Because of their climbing and balancing skills, cats can explore several areas of their homes off-limits to canines. Dogs are undoubtedly irritated once they see their feline roommates casually strolling along on the countertops within the kitchen, but I’ve never allowed cats, dogs, or birds to access areas where I prepare food.
Unlike my previous cat, Olga hasn’t tried to leap on the counter, and by chance, she’s not as agile as a Siamese. Nevertheless, she gets excited before mealtime, and after I’m opening a can of food or pouring kibble right into a bowl, she stands on her hind legs along with her front claws beneath the lip of the countertop and walks backwards and forwards. She’s a quiet cat, but she belts out her cutest meows to encourage me to maneuver faster with the food.
“If I just stretch a littttttle more…”
Playful Behavior
I haven’t trained Olga to stop scooting around along with her claws on the counter’s edge since it cracks me up. She looks hilarious, and it’s certainly one of the few times, aside from automobile rides to the vet’s office, after I hear her voice.
After placing her food bowl on the ground, I all the time sanitize the counter. Since her claws only touch the underside edge, they’re less prone to contaminate my food, but I don’t like taking possibilities regarding food safety.
Indoor Cats vs Outdoor Cats
Indoor cats like Olga don’t typically encounter decaying carcasses, fertilizer, pesticides, or feces from wild or stray animals of their homes. Some owners might imagine keeping their cats indoors makes them less prone to contaminate their kitchen once they jump on the counters.
Although that is sensible, indoor cats spend loads of time within the litter box. After Olga digs around and covers up her waste, the last place I would like her to leap is a clean counter I take advantage of to organize food.
Safety Considerations
I actually have friends who allow their cats to eat and play on the countertop, but I believe it’s a foul idea for several reasons. Besides the potential for me getting sick from the litter box’s bacteria, I’m afraid Olga will get hurt if she jumps on the counter and lands on a chef’s knife or serrated bread knife. I don’t eat out often and frequently make dinner at home, so I prep food on the counter day by day.
Although I let her near the counter after I’m preparing her food, I keep her away when chopping vegetables, making dough, or working with ingredients like onions and garlic. Olga isn’t a picky eater, but since onions, garlic, and any species from the Allium family are toxic to felines, I keep her away from the kitchen after I’m prepping them.
Sometimes, the aromas from cooking are an excessive amount of for her to disregard, and she or he runs into the kitchen and begs for a bite. It’s hard to withstand the pleas of a primarily silent cat, but I say, “No!” and she or he walks away reluctantly. In case your cat plays on the countertops, I suggest training them to explore other areas of your private home.
The kitchen is dangerous, even for humans, and your gourmet meal will delight your loved ones and friends much more when prepared in a sanitary environment.