Why Does My Cat Always Jump on the Table?

1 Why Cats Jump on the Table

Why Cats Like to Jump on Tables

1. It’s instinct

Loving heights is instinct; up high they feel safer, so a cat may simply enjoy the table. They also love bookcases and wardrobes. If you don’t want this, stop it early with training — when it crouches to jump, interrupt so it learns it can’t, and over time it will jump less.

2. Tempted by food

The cat may be drawn by food or a favorite smell. Bold cats jump even with you watching. Train the cat not to jump and not to eat human food — long-term people food burdens the gut and liver. Put your food away so it can’t sneak bites when you’re gone.

3. Playing on the table

Tissues attract cats, and tissues on the table are another reason they jump up. Keep tissues off the table and clear them after meals. Many owners come home to shredded tissues with the cat innocently watching. Training not to jump is the best fix.

4. The owner’s influence

If you often put the kitten on the table to play as a baby, it sees the table as its space and forms the habit — correct this. If you don’t want it on the table, don’t put it there to play.

How to Stop a Cat Jumping on the Table

1. Buy a cat tree

Since cats love climbing and heights, give them a cat tree or wall perches to satisfy the urge and reduce interest in the table.

2. Reduce temptations

As noted, food, tissues or toys on the table attract the cat, so keep these off and train the cat that the table is off-limits.

3. Place scents the cat dislikes

Put stimulating smells on the table — floral water, lemon, perfume — and the cat will lose interest over time.

Find the specific reason your cat jumps up so you can fix the habit.