do cats like aluminum foil

Cats Hate the Look, Feel and Sound of “Tin” Foil

When moved, bent, or stepped on, the foil has a very distinct high-pitched crinkling sound. Crinkling aluminum foil actually emits a sound so high-pitched that it reaches into the ultrasonic range.

NO THANK YOU

Curling up a piece of aluminum foil and seeing your cat go completely crazy is actually a fairly common behavior for cats.

But why doesn’t she like it, and is there any way you can take advantage of this little fact?

We spoke to Dr. Megan Conrad, a veterinarian working with Hello Ralphie, and Dr. Claudine Sievert, a veterinarian at Stayyy, to find out the reasons why cats hate aluminum foil.

It turns out that your cat’s reaction to that silvery, crinkly substance is primarily caused by how much it messes with her senses.

It has a strange sound

Generally speaking, cats dislike loud noises (or really any noise that they have never heard before).

Furthermore, your cat will undoubtedly be able to hear the high-pitched noises that aluminum foil produces, even though humans cannot.

The peculiar crinkly sound that the foil makes when touched can irritate cats’ sensitive hearing, according to Dr. Conrad told The Dodo.

Therefore, although foil might seem insignificant to you, your cat may find it extremely irritating.

Make the Counters Even More Unappealing

If you really dont want your cat on the counters, you can use “scat mats” (like this), Hall and Reimers say. The plastic “spikes” are annoying for cats to step on without harming them. They will, however, look odd on your countertop.

Cats generally dont like certain scents—citrus and eucalyptus, for example—so installing that smell on your counters can keep them on the floor. Of course, some cats are exceptions and might not mind the smell, Hall and Reimers say. And, again, is this important enough for your kitchen to smell citrusy all the time?

FAQ

Does aluminum foil really deter cats?

You may have heard that some people use aluminum foil to deter their cats from being in places they shouldn’t — like around the Christmas tree or on top of tables. While this trick can work for keeping some cats out of mischief, not every cat will be deterred by foil covering an area.

What does aluminum foil do for cats?

What Does Aluminum Foil Do to a Cat? Aluminum foil can cause many problems if swallowed by a cat. When consumed, it can become stuck in the throat and cause choking, and if it manages to make it past the cat’s throat, the danger isn’t over. It can become lodged in the stomach or intestines.

Is aluminum foil OK for cats to play with?

1. Aluminum Foil / Corks, etc. Cats may love to play with an aluminum foil ball or cork on a string, but these objects can kill. If lodged in the throat, your cat could strangle; if chewed or partially eaten, they can cause intestinal blockage.

Do cats hate the sound of aluminum foil?

If you’re having an issue with your cat climbing all over your kitchen counters, then the tin foil trick may be for you. Since most cats dislike the way aluminum foil feels and sounds under their paws, it can be an effective deterrent for keeping them off of a surface you don’t want them to walk on.