I came across this artical and though I love my kitties, they  want to go on every surface that I don't want them on. After I read this I thought not only am I going to try this, I'd also share it. I know many of us have kitties. I hope ya'll find it useful as well.

Blessings,
Indeshadows


How to Keep Kitty Off the Counter!
by: Pam Johnson-Bennett

Are you frustrated because your cat insists on walking on the kitchen counter? Even if you don't personally mind that kitty is prancing along the countertop and maybe leaving a cat hair or two behind, there are safety reasons why she shouldn't. She may step onto a hot stove or get into some food you're preparing that isn't safe for her to eat. You may also have cleaning supplies on the counter that aren't safe for her to be around. �

If you've tried to train your cat to stay off the counter, you've probably discovered that it seems to be a losing battle. If you repeatedly shoo the cat off the counter, no doubt you've discovered that she merely waits until you're out of sight before she hops right back up there.

It's time for a new approach. The method I use works even when you aren't home, so kitty is getting trained 24/7. The key is to make the counter unappealing. There's a simple way to do this. Get a plastic carpet runner (like the ones used in new homes) that has the bumpy spines on one side. Cut the runner into smaller pieces to fit the counter surface. Then place the runner spine-side-up on the counter whenever you aren't working in the kitchen. When the cat jumps up on the counter she'll feel the uncomfortable texture and decide for herself that this isn't such a fun place. There's also a product you can buy that's made specifically for training cats to stay off objects. It's called the X-Mat, and it's based on the same principle as the carpet runner.

Keep the runner or X-Mat on the counter for a few weeks, until you're sure your cat has gotten the message. The key is to take the runner off the counter only when you need to be in the kitchen, since as always, consistency is important in training.

Wow!  What a fabulous idea.  I don't yet have a kitty, but do plan on getting one soon.  (I don't think I have to worry about it with the dog, lol).  I have always wondered how to keep my kitties from getting on the counter and have tried everything from spray bottles to locking the kitty "out" (in places where that was possible).  This sounds like a really good plan.  Thank you, Indeshadows.

hmmm, wonder if this would work for Kimiko.  Even the water bottle doesn't keep her off the counter.  Love my kitties but she has no business on the kitchen counter or the table.

Love the article Inde, gonna have to try this with my newly acquired (dumped on me, lol) kitty!

Just the thoughts of kitty paws, kitty boxes, food prep area, ick yuk! oooooeeeey!!!!

hmm I bet that would work for my dog too... Believe it or not that is an issue in our house!
Despite the fact that she stands a whopping 11" tall, somehow she manages to get up on the counter, open the tap and drink from the faucet.  In fact it's her new favorite way to drink... something that makes me more than a little squeamish inside, when I've seen the absolute glee on her face as she uses those paws to dig through the garbage or the neighbor's compost heap! Not to mention the potential things she steps on during our walks...
Thanks for sharing! good luck with all of your kitties and other critters!

Kathartica, she sounds like a really cool, (albeit evil ) little dog!

maybe she has an identity disorder.  I had a dog once who thought he was a cat.  He would walk along the railing on the porch or jump up on the hood of the truck, bring home dead mice and little critters, even tried to get fresh with the female cats.  Of course he was raised from the time he was a very young puppy in the crazy cat lady's house.  (mom had about 20 at the time)

it's a possibility... she did help raise a litter of kittens...
One of my uncle's two new kittens got out of the house and had babies. the poor dear was only 4 months old, the vet claimed she'd never carry them to term or if she did they'd never survive... well surprise! that 4 month old kitten has 6 healthy roly poly babies on the ground.  My puppy would go over, push the young mom out of the nest just after she finished feeding them, and watch the little kitties while momma cat ran off and had some play time with her sister!

all 8 of those kitties could use a lesson in staying off the counter too...

love and hugs
Kathartica

After digging through hubby's shed, (pack rats!!) I found an ol plastic carpet runner from when I had a van, saw he had some extra rubber truck mats  :idea:   with bumpy spiney things an grab them too. Cut my ol one to fit the stove, placed them on all the counters and one trimmed to fit the top of the TV. An bingo!! Within seconds Odin hopped on the counter (he was watching me as I placed things, just had to have a look) and to his surprise it wasn't to his liking!!! Moves quickly to different spot and the look on his face!!!  ROFLMAO!!!!!!!     He shot off there so fast!!

An Honey is so pissy looking because she can't set on the TV!!! They have tried a few times and has found the same unpleasent feeling!! Now there are some very grumpy kitties, but fur free counters!!

When I need counter space I just roll them up together  an  set them aside.

:!:  Warning: make sure stove and burners are cool to touch Before placeing mats back in place.    

well, mom tried it, just a small chunk around the sink which is where she normally walks on the counter... and wouldn't you know the darned dog has decided she likes scratching herself against the nubs! Not sure what's worse, pawprints or hair and dander from scratching and rolling! Does seem to dislike it underfoot though, so maybe if we covered the entire counter? We'll give it a try...
but at the moment playing with the mat is even more fun than drinking from the tap!
maybe just putting the mat on the floor for her would work  :roll:

THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL ADVICE. I HAVE TWO FELINE FAMILIARS THAT ARE PARTNERS IN CRIME WHEN IT COMES TO STALKING THE ELUSIVE COUNTER TOPS FOR PREY. I WILL DEFINITELY BE USING THIS IDEA ON MY COUNTERS AS WELL AS IN AREAS WHERE THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED...LIKE MY ALTAR AREA.