How to Keep Cats Out of Window Blinds
Introduction
A window blind is a set of vertical slatted shades usually used to cover and shield the glass panes in your windows. If you happen to find cat hair on these window blinds, it may be time to stop the cats from using them as scratching posts. There are many methods to keep cats out of window blinds; however, none will work if you don’t take the time and effort to implement such plans.
For cats, window blinds are a wonderful way to enjoy birdwatching through an open window while simultaneously obscuring our presence from the outside world. Unfortunately, while some cats may be fine with this setup, others will inevitably try to wedge themselves between the slats of your vertical blinds or shred them into oblivion. Today I am going to discuss a process on how to keep cats out of window blinds. So let us get started.
Step-wise Guide on How to Keep Cats Out of Window Blinds
Cats are creatures of habit. They follow a routine they have been trained to follow and are extremely sensitive to slight changes in their environment. Therefore, the best way to keep cats out of window blinds is by preventing them from getting used to them. It takes the cat only a few days after moving into a new home to realize that they can move around more easily in the house than outside.
After this realization, the next thing they look for is places where they feel comfortable hanging around or hiding away from everyone else who is sharing space with him/them. If you find yourself having trouble keeping your pet cat away from your window blinds, then here’s what you need to do about it:
Step 1:
Make sure you have your pet cat spayed or neutered.
Step 2:
“If possible, store the blinds away in a cupboard until you want to use them. Cats generally don’t like any change of environment, so it is unlikely that they will move around in the house if you rearrange furniture frequently.”
Step 3:
Be sure to place window treatments that are opaque enough to provide any light inside for the cats. This way, no matter what time of day, your pet cat won’t be tempted to hide behind the window coverings. You may also consider some scents such as vinegar or lavender to keep your cat from regularly enjoying these hiding places and moving around in them.
Step 4:
Make sure that you close all the windows at night, or else your pet cat might try to sneak into your window blinds and get trapped inside during the day when you are away from home.
Step 5:
If necessary, use some electronic devices such as high-pitched sounds or strobe lights emitting quick flashes to keep cats away. However, make sure these are turned off before you leave home not to affect other people in the house while they are sleeping.
Step 6:
Be sure to provide enough entertainment for your pet cat, so they don’t need to take refuge behind blinds, curtains, or under furniture where it is easier for them to sneak.
Step 7:
If you notice that your cat has urinated or defecated on the window blinds, then clean them thoroughly with some detergent mixed with water and wipe them dry immediately. Also, if there is any furniture, such as a chair or table near the window where cats can take refuge, then be sure to move it away from the room. This way, you’ll also make it difficult for cats to hide in areas surrounding the windows.
Step 8:
Sometimes, when making changes within your home due to renovation work, etc., don’t forget to put up something like plastic sheets over all your window treatments before removing them from sight so that they will not end up getting damaged accidentally.
Step 9:
If your window blinds are torn or shredded by cats, you can install special netting around the edges to prevent them from being torn. Cats generally don’t like water, so if you catch them in the act of moving on your window treatments, then be sure to splash some water at them. This way, they won’t want to return and learn that these places aren’t safe for them any longer. However, ensure that you don’t try this approach unless necessary because it is not fair on the cat.
Step 10:
Finally, when all else fails, get help from a pet specialist who may tell you about advanced ways of keeping pets out of trouble in the home, such as your window treatments.
Precautions While Performing How to Keep Cats Out of Window Blinds
You should remember that if the blinds are very tightly closed, it is likely to break, and we do not advise anyone to perform this task. If your cat tries to pass between the blinds, don’t move them fast as they may fall on top of them, causing injuries. Cats can get injured by falling from high places, so be careful when using window blinds to keep them out.
This method is more effective for cats that are young kittens and most recently adopted ones who have not learned yet that these blinds were meant to close completely; otherwise, this method will work with an older cat as well. So please train your pets early while they are still kittens.
Get rid of the drafts from windows and doors if you want to keep cats out of the window blinds. If there are open windows nearby, your cat might be attracted by the drafts that can force them to enter them. Cats can get injured while trying to jump through a small space, so we do not recommend this method for large cats, especially adult males.
Cats like dark, cozy places, so install curtains made from thick fabric and run around your window frames tightly to stop cats from getting into them. Cat’s claws can get stuck in curtains easily, so cover their bottoms with double-sided tape or glue if they try to climb up them when you leave home.
Why Are Cats Attracted Towards Window Blinds?
All cats are attracted to window blinds, but the reasons for this attraction are not fully known. Here are some of the possible explanations behind the interest of your cat in window blinds –
- Immediately after waking up, your cat may feel that it is already a day to hunt for food or see their outside surroundings. So the first thing they do is look out through the window if they can. And then what catches their eyes first in every room? It would be inside/outside the windows, which is a very tall wall with horizontal stripes! In one previous study, scientists have shown Striped vertical objects (and also our observation from house cats) to attract a cat’s attention. So it makes sense that the cat’s first instinct after waking up would be to look out of the window and find something very similar to what they are used to. And if you have two or more windows in a room (like we do), there will be even more stripes in the blinds!
- The height of blinds also attracts cats who have not yet learned how dangerous it can be to go near them. For example, our house cat had been accidentally shut between the glass and wooden slats of our window blind for about 2 hours while playing outside. It scared him so much that later every time he saw blinds, he stayed away from them!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Blinds Are Cat Proof?
There are many types of blinds that are cat-proof. The most common type of blind is the vertical blind. Vertical blinds are made of opaque material from the top down. This means that cats cannot see through them and can’t climb up or jump on them to get to the birds or other animals inside the window.
Another type of cat-proof blind is the horizontal blind. Horizontal blinds are made of transparent material from the top down. This means that cats can see through them and climb up or jump on them to get to the birds or other animals inside the window.
Some people also choose to have retractable cat-proof windows. These windows have a mechanism that retracts the window when it is not in use, making it difficult for cats to reach in and grab things outside the window.
What Blinds Can Cats Not Break?
Blinds can be a very dangerous thing for cats. Cats are naturally curious and will try to figure out how to get through the blinds. If they can get through the blind, they may be able to escape or get into something they shouldn’t be.
There have been many cases where cats had gotten their heads stuck in the slats of blinds, been injured when they got tangled up in the strings or fallen out of windows because they were trying to figure out how to get through the blind.
If you have a cat and you’re considering buying a blind, it’s important to ensure that the blind is sturdy enough so your cat cannot break it. You should also ensure that there are no openings in the blind that a cat could fit through.
Are Aluminum Blinds Cat Proof?
There is no definitive answer to this question as blinds made from aluminum can be cat-proof, but they may not be as effective as blinds made from other materials.
Blinds made from aluminum are lightweight and easy to move, making them more appealing to cats. However, they are not as durable as blinds made from other materials and may not last as long.
Additionally, aluminum blinds may emit a metallic smell that could bother your cat.
Why Do Cats Like Looking Out the Window So Much?
Cats like looking out the window to see a lot from up high. Cats have a good sense of sight and can see well in low-light conditions. Cats also enjoy watching the world go by since they can see things that we can’t, such as birds and other animals.
Conclusion
I hope you have understood clearly how to keep cats out of window blinds from this article. Ensure your cat does not get hurt while performing the process. Thank you, and have a nice day!
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
