Cats are a wonderful part of our lives, and they bring a lot of joy and fun. However, they can be destructive, whether intentional or not. One way that cats are known for being destructive is the war they seem to wage against blinds. While we use blinds to keep prying eyes out or block out light, cats want to have open access to the window and the blinds get in their way. Cats are wily enough to find a way onto a windowsill whether the blinds are open or not, but it isn’t uncommon for this to result in damage to the blinds. There are some things you can try to prevent your cat from breaking the blinds, though.
The Easiest Solution
If you’re looking for an immediate solution to keeping your cat from breaking your blinds, then the simplest solution is to raise the blinds. As long as your cat isn’t attempting to jump onto or climb your blinds, then opening the blinds high enough for your cat to sit in the window should be a quick remedy. If it’s feasible for the blinds to stay somewhat raised all the time, then this could be a permanent solution for your situation. You can even install a valance or small curtain on a tension rod in the lower portion of the window, protecting your blinds and blocking the window without your cat losing access.
Cat-Friendly Blinds Options
- Vertical Blinds. Determined cats can break these blinds, but it’s far less likely than slat blinds. These blinds still block your windows, but they allow your cat to slip between the slats without damage.
- Interior Blinds. Interior blinds are built in between window panels so there is no direct external access to the blinds themselves. They are controlled in a similar way to slat blinds, but your cat won’t be able to tear up the blinds. You’ll need to make sure any pulls are out of the way, though, so your cat can’t get tangled in them.
- Roller Blinds. These blinds have a solid piece of sturdy fabric that rolls up and down on a pole. These blinds won’t allow your cat to slip between slats, but they will still be able to claw at the fabric.
- Roman Shades. Similar in function to roller blinds, Roman shades are made of thick fabric. They are raised and lowered by blind pulls, and they bunch at the top of the window like slat blinds do. However, the materials they are made of make them resistant to being broken by cats. However, the fabric is susceptible to damage from cats.
- Wood Blinds. Wood and faux wood blinds are typically sturdy enough to withstand the abuse your cat throws at them. They are thicker and more difficult to break than most aluminum and plastic blinds, and if the main way your cat is breaking the blinds is just by jumping in and out of the window, then these blinds may be a good solution.
- Interior Shutters. Although an unconventional option, interior shutters can fit in perfectly with many types of home décor, from modern to farmhouse to Cape Cod. They allow you to easily block access to the window with a sturdy physical deterrent. Many interior shutters can be opened and closed like doors as well as like blinds, allowing you to shut them across the windows but still provide access to let light in.
Steps to Take to Keep Your Cat from Breaking Your Blinds
1. Give them a window
Setting aside a window in your home that is your cat’s special window can help save your blinds everywhere else. Choose a window that your cat can access easily and that you won’t mind keeping the blinds pulled up on most of the time. You can make your cat’s window extra cozy by adding a window perch so your cat can take a nap when it gets tired from watching the neighbors.
2. Protect the blinds.
Plan ways to keep your blinds safe. Keeping doors closed to rooms that aren’t currently in use can help to protect blinds by keeping your cat in areas of the house that people are physically in, allowing you to keep a better eye on your cat. Keeping the blinds slightly raised in windows that your cat can access easily will help protect them, but this will require you to keep track of opening and closing them in the morning and evening.
3. Deter your cat.
There are a few deterrents you can use to keep your cat away from the blinds. Physical barriers are one way you can deter your cat, whether you’re using furniture or décor to block access or keeping areas of the home closed off. You can also use deterrent sprays or natural remedies near the blinds, like citrus and cayenne pepper. These options aren’t feasible for some areas of the home and may not be possible with small children around. Tinfoil or double-sided tape on the windowsill can also keep your cat away.
4. Increase playtime with your cat.
By playing with your cat more frequently or for longer periods, you will make things in the house more interesting. By increasing interest and fun indoors, your cat will not want to spend as much time jumping in and out of the windows. Allowing your cat to look out the windows is a healthy activity that can stimulate your cat mentally but playing with your cat and providing interesting toys can stimulate your cat mentally and physically, not to mention it improves the bond between the two of you.
In Conclusion
Keeping your blinds safe from your cat will take some effort on your part, but it’s worth it to maintain your home. If you’re in a rental, you may lose your deposit if your cat tears up your blinds. If you own your home, then maintaining your window treatments doesn’t just improve the aesthetics of your home, but it saves you money in the long run. With only a few simple steps, you can keep your blinds safe and keep the environment fun and enriching for your cat.
Featured Image Credit: vicran, Pixabay
