• Some cats need to be trained to avoid windowsills.cat image by Vera Kailova from Fotolia.com
  
  If you have a cat that is exploring places you’d rather he didn’t--such as the paint on your windowsills--there are simple and humane methods to deter him. Some cats have been known to lick obsessively at walls and other painted surfaces. If this is the case, visit your veterinarian to rule out any diseases that have been associated with this behavior. Otherwise, you will have to retrain your cat to avoid the windowsills.
  
  Keep in mind never to use threatening physical punishment such as hitting or throwing your cat. This will cause him to fear you and could lead to other unwanted behavioral issues.
  
  

Block Access

• A simple solution to keeping your cat from a particular windowsill is to block your cat’s access to that room. This is not always possible or convenient with some rooms, but you may find that you can just close a door or put up a physical barrier to keep your cat away from the forbidden window.
  
  

Aluminum Foil

• Cats do not like the way aluminum foil feels under their feet. If they step on or scratch at an object that’s covered in foil, they will promptly avoid that area. Mold a piece of aluminum foil around your windowsills. You may need to tape it or put a heavy object on the foil to keep it in place. Leave the foil on the sill for about a month and your cat will be retrained to find somewhere else to sit.
  
  

Citrus Oil

• Lemon and orange scents repel cats, so rub your windowsills with citrus oil or place lemon or orange peels on the sill.
  
  

Spray Bottle

• A spray bottle with a strong stream setting may do the trick. You’ll want to make sure your cat doesn’t associate you with the spray bottle, so hide out of sight and wait for your cat to jump up on the windowsill. As soon as he does, give him a heavy squirt and he will jump right off. Your cat will associate the windowsill with getting sprayed. It should only take a few times for him to get the message and find another spot to frequent.
  
  

Sudden, Loud Noises

• Fill a tin can about one-fourth with pennies. Cover the open end with tape and, in the same manner as the spray bottle technique, hide out and wait for your cat to jump on the windowsill. As soon as he makes a leap for the sill, vigorously shake the can of pennies. This creates a loud noise that startles your cat and should cause him to jump down immediately. He will soon associate the unpleasant noise with the windowsill and abandon his attempts to visit the unwelcome area.