I understand your feelings about the kitchen counters. Thankfully, my cat didn't jump up on the counters...mostly because there was very LITTLE open space.
I think confining the cat just before you start cooking, where she hasn't yet learned to stay off the counters, is a great idea.
I would leave the counters alone until JUST before you cook. I use a 10% bleach to 90% water spray, and I spray my countertops, then leave the spray on, wet, for 10 minutes, timed with a timer, to be sure that all the germs and bacteria are dead.
I learned that this bleach and water mixture is so safe that it can be sprayed directly on children's toys and left on without wiping, and if the children then try to EAT the toys...(as toddlers do), it won't harm them. I learned that while working at my local homeless shelter. I sometimes helped to clean the toys in the Childcare room.
I did a LOT of research on killing germs during Covid, and a virologist mentioned this bleach and water mixture, and LEAVING it on the cooking surfaces for at least 10 minutes to kill viruses and germs.
Apparently many people started using Clorox wipes during Covid, and this scientist said that the wipes don't stay on the surface long enough to kill the germs and viruses...so you are basically just smearing the germs around if you use those.
@Cigarguy All that wiping doesn't make the counters cleaner, though, unless you are using the bleach and water 10 minute soak thing that I mentioned. Change that ONE thing. Your family will be healthier for it!
there's no stopping my little one from jumping on the counters so i just accept it. she only jumps on them when i'm around. i don't place food directly on the counter and when i do use the kitchen i sanitize the area...i have never gotten sick because one of my animals hopped on the counter
@beermeplease "Oh right, well you can't be too safe nowadays." :: passes a ratty-looking old container with a few not-so-savory-looking cheese balls, toward you. As he asks, "Aperitifs?"
@Cigarguy I honestly don't see the cat too much because He follows my daughter everywhere he sits next to her and her bean bag chair he stays with her in her room they have definitely bonded
Double-sided tape in strategic areas on the edge of the counter (they don’t like it on their paws). Also maybe invest in a "cat tree" along with a good scratching post. With a cat tree by the window, this keeps them occupied for hours.
Cats like to be up high to watch things.. If you build a box up at top of ceiling, and some little ramps she can jump up to get to it, she will not be a problem anymore.
@Cigarguy Well now that you got a cat, you can get rid of that no good, thieving, making up silly stories, and manipulating all the people, who you hold most dear. The Hamster.
