We all love our pets, but they do have a way of getting into everything. Cats, in particular, are agile and independent and love to climb onto everything, including kitchen counters.
But, is it really safe for them to be up there or are they spreading germs all over? Here’s what you need to know.
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Pets can get pretty dirty.
Our beloved cats might clean their fur, but they can pick up nasty things on their paws as they explore their world.
For one thing, they use litter boxes, meaning they often step in and around their own waste. But since they clean themselves, are they really spreading bacteria?
Vets say to be careful.
Even if you bathe your cat often, keeping their paws clean is hard.
According to veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker from VetStreet, letting cats onto kitchen countertops and tables isn’t a good idea. It could be unsafe for you and anyone else who eats in your house.
Germs are a real risk.
Because cat paws may walk around in some rather nasty ways, it’s best to keep these paws away from where you prepare and eat your food.
Even if you don’t get sick from your cat’s bad habits, it’s pretty gross to think about. So, it’s better to err on the side of caution and try to keep cats from prancing all around your kitchen surfaces.
But cats aren’t exactly known for listening.
When Aunty Acid readers were asked if they allow their cats on kitchen counters, cat owner Tracey Evans had this to say: “Allowed, no. Do they get up there, yes.”
Another reader, Kathie Baber, noted that her cats have a mind of their own, “I keep saying No, but they seem to have selective hearing and hear yes.”
So, what do you do about these stubborn cats?
While cats are trainable, they can have more difficulty with the process than dogs. And some cats seem to love breaking the rules more than anything.
Even if your cat still gets on the counters, Dr. Becker says you’ll be OK as long as you clean up before you do any food prep or eating.
Sanitizing is key!
If you can’t keep your cat out of the kitchen, you only need to use an antibacterial cleaner before you work with food. This way, you’ll remove any harmful germs your cat may spread.
You can use antibacterial wipes or a cleaning spray with paper towels. Whatever you prefer, as long as it gets the job done!
Other Aunty Acid readers use this cleaning method.
Tracy Noble said that she does let her cats get on the counter because “that’s why they made sanitizing spray.” Julia Hill agreed and added, “Yes. Just clean thoroughly before you use it for food!”
Clean up food prep surfaces never hurts, so it’s not a bad idea regardless of your cat’s behavior!
Cats often get what they want.
Cats are lovable and often hilarious. Cat owners appreciate their beloved pets because they are playful, stubborn, and silly. Even if cats don’t always do what we want, that’s part of the fun.
As Debbie Lindsay said, “Unless you are watching your cat 24/7 you are kidding yourself if you think they aren’t on tables and countertops.”
Does your cat love to jump on kitchen counters?
Do you have a cat that seems to get everywhere they’re not supposed to be? It can be a losing battle to keep them away!
Do you have a funny story about your cat’s antics? Share it with us! We can’t get enough cute cats and kittens.
