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How to Keep a Cat Off the Refrigerator (Guide/Tips)

If you are sick of your cat jumping on your refrigerator, you may be looking for a solution to stop it (Click here for my preferred option, on Amazon).

How to keep a cat off the refrigerator

To keep your cat off your refrigerator you need to offer her an alternative, such as a cat tree, which gets the best results. Failing that, you will need to place cat deterrent tape or foil on it to make her avoid using it.

What you will need to keep your cat off

Description Image My Rating
01. Indoor Cat tree (My Best)
Click here for the price on Amazon
5 stars
02. Cat deterrent tape
Click here for the price on Amazon
03. Tin Foil
Click here for the price on Amazon
4 stars

So, now you know what you need to keep your cat off your refrigerator. But, why are these so effective? Why is your cat so keen on your fridge anyway? Will your cat take food from your fridge? Keep reading for these answers, and so much more.

Why these are good options

As you read earlier, I have three main solutions, with the cat tree being my best (Click here to see the price on Amazon), but why are they so effective?

Indoor Cat Tree (My Best Option)

An indoor cat tree is a must-have for your feline companion. But you don’t just want to get any run of the mill cat tree; your cat deserves better. This one is a perfect option for your cat (Click here to see what I mean, on Amazon).

Standing at 61 inches tall – or just over 5 feet, with multiple levels to ensure safety for small kittens and big cats alike, and with a durable scratching post with a built-in hammock, your cat will feel like royalty.

Why this helps your Fridge problem

Cats naturally want to climb, explore, and scratch just about everything. This cat tree can provide your cat with that and more, with an interactive hanging ball, multi-purpose playground, and cozy places to relax and nap, your cat won’t even remember why it thought your refrigerator was the hottest spot in the house.

This affordable, durable, and reliable cat tree is not only everything your cat could want and more, but it’s also easy for us humans to assemble. You might be thinking, my cat will destroy this cat tree in a week. Luckily, while layered with soft and comfortable plush coverings, all posts are reinforced with a strong and durable wood base — meaning your cat would need to use a chainsaw if they wanted to destroy this cat tree.

You can be assured that your cat will not only will your cat be happy but rest easy knowing your furry friend is completely safe and getting the exercise they need with it.

Cat deterrent tape

Applying some cat deterrent tape to the top of your fridge (Click here to see the one I prefer, on Amazon) is another great and affordable way to get your cat to stay clear from it. With this tape not only can you get it delivered to you at the speed of light, but you can rest assured your purchase is worth every penny.

If there is one thing that all cats seem to universally despise, it would be sticky things. That’s where this effective double-sided tape comes in.

If you have an issue with your cat constantly jumping on top of your refrigerator – or any furniture that is not meant to serve as a cat’s naptime spot, this cat deterrent tape just might be your saving grace.

How to apply the tape to your Fridge

All you have to do is stick it to where your cat likes to climb on top of – the fridge in this case – and peel the backs off to reveal the sticky, clear pad and it won’t take long before your cat never wants to go on top of the fridge again.

This tape is completely safe for you and your cat. Hypoallergenic and toxin-free, the adhesive functions as a normal double-sided tape you can use as a cat deterrent and other day-to-day tasks and projects.
Effective, multi-purpose, affordable, safe, and won’t leave a mark on your fridge – or any other surface you put it on, this cat deterrent tape is a win-win.

Tin Foil

This next one is essential, whether you have a cat or not. Every kitchen has aluminum foil. Even if you aren’t big on cooking you probably have noticed it lying around somewhere in the kitchen (What happens if your cat pees there? Click here) or the pantry.

While foil is something that we use to cover up containers with food in them, it has another great use as well. That would happen to be keeping your cat off the refrigerator (Click here to see why I like this foil, on Amazon) – or any surface you don’t want your cat jumping on.

But why foil as a cat deterrent?

Have you ever clapped or suddenly made a loud noise in front of your cat? I bet they bolted before you could even blink.

Cats do not like loud, sudden sounds, which foil just happens to make. By setting up a layer of foil on top of your refrigerator, your cat will be leaping off as quickly as it lipped on. The scratching sounds of foil is more than enough for your cat to “I’m meowt of here.”

Why is my cat obsessed with the fridge?

There could be several reasons why your cat is obsessed with your fridge. A major cause is likely what you keep inside of it. Cats are far from dumb and know that you hide all kinds of tasty treats inside of the refrigerator. Including their food, and the forbidden yet enticing human food you keep stored away.

Another possibility is that the top of the fridge seems like a cozy spot for them to nap. Safe and far away from the action going on inside the house.

Is it hot outside? It’s likely your cat wants to seek shelter from the heat within your refrigerator. On top of being a cooling haven, the inside of the fridge represents a nice, enclosed space for the cat to relax.

Is it possible for a cat to survive if she gets caught in the fridge?

Yes, a cat can survive being locked in the fridge. Believe it or not, cats are remarkably resilient animals. Obviously, it is not advisable to shut a cat in a fridge for any reason.

Hypothermia, food poisoning, oxygen deprivation, and dehydration are just a few reasons why you should not let your cat inside your fridge. However, a cat can remain enclosed in a refrigerator for weeks and still survive.

In 2005, a cat in Oklahoma was accidentally locked in the fridge of a shed for four weeks and survived.

Why does your cat like being on top of the refrigerator?

Cats are not only solitary animals but also very observant. They like to have a high perk to lay on and relax as they observe what is going on around them — completely undisturbed by anything going on below. If you have dogs or small children in the house, the top of the fridge is an attractive option for a cat to use as a getaway where it can remain in peace.

Do cats care about the cold temperature of the refrigerator?

Most cats prefer warm weather over cold weather (with exception to the snow leopard, but hopefully you don’t have one of those in your house). While cats are quite well adapted for cold weather, the temperature of your refrigerator is a little chilly for your furry companion.

The average temperature of a refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while it’s generally recommended cats stay in a warm place if it’s colder than 45 degrees outside. Will cats take food from a fridge?

Will cats take food from a fridge?

Will cats take food from a fridge?

Will cats take food from a fridge?

This one depends on your cat. Many cats appear to be less than willing to try new foods unless they are desperately hungry. Cats also can’t taste sweetness, so any delicious desserts in your fridge are far from appealing to a cat.

However, they will gladly eat any canned wet food you have straight from the fridge. One thing they aren’t too picky about seems to be the temperature of their dinner.

Why do cats like small places, like fridges?

It’s no secret that cats love small, cramped spaces. It’s in their DNA to seek out cozy and safe places for protection and warmth. While your fridge might not be the warmest, it meets the needs of a cat looking for a safe space to relax – as well as your drawers, cabinets, boxes, etc…

Why is my cat staring at the stove?

First the fridge, now the stove. Your cat’s fixation on the stove could be explained by one of two reasons. Either your kitty is interested in what could be inside, or rather what it’s like inside, or there could potentially be something under your stove. If your cat detects any movement from a small insect or rodent hiding under the stove, it goes straight into the hunter-mode.

Why do cats sit and stare?

Nobody likes being stared at. When you see your cat’s big eyes almost glaring at you, it can be a bit uneasy. But why? You might have heard that cats tend to be on the curious side. Maybe a little too curious. They are naturally very observant and like to watch you do your thing. This might even be their way of protecting you (click here if they also follow you into the bathroom) since they will notice if anything happens. Alternatively, they might be staring at you to remind you it`s dinner time.

Can cats open your fridge?

Technically, yes, cats can open your fridge. However, it depends both, on the cat and the fridge. A bigger, stronger cat and a small fridge with a handle that leaves room for leverage could be opened by a cat. However, in general, most fridges take too much strength to open. Energy that your cat probably isn`t interested in wasting to get inside your fridge.

Can you manually train your cat to not use the fridge?

You can train cats manually to not use your fridge. But, unlike dogs, repeating “No! Bad kitty” to your cat when it does something you don’t like probably won’t get you very far. If you wish to train your cat, you need to outsmart it by discouraging the usage of the fridge.

As previously mentioned, cats are naturally very curious little creatures. This curiosity and natural-born ability to jump on high surfaces and climb anything create a bit of a nuisance. If you aren`t interested in spending money on products that might prevent your cat from climbing on your furniture or using your fridge, you might resort to manual training.

Pre-feeding

If your cat is interested in the food in your fridge, try feeding your little feline companion more often. If your cat isn`t overweight, you can even try leaving out food for it to snack on all day.

If your cat uses the fridge for a comfortable spot to nap, try opening up other options in your house for your cat. An indoor cat tree (Click here to see a good one, on Amazon) for example will beat your fridge any day in the eyes of your cat.

Another way you can try to train your cat to get off the fridge is to call its name and offer it one of its favorite snacks (click here to see the reviews, on Amazon) after it descends from the fridge top. If you are patient with your cat, it will eventually learn that not being on the fridge will result in tasty snacks as a reward for good behavior.

How can you secure the fridge from your cat?

If your cat invading your fridge becomes a constant problem you might want to invest in ways to keep your fridge locked. As silly as it might sound, baby-proofing your fridge can be an affordable and effective solution.

Baby proof it (for cats)

Cats – unlike infants and toddlers, don’t have thumbs, which evidently helps out a lot in breaking into things they shouldn’t. This puts your cat at a disadvantage in the game of mischief both children and pets alike seem to relish in playing. The point here being, if a child can`t get into it a cat can’t, either.

Other Options

If you are more worried about your cat making the top of your fridge his/her new throne, there are plenty of easy options. As mentioned before, cat deterrent tape works like a charm (Click here for the price, on Amazon) The sticky sensation on your cat`s paws and fur will be an instant turn-off for the cat. This, or simply setting out a layer of tin foil will send your catch on a search for a new perch elsewhere.

Tell em to scat!

Alternatively, you could try getting a little fancy by using a motion-activated canister that released bursts of gentle detergent (Click here to see what I mean, on Amazon). While harmless, the sudden burst of air combined with the sound it makes will definitely become your cat`s worst nightmare.

These not only can be placed both on top of and inside of your fridge but don’t even require you to be home for them to work. Another way to secure your fridge is by having a more attractive option in the house for your cat.

Whether it be an indoor cat tree (Click here for the price, on Amazon) or an alternative homemade perch designated for your cat`s climbing needs, simply by having better options for your cat than the fridge can be the best protection.

Lindsey Browlingdon