How to Keep your cat off the counter, couch, etc

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By weeblefish
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They say curiosity killed the cat. To prevent this (or loss of your food), use the following steps to keep your cat off of certain areas.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

cat to test system
spray bottle (larger ones for long-haired cats) and a combination of the following:
empty metal cans
bubble wrap or aluminum foil
balloons
tape

Step 1

Don't ever allow the cat on this surface. If they haven't been on it yet, it will be easier to prevent. Also, don't allow the cat to be on the surface SOMETIMES. Cats don't understand sometimes. A behavior is either appropriate, or it isn't. Be consistent for best results.
Step 2

Make sure the surface isn't too good to refuse. If you have salmon (or any other strong-smelling meat) out or cooking do NOT leave it unattended. If need be, have someone else watch the cat or lock them in a bathroom to keep them (and your food) safe.

If it is a soft surface (furniture, etc), make sure the cat has a soft surface of its own in or near the room. Make sure there is a cat bed or towel nearby for its use. Cats often like to be on higher items, so make sure they have a cat tree or window perch they can use instead of the forbidden areas.
Step 3

Use a spray bottle or squirt gun to spray the cat with water when it is on the surface. For long-haired cats, you may need a larger spray bottle (look for some at a home-improvement store, bigger is better). You will need to have these handy near all areas where you may see the cat on the surface.

Many cats will eventually realize that YOU are behind this "indoor rain", and will only get on the surface when you are not around or not looking. The following steps are to be used to get full compliance.
Step 4

Set up random acts of god or booby-traps on the surface. Empty cans that will crash to the floor when the cat tries to jump onto the surface. Motion activated toys that make loud noises and move can also be used. You may have to experiment to see what your cat responds to the most.

These will go off whenever the cat tries to jump onto the surface (not just when you are around). This eliminates the 'it's all good as long as you don't get caught' idea.
Step 5

Make the surface irritating. Many cats don't like to walk on plastic or aluminum foil. Add to this blown up balloons (taped to the surface) and you also have static working in your favor. Loops of tape that will stick to the feet should only be used while you are home (to prevent the cat eating the tape to get it off its feet).