our house filled up with a multitude of cats and dogs (five of each, to be exact), it was just me and Clutch. Karyn and Clutch, living large and loving life. We would go for walks on the seafront, watch TV together, and even go to work together. Being the chillest of cats, he even started to come with me when I started seeing my (now) husband, Reece.

Reece already had two Labradors, an Irish Wolfhound, and two cats (Zazzles and Zelda), so he was obviously an animal lover. And Clutch, being Clutch, just moseyed on into this different house without so much as a raised whisker. His laidback manner has always been contagious, and the other pets just took their lead from him, treating him like he’d always been there.

As time went by and things progressed, Clutch and I started spending more and more time at Reece’s place, until it became a permanent arrangement.

Now, this is where I have to make a confession: I had never been in love. So I found myself wondering the same thing that I’m sure many of you have at one time or another; how do I know when it’s love?

For Me, The Answer Came in the Form of Chicken

Yes, chicken.

Clutch was never a fussy cat, nor was he particularly greedy. That is unless there is chicken. He loves it, goes mad for it, will climb mountains and swim seas for it. Okay, that last bit might be a slight exaggeration, but the rest is true.

So as a special treat, I would occasionally pick up a packet of plain roasted chicken pieces, and Clutch came to recognize the packaging. Whenever I came home with any shopping, he would scrutinize the unpacking process, watching for that telltale plastic pack. And when he knows there’s chicken in the house, the gentle, affectionate Clutch I know is replaced by a single-minded, snatching, plotting, chicken-hunting machine.

You can’t open the fridge without first doing a basic sweep of the surrounding area in case of surprise aerial attacks, clawed ground assaults, or the sneaky grasp through the door gap.

He Should Have Been Called Toothless

At this point, it’s worth telling you about another thing that is special about Clutch: he has very few teeth, and no canine teeth at all. Due to a slight malocclusion of his jaw, the gums that held his fangs in place became weak, causing the roots of those teeth to become damaged, and I had to remove them when he was around four years old. Rest assured, this has not slowed him down. In fact, while the rest of our cats will nibble delicately at tiny shreds of chicken, Clutch is the only one who will snatch a large chunk and munch away.

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

At this point, you’re probably wondering what Clutch’s appetite for chicken has to do with my love life, but I promise, I’m getting there.

One evening, it might have been a Tuesday, or a Thursday – it doesn’t matter – Reece came home with some shopping. He was unpacking the bags and I was helping to put things away. Out comes a familiar package, and I look at Reece questioningly. He looks back at me as though he doesn’t understand my confusion.

“Chicken for Clutch” he said simply, and carried on unpacking.

This might not seem very significant. It was a simple gesture, and one that Reece had probably not given much thought, which was exactly why it meant so much. I hadn’t asked him to pick up chicken, but he knew how much Clutch liked it. Somehow, the fact that it was “chicken for Clutch”, not just “for the cats”, triggered this huge wave of affection, and I knew then that I loved this man.

He hadn’t done it to score points or impress me. It wasn’t some big romantic gesture or practiced words. It was a simple act of kindness that told me everything I needed to know.

So for those of you who are waiting for the big moment, the flashing sign, or dramatic scene, you might find yourself waiting a while. More often than not, love is in the small things, the tiny gestures, the daily routines. Find the person who does the equivalent of buying “chicken for Clutch”, whatever that is for you.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

One of my favorite cat memes of all time is this zinger—a simple commentary on such a complicated creature: the cat.

Snow is cold, unpredictable, wet—all conditions that cats are categorically known to detest. We’re treated to a suggestion that the cat took one look at the white stuff, and marched back inside.

Seems simple, right? But like cats themselves, the subject is complicated below the surface.

Cats & Snow (Shovelling into Feline Enrichment)

This article is about cats and snow, but in reality, it is about a much bigger topic. Unless they are setting foot outside, you can’t specifically talk about snow and cats.

It calls for a deeper dig (or shovel, to stick with the snow theme) into the enrichment of the lives of cats, whether via snow, or other means. How do we, as cat owners, best answer the question: how do we best enrich the lives of creatures who so enrich ours?

Feline Enrichment: The Flurries Start

I’ve seen veterinary practice in many different countries, and there seems to be a very definite line when it comes to cats and their lifestyles. Interestingly, many countries in the world agree: it’s borderline barbaric to keep indoor-only cats. It’s a complicated discussion, and in no way to be solved in this forum, but this viewpoint is important to set the scene.

Feline medicine began to embrace feline behavior in the 2000s, a development driven by issues like Feline Environmental Enrichment (EE).

Though definitions vary, this source says:

As a vet, what I found interesting is that most of these tools (‘factors’) were meant to mimic the things that a cat would encounter in everyday life—if they were allowed to have outdoor access. The implication is that cats were kept solely in impoverished environments, to begin with.

Obviously, it’s not always a simple situation, for instance, enrichment can be hugely important for cats in shelter environments, overweight cats, and cats that must live indoors for medical reasons, to mention a few.

But sometimes, it seems that we overcomplicate things to end up right back where we started.

Does EE Work?

Creative and engaging minds had excellent ideas about providing cats with all sorts of EE:

They were well-thought-out and crafted ideas. And showed great care and compassion for the well-being of our feline friends.

But little to no discussion was about having cats on leads and taking them outdoors… if anything, that seemed almost taboo. Instead, enrichment seemed focused on trying to bring the outdoors indoors.

But, being inside, no matter how enriched the environment, can never truly replicate the outdoors.

Let It Snow: The Weather Outside Is…Frightful? Really?

In humans, research touts improved mental states, decreased blood pressure, and other positive health effects from spending time in nature or breathing scents from certain plants known as volatile organic compounds. And birdsong has been touted as another positive mental health boost.

Though much remains to be studied and clarified, and obviously, these have not been studied in companion animals such as cats. However, the potential for similar medical benefits isn’t such a leap, as weren’t all creatures genetically derived from living outside, in a natural environment?

Furthering that supposition, studies suggest that the reward centers activated in birdsong are conserved across mammalian species, not just humans.

So, being outdoors seems to have positive, enriching effects. Not surprising, as if you spent your entire life in a house, never to set foot outside, or make new friends, never to eat meals with colleagues, go for a jog, lay out under the stars, or do a cold-water swim in a lake or the ocean, life might end up seeming pretty dull. And if that was the case, would having a PlayStation and latest cell phone along with the nicest furniture and most tech-savvy appliances really make it that much better?

Many Words For Snow

The dichotomy of how different societies view the best ways to enrich the lives of companion felines is also very interesting. And, I think, a bit like snow, in the sense that every society has a different viewpoint on the matter, just as many societies have varied terminology for different snow based on their geographic location and cultures. Which brings me back to the original topic of this week: snow.

Anything novel, in short bursts, can be entertaining. However, I would argue that anything inherent to one’s evolutionary behavior will have the most profound and lasting impact.

When I first adopted Pancake and Tiller, I had an “indoor-cat-only” mindset. Subsequently, they’ve been paddleboarding, sailing, outdoor walking…and they enjoy it. So I’ve seen both sides of the equation. A new term has also been bandied about for cats that enact such activities: Adventure Cats.

Snow & Cats: Whiteout Or Wonderland?

So, snow. The hazards are certainly real. Just like the neighborhood kids might whack you in the head with the soccer ball when you step foot outside…there are small, but potential concerns for leaving the house. But does that stop a kid from playing soccer? Should it? One of my veterinary mentors once said: deal with what is in front of you, not the possibilities of what may happen.

Potential Dangers Of Cats Being Exposed To Snow

• Frostbite: Snow means freezing temperatures. Having worked in the Midwest for many years, I’ve seen frostbitten cats, firsthand. It tends to be paw pads and ears, though other extremities (and indeed, the whole body) are vulnerable to the cold. A simple rule of thumb: if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your cat. Just as you might have a quick peek outside for a minute or two, then head back in, your cat should have the freedom to do the same.
• Pawpad cuts: Cats, though more frequently dogs, can get cuts from walking on ice, which we tend to forget can be quite sharp, as we wear shoes.
• De-icer: Even pet-safe deicers can cause issues for cats, but others can be worse. If your cat will be outside, avoid deicers in areas they will be.

Potential Benefits?

But are there benefits from being exposed to snow? While scientific data regarding cats is lacking, given the above benefits of being exposed to nature in general, I’d argue that the potential benefits should (generally) outweigh the concerns, given appropriate supervision.

I’d go further to argue that potentially novel stimulation, in the true outdoor environment, could be some of the best EE out there. Some might even say: the original EE. The smells, the sounds, maybe a bird or two, certainly must be equally, if not more, enriching than a plastic mouse and a shelf or two. Give me a good snowball fight, over the latest entertainment console, any day. Chasing friends, the feel of the cold (but not too cold) biting your face, the beauty of the snow as you run and the flakes fly…those things are priceless. They make you feel alive.

For humans, and for cats.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Unlike many owners, I don’t wake up in the middle of the night because my cat is screaming for food or scratching the door. Olga can be annoying, stubborn, and aggressive but rarely interrupts my sleep. She likes to nap in different locations in my house, including a rocking chair in the spare bedroom, an ancient Lazy Boy recliner in the living room, and underneath the couch and bed.

She doesn’t have a cat bed or preferred sleeping area, which is okay since she’s an indecisive feline. Most of the pet equipment I’ve purchased collects dust in storage because Olga isn’t interested in cat trees, cat beds, or scratching posts.

Where Should Cats Sleep?

I’ve read several articles about the advantages of cat beds and why pets sleeping with you is risky, and I agree with most of their conclusions. However, I let Olga sleep at the foot of my bed. She doesn’t sleep there every night but usually sleeps somewhere in the bedroom.

Although my life would be easier if she slept in a cat bed and napped in the same spot every day, I don’t want to force her or train her to use a bed if she’s happy with her unusual routine. Since she was a kitten, she’s always had trouble making up her mind.

Why Can’t She Make Up Her Mind?

She paces for a few minutes when she wants to jump in my lap, and she does the same thing when she winds down to go to sleep. She doesn’t eat all her food in one sitting; she eats a few bites, walks over to the window to see what’s happening in the neighborhood, and returns to her food bowl. She’ll do that several times before finishing.

Indecision is part of her personality, and while some cat owners may be irritated or distracted when their pets circle around them, it amuses me. Sometimes, I want to yell, “Stop pacing and make a decision,” but I refrain and accept her lack of confidence.

Is Sleeping in the Same Bed as Your Pets Unsanitary?

Sleeping in the same bed as your cat or dog is unsanitary, but you can minimize the risk of getting sick by washing your bedding at least once a week, keeping them groomed, and preventing them from sleeping on your face.

If Olga runs to the litter box before jumping on my bed or lap, I say, “No,” and gently push her off. She probably uses the bathroom when I’m asleep and jumps on the bed, but she stays near my feet, and as far as I know, I’ve never contracted an illness because of my cat’s sleeping habits.

Olga doesn’t get in my face or bother me as long as I don’t oversleep, and since she doesn’t shed much, my covers aren’t covered with cat hair. Allowing a cat to sleep on the bed isn’t for everyone, but if you keep your bed and pet clean, it’s probably safer than sleeping in an airline’s cabin.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

In the continuation of this two-part series on Pain in Cats: an Owners’ Manual (you can read the first part on Recognizing Pain here), we look at the misconceptions of feline pain, which abound. As well, we can touch on the action items that can help you be the best advocate for pain in your cat, and resolving it. To recap, you are the best advocate (or advo-cat) for your feline, so the more knowledge you have, the better we as vets can help you address any concerns. So, let’s jump straight in.

Common Misconceptions About Cats In Pain

There are a lot of misconceptions about pain and how it shows in cats. In part, this is because they are fantastic at hiding pain. In large part, this is because they can be fairly subtle with their body language and the signals they send.

Misconception: Cats always show when they are in pain.

Truth: Actually, many don’t, or do so very subtly.

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Misconception: A purring cat is a happy cat.

Truth: Cats purr when nervous, and in pain, as well as when they are happy.

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Misconception: Because they are eating, they can’t have pain.

Truth: This is a very common misconception I discuss with clients. Cats will eat well in spite of some pretty terrible dental disease. So never use this as an indication that their dental health is fine, or that they don’t need dental care. Routine annual examinations are critical to detect these issues early! Some of the patients I see with the healthiest appetites have teeth literally falling out of their mouths!

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Misconception: Pain is normal in certain situations.

Truth: Any pain should be investigated, even if your cat has recently had major surgery. Cats don’t need to be in pain, due to the many treatment options that are available in modern feline medicine. A painful cat is not necessary, and does not help the healing process (by keeping them quiet)—that’s a myth. In fact, research in humans shows that pain delays healing, and we believe this to be true in cats, as well.

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Misconception: Using opioids prescribed for my cat can cause constipation or opioid addiction.

Truth: In clinical practice, opioids seem to almost never lead to constipation in the cats I’ve worked with. So, if your vet prescribes them, use them as directed. Similarly, many clients I’ve worked with are concerned about their cat developing an opioid addiction: it doesn’t work that way in cats.

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Misconception: Human pain medications are OK for use in cats.

Truth: Without a doubt, they aren’t. Use what your vet prescribes, and nothing else.

Now that we’ve covered the common causes in feline pain at home, how to recognize them, and the misconceptions around pain, let’s get to the real crux of the matter. Once you identify pain in your cat, what do you do next? This is the critical part of the equation, as it allows your cat to receive the treatment they need.

Getting an appointment for pain in your cat:

• Take video: a video is a great tool to capture the behavior you are seeing at home, which is often not replicated in a clinic!
• Next, speak to your vet clinic, and book an appointment. Critical tip: Provide them with the video before an appointment (either via email, or a file-sharing service such as Gmail Drive) so they have the opportunity to see it before your cat’s appointment. Professional secret: we will often share such videos with colleagues in the clinic and view it together, which means you will often be getting second and third opinions on your video, which is all the better for your cat (and free of charge to you!)
• Do research beforehand, on what your cat is displaying, and what tests or treatments might be available. Bring a written list of questions, so you don’t forget to ask them. Expect that bloodwork may be needed, as may additional imaging such as x-rays. Sometimes, this can not all be done at the same appointment.
• Attend the appointment.
• If you have concerns, and they aren’t addressed, it’s ok to ask for a second opinion! Seriously, I’ve never met a vet that minds. We want you, and your cat, to get the best care, and to be happy with the outcome. Sometimes you don’t bond well with a vet, or like their approach, or simply need things explained in a different way. Or you think you see something they don’t. Remember, you know your cat better than we do – so don’t hesitate to advocate for them.

Top Tips for Pain Treatments in Cats

Lastly, I wanted to share some tips from a veterinarian’s perspective, that can help you better manage pain in your cat. These are things that as a professional, I’d love for you to know, but often don’t have time to fully discuss in an appointment. Or, sometimes, we discuss it, but given the amount of information that cat owners have to process in any given appointment, I’m surprised anything is remembered!

• Know that many feline medications come in a liquid, and a pill form – so decide if one will be easier for your cat. If in doubt, I recommend pills (aka tablets), as they can sometimes be put into food, which skips the need to pill your cat. (Churus are an amazing tool to hide pills for cats, by the way!) On the other hand, if you are giving liquid, the volumes are often fairly large, and if your cat spits it out, then you don’t know if you need to repeat the dose, and if so, how much.
• Here is a good video for pilling your cat. This is the method I use myself—a cat facing away from me is easier to work with. Also, tilting their head up slightly opens their mouth naturally, making it easier to give the medication.
• Transdermal patches are also an option for some medications, so are injections. For cats that hate having their mouths touched, these can be better alternatives!
• Quick-dissolving tablets are another option for some medications, but I’ve not had good success as a professional getting cats to understand the theory of these! So, I often avoid these.
• Not all pain meds work well for all cats. If your cat has been prescribed something, and you don’t feel it works, don’t hesitate to ask for a different option. Similarly, if a medication causes vomiting or diarrhea, speak with your veterinarian to find another option.
• Generics vs Brand Name medications: Much as in people, there shouldn’t be much in the difference…. But sometimes, there is. We don’t fully understand why, as the active ingredients are the same. Sometimes, additional additives may be the culprit, sometimes not. But if you feel a brand name medication works better than a generic brand or vice versa, don’t hesitate to request the alternative form.

In the end, cats are lovely mysteries, and as cat owners, we want nothing but the best for them. I hope this Cat Owners Manual on Pain is informative, and allows you opportunities to best advocate for your feline.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Cats are incredibly intelligent, and although they’re more difficult to train than dogs, their long-term memory and problem-solving skills are impressive. Their ability to sense your emotions and avoid situations that previously caused them harm or stress is also commendable, but sometimes, I’d prefer a dim cat to a smart one. I’ve read research articles on canine and feline intelligence, but this article will focus on my observations of Olga and how her intelligence amazes and annoys me.

Problem-Solving

Olga is a fast learner. It didn’t take her long to learn how to catch a paper ball with both paws and open a door from the inside. I have latches on the doors instead of knobs, but I think she would eventually determine how to open them, also. It’s easier for her to open a closed door from the outside since she can grab the latch and push forward, but holding it and pulling backward took her longer to learn.

When Olga feels neglected, she runs into a bedroom or bathroom, squeezes herself behind the door, gets on her hind legs, and pushes forward. If she’s riled up, she uses more force and slams the door. I’m used to hearing her slam the doors, and since I think it’s funny, I’ve never discouraged her from doing it. However, it can be irritating when she does it repeatedly.

Learning From Her Mistakes

When Olga was younger, she often jumped on the headboard of my bed and walked back and forth on the narrow wooden beam. One morning, she wasn’t as graceful on her balance beam, and her back leg slipped. I was half asleep below her, and I yelled when one of her back claws slashed my lip. The scream scared her, and she ran off and hid.

I’m not suggesting that yelling at your cat will help them learn or prevent them from injuring your face, but in my situation, it prevented her from jumping on my headboard again. She has learned other valuable lessons from getting hurt or stuck.

She doesn’t try to retrieve paper balls from underneath the refrigerator anymore after her claw got snagged and she couldn’t get it out. I helped her remove her paw, and another time, when I heard her screaming, I ran to find her dangling from one claw on the top of the blinds. After I helped her down, she stopped leaping from the chair to the blinds. She still charges the blinds occasionally and grabs onto them, but she’s more careful.

Admirable and Annoying

Olga can sense when I’m preparing for a trip, even if she doesn’t see the suitcases, and if I don’t feed her in the morning, she hides under the bed when I’m in the shower because she knows she’s heading to the vet’s office. I have to be stealthy when I grab her ear drops since she knows where I keep them and recognizes the bottle. Life would be much easier if I had an ignorant feline, but I’m glad that even though she’s a pain sometimes, she never ceases to amuse me.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

I have a confession to make: I am addicted to my phone. There, I’ve said it. I’m not proud of it, I’ve tried to fight it, but I know I’m not alone.

I’m sure that many of my fellow Catsters out there are familiar with that compulsion to check your phone every 5 minutes (if we can even wait that long) for messages, likes, gossip, or funny clips. Losing hours down the TikTok rabbit hole, “doom-scrolling” into the wee hours, all too aware that we are the victims of addictive algorithms designed to keep us doing exactly that. At one stage, I even downloaded an app to try to break my phone habits; the irony of using a phone program for my phone addiction is not lost on me! But the allure of adorable animal videos, hilarious pranks, and emotional rescue stories keeps me coming back for more.

There is one thing, however, that never fails to get me to put down my phone, even if it is reluctantly, and that is a big fluffy cat butt in my face!

Cyril is definitely the main perpetrator in my house, and is also unfortunately the heaviest of my cats to have sitting on my chest. Even though he is initially met with frustration, his determination to place himself firmly between me and my screen, eventually forces me to put down the phone and enjoy his demanding feline attention. Clutch and Alex’s technique tends to be a combination of plaintive meowing and forcefully rubbing their head against my phone until I give in and turn my attention away from the screen to give them the fuss they want, and deserve. And when you think about it, how ludicrous is it that I am ignoring the real, wonderful creatures that share my home to watch clips of someone else’s cat, dog, or pet raccoon?

Side note, I don’t think that wild animals should be kept as pets, but I want a raccoon so badly!! 😆

Why Do I Fight It?

I love cats. I love all animals, just like I know you all do. So why is irritation my first reaction to my cats getting between me and my phone? It’s crazy, right? If you’ve ever watched The Social Dilemma, it’s actually pretty terrifying to see just how cleverly the tech used by social media companies and advertisers learns our habits and keeps us glued to our screens. Like many people, I deleted apps and suspended my Instagram account immediately after finishing the documentary. And like most of them, I was back within a few weeks.

The trouble is that without our phones, we miss out on so much of what is going on in the world. Not just that, but our knowledge and awareness can be greatly enhanced by what we watch and read online, provided we’re looking in the right places. So, I accept my constant companion as a necessary evil, and hope that by clicking on more educational links, my personalized algorithms will help keep me on track, although I still can’t resist a good racoon clip!

With the help of my cats, I am also learning to take a break.

How My Cats Help Me to Switch Off

With the possible exception of the late Grumpy Cat, our feline friends do not care about the internet. They aren’t into following trends or likes, and the only tweets they care about are the ones originating from birds. What they do care about is that the person they love, the person they have deigned worthy of their attention and affection, is worshiping the small rectangle in their hand instead of them.

We all know that cats can be aloof. Their independent nature means that they seem not to need our affection, making it all the more special when they seek it out. So when I find my screen blocked by a fluffy Cyril butt, or my phone being jostled by affectionate head bumps, I take that as my signal to put the phone away and spend time with my cats. I give them my full attention, which they absolutely deserve. As a result, I have found it easier to put down my phone more often, disconnecting from it to connect to the world around me.

Although it may not be their intention, my wonderful cats are helping me manage my phone addiction and improve my mental health and well-being; just another reason why cats are awesome.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

Do you have a Kelly Slater at home? A feline Kelly Slater?

Cats on counters. It’s such a common occurrence in the feline world that it’s even garnered its own term: counter surfing. And it’s apparently so appealing, that even some dogs are joining in on the fun…

If you own a cat, counter-surfing is often all too common. Cats, after all, are still considered recently domesticated, and retain many of their natural instincts. These instincts include retreating to different heights for sleeping and playing, which can provide a sense of security, while also allowing a better vantage point, and increasing active behaviors.

Studies on preference for scratching posts show that cats prefer vertical posts to horizontal scratch pads.¹ And current trends in environmental enrichment promote vertical spaces, as they effectively increase a cat’s territory, especially within limited spaces, such as for pet cats that are housed predominantly indoors.² This can include elevated beds, shelves, ropes, cat trees, and climbing poles.

But, such feline behavior isn’t necessarily congruent with our modern lifestyles, when it comes to co-existing. For instance, neither of my cats is allowed on the kitchen counters or kitchen table, which emanates from early training when they were kittens. (It truly took me a week and a lot of coaxing to get a photo of Tiller on the table specifically for this article- possibly why she looks so annoyed!) So, what’s the deal on why it’s not advisable, and where is the happy medium?

Counter Surfing: Why Not?

I’m personally a strong believer that (1) cats will be cats and you can’t change their inherent nature; (2) regardless, cats should not put their feet anywhere I don’t put mine; (3) cats definitely should not put their butt where I wouldn’t put my feet (e.g. my breakfast toast).

It may sound pedantic, but as much as I love cats, I don’t want ANYONE’s butt on my breakfast toast. And, there are zoonotic risks. Zoonoses are diseases that people can catch from animals, just as reverse zoonoses are diseases that animals can catch from people.

For humans, parasitic diseases such as tapeworms, cryptosporidium, and salmonella are all potential concerns from things tracked onto the counter from well-intentioned cats. True, counter surfing is not a well-known form of zoonotic transmission. But the risks don’t end there.

Cats, themselves, are at risk of dangers on countertops. Hot stoves, that curious cats step on, can lead to severe paw pad burns, with subsequent ulcerations and significant pain. I see it at least a few times a year, when working in clinics. Cats jump onto a stove, burn two or four feet, and are in pain for a few weeks, afterwards, requiring treatment. Similarly candles on counters often attract heat-seeking felines, and lead to melted whiskers, hair, or even burns. If it’s a cooking surface, sharp items like knives and breakables like glasses can also be unsafe for curious kitties.

Alternative Ways for Cats to Hang Ten

So how do you keep a cat off a counter? Or stop them from Kelly Slater-ing?

Tips to keep cats off the counter:

• Start young! Don’t wait until your cat is an adult to enforce cat-free areas, and give them alternative places to replace what they seek. Kittens are most pliable for learning boundaries and good (and bad!) habits, especially before 1 year of age
• Teach your cat the “No” command and be consistent with it
• Add vertical spaces to your house: cat shelves, cat trees, cardboard towers
• Noise aversion techniques DON’T work on cats (e.g. clapping, key shaking, coins in a tin can)
• Squirting water is also a behavioral no-no!
• I’ve personally found smells to be a good deterrent: spicy items wafted under the nose of a wayward cat (e.g. chilli flakes, or Frank’s Red Hot) immediately after they jump up can help enforce a no-go zone
• Substrates (such as tinfoil or double-sided tape) can also deter some cats from stepping onto places they aren’t welcome
• Give them their own dedicated outdoor viewing space to enrich their environment: a window suction bed, chair by a window, etc. Many counter surfers are simply interested in a better vantage point- not so much the counter itself!
• Adding vertical shelves or cat trees for active play and jumping behaviors, to replace jumping onto a table or countertop
• Don’t leave tasty food items out on the counter, which can encourage curious cats to investigate

So, it’s entirely possible to hang out with your cat, while providing them with alternatives to “hanging ten”. Tiller and Pancake are living proof! Even though those toe beans are adorable, they belong anywhere but the table or countertop!