Cats are curious creatures that love to explore and climb. It’s no wonder that they often find their way into cabinets where they can wreak havoc on your belongings or even put themselves in danger. In this article, we will discuss various techniques that will help you keep your feline friend out of your cabinets without the need for any tools.
Can You Keep Your Cat Out of the Cabinets?
Yes, you can! With the right approach and a bit of patience, you can effectively prevent your cat from accessing your cabinets. Let’s explore some practical solutions.
What You Will Need to Secure Your Cabinet?
Here are some common items you can use to cat-proof your cabinets:
- Safety locks
- Double-sided tape
- Foil
- Clicker training tools
How to Keep Cats Out of Cabinets?
Use a Safety Lock for Cabinets (Best Option)
Installing safety locks on your cabinets is an effective way to keep your cat out. These locks require no tools and can be easily attached to your cabinet doors. When your cat tries to open the door, the lock will prevent it from swinging open.
Block Access to the Room Where the Cabinet Is
Another option is to restrict your cat’s access to the room where the cabinet is located. You can do this by closing the door or installing a baby gate. Keep in mind that this may not be practical if you need regular access to the room.
My Problem with This Blocking Access Method
While blocking access can work, it may not be suitable for all homes or situations. It can be inconvenient and may not address the root of the problem.
Startle Your Cat When She Goes Near the Cabinet
When your cat approaches the cabinet, you can try making a loud noise or clapping your hands to startle her. This can deter her from trying to access the cabinet again.
My Issue with This Startling Method
While this method can be effective, it may cause stress to your cat if done repeatedly. It is essential to find a more sustainable solution to address the issue.
Double-Sided Tape
Cats dislike the feeling of sticky surfaces. Placing double-sided tape on the edges of the cabinet doors can deter them from trying to open the doors.
Foil
Similar to the tape method, you can also use aluminum foil to create a barrier that cats dislike. Place the foil around the cabinet edges, and the crinkling sound and feel will likely keep them away.
Positive Reinforcement (Clicker Training)
Clicker training is a great way to teach your cat not to access the cabinets. By rewarding your cat with treats and praise when she stays away from the cabinets, you can reinforce positive behavior.
Feed Them More Often
Feeding your cat more frequently can help reduce her curiosity and desire to explore the cabinets, especially if she’s searching for food.
Offer an Alternative (e.g., Cat Tree)
Providing your cat with an alternative place to climb and explore, such as a cat tree, can help redirect her energy away from your cabinets.
Undesirable Surface Texture
Place materials with unpleasant textures on top of the cabinet to discourage your cat from jumping up.
Fill the Cabinets with Cleaning Items
Storing cleaning supplies or other items that emit strong odors in the cabinets can help deter your cat from wanting to explore them.
Make It Harder to Get to
Rearrange your furniture or items in the room to make it more difficult for your cat to reach the cabinets.
Why Do Cats Jump on Counters and Mess with Cabinets?
Appreciation of Heights
Cats enjoy being in high places, which provides them with a vantage point to survey their surroundings.
The Smell of the Cabinet is Enticing
Cats have an excellent sense of Smell and may be attracted to the scents coming from the cabinets, especially if there is food inside.
The Allure of Running Water
Cats are often fascinated by running water, and they might jump on counters or explore cabinets in search of a water source.
Curiosity
Cats are naturally curious animals and love to explore new spaces, which may lead them to investigate your cabinets.
Demand Control
Cats sometimes jump on counters and open cabinets to assert control over their environment.
They Love Out-of-Bounds Areas
Cats are notorious for wanting to access areas that are off-limits. Cabinets can be especially appealing because they are typically closed off and mysterious to cats.
Conclusion
Keeping cats out of cabinets can be a challenging task, but it is achievable with a combination of prevention, deterrence, and positive reinforcement. By understanding why cats are attracted to cabinets and implementing the strategies discussed in this article, you can effectively keep your feline friend from causing trouble in your cabinets without the need for any tools. Remember to be patient and consistent in your approach, as it may take some time for your cat to learn new behaviors.
