Expert: Brandy - 12/23/2006

Question
My parents have a 4 month old kitten.

She likes to climb on the kitchen table and counter, on top of the TV, in the christmas tree etc.

They bought two cans of "Hartz Stay Off Training Aid" and sprayed that stuff.  They tell me that "she just licks it to get rid of it."  I haven't seen this myself to know what to make of it.  I was asking my mom what it smells like because I've been reading that some cats don't like citrus or menthol.  She didn't know what it smelled like and sprayed it.  I DON'T SMELL ANYTHING.

They'd like to find a way to train her to stay off the kitchen table, counters, TV and out of the Christmas Tree.

Besides spraying citrus or menthol everywhere (because my parents don't really care for the smell either) can you suggest anything to help?

Answer
I had 5 cats (we lost our oldest recently:<)), and in the 12 years we have collectively owned these guys, only the youngest (at 4) jumps on counters, and that's because my husband coddles him and lets him do what he wants. Though the cat does jump down when he sees me.
This kitten is still young enough to learn DOWN and NO (capitals for emphasis only). Gently swat her off the counter (if she jumped up, she can jump down). Picking her up might just reinforce in her that when she jumps on the counter gets her a cuddle (and perhaps some treats...that's how my husband's cat trained him...).
As for odors, cats are weird. Some of our cats are catnip junkies, others can't be bothered. One of my cats will gnaw on an orange. Some keep a big distance from Stay-Off, others (namely, Hubby's cat) loves it.
I think, in my experience, consistency is the key.  Cats can learn, despite what some people can think; it just takes longer than for some dogs.
As for the tree...again consistency, those blinking lights are an easy temptation for the kitty, as well as any shiny trinkets. But in this case, gotta pick your battles. Again in my household, we dealt with a beautifuly decorated tree with tons of lights and an pretty nice collection of glass balls until..you guessed it...HE came around. Now we compromised: One tree in the living room with basic but pretty lights, a second one in our bedroom (where Problem Cat isn't supposed to enter) with the surviving remainder of my glass balls.
Training your parents and their kitty (because your parents need to show a united front to this little ball of fluff) needs to be done calmly and with lots of love.
Have fun.