Cat on Counter, IMLS DCC, Flickr
All cats should be provided with a scratch post and trained to use it (see Why Cats Scratch Furniture and Carpets for scratch post training tips). However, some cats have a strong preference for scratching the furniture and many cats like to jump up on kitchen counters, tabletops, and other surfaces that owners prefer to keep cat-free.
Hitting or yelling at cats for engaging in problem behaviours is a bad idea, as it can lead to anxiety and aggression. It’s far better to use harmless deterrents to break bad habits so that you don’t have to watch over the situation all the time.
To keep cats off surfaces such as countertops, cover them with carpet runner, car mats (bumpy side up), Scat Mats, or Sticky Paws tape for a week or two to break the habit. Most cats dislike walking on sticky or pointy surfaces, and after one or two attempts will usually begin to avoid the area. When the habit is broken, the tape, mat, or carpet runner can be removed.
There are also more high-tech deterrents available, such as the SSSCAT motion-sensing device, which emits a startling burst of air when the cat comes near.
For more cat articles, see the main Cats page.