How to Cat Proof a TV: 9 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks
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When you think about it, cats and humans have quite a lot in common. For starters, both cats and humans love taking long daytime naps and also cleaning up after their messes. In fact, you'd be surprised to learn that we humans share 90% of our DNA with cats.
It's no wonder we both can't keep ourselves away from the TV. However, unlike humans, cats tend to get a little too physical with the TV. It's not uncommon for cat owners to find a few scratches on their screens. Sometimes, our feline friends come tumbling down with the entire TV screen, forcing us to buy new ones.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to prevent your cat from destroying your TV. Here are some of the best ones. But first, why do cats love the TV so much?
Why Do Cats Love TV?
Cats are naturally curious creatures and are drawn to anything that moves. TV screens contain lots of moving images, so it's no surprise cat owners often find their cats perched in front of the TV.
In addition, cats love being around familiar sights and sounds. Seeing people or animals on the screen may remind them of their humans or their cat friends. It’s also possible that cats are drawn to TVs because they can sense the warmth coming from them.
The 9 Tips on How to Cat Proof a TV
You can try any of the following to keep your cat away from your TV.
1. Use Cat-Repellent Scents Near Your TV
Cats are sensitive to certain smells and may be put off by various scents, such as citrus spray or coffee grounds. Spray the cat repellent around your TV to keep your cat away. You can also purchase cat-repellent sprays from most pet stores. Just make sure you use the right amount in order to prevent your cat from getting sick.
2. Mount Your TV High on the Wall
Cats love to climb, so it's important to keep your TV out of their reach. The best way to do this is by mounting the TV high up on the wall or ceiling. This will make it much harder for your cat to get a hold of it and should help prevent any damage from occurring.
3. Use Securing Straps
If you don't want to mount your TV, securing it with straps is the next best thing. These straps attach your TV to the wall or furniture and help keep it in place. If your cat tries to mess with your TV, the straps will prevent it from toppling over. Remember, higher is always better for keeping your TV out of your cat's reach.
4. Place a Distraction Near the TV
Sometimes, cats can be easily distracted. Place something around your TV that will keep your cat entertained and away from the TV. This could be cat toys, catnip, or even a scratching post. The less curious your cat is about the TV, the better chance you'll have of keeping it safe.
One of our preferred scratchers, the Hepper Hi-Lo Modern Cat Scratcher, is a surefire way to keep your kitty out of trouble (or at least away from scratching the things they should not!). It's not only stylish, but it's functional as well. It's made of sturdy cardboard with a durable plywood and metal frame and can be set up in three different ways – high, low, or lower. The different positions encourage maximum engagement, exercise and stretching, and of course, intense scratching (they can throw their whole body into it).
With the Hepper Hi-Lo, your cat gets to have a blast scratching like a maniac, and you don't have to worry about them causing so much chaos or scratching your stuff. There are even replacement cardboard pieces available, so you really can let your cat go to town on this, and know that it will be long lasting. Click here to learn more about this awesome scratcher.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
5. Keep Your Cat Away From the TV Room
When all else fails, the best way to cat-proof your TV is to keep your cat away from the room. Put up a gate or keep them in another area of the house where they can't get to the TV. It might seem mean, but it's the surest way to keep your cat away from your TV.
6. Create Discomfort Around the TV Area
You can also cat-proof your TV by creating an uncomfortable environment around the TV room. For instance, you could use cat-repellent mats or sprays to make the area unpleasant for cats. This will help keep them away from the TV and discourage them from even trying to approach it.
7. Train Your Cat Not to Jump on the TV
Cats are very intelligent creatures and with some effort, can be trained to not jump on the TV. If your cat has a tendency to do this, you can train them not to do so by rewarding good behavior and punishing bad behavior. With enough patience and consistency, you should be able to teach your cat not to jump on the TV or scratch it. However, don't physically abuse or shout at your cat, even if it's done out of frustration. Doing so will only make the problem worse and may traumatize your cat.
8. Stick Tin Foil Around Your TV
Finally, you can cat-proof your TV by sticking tin foil around it. Cats are very sensitive to the texture of metal and will generally stay away from it. Just make sure not to cover the entire TV with tin foil, or it might distract you from what you're trying to watch.
9. Use a TV Enclosure
TV enclosures are most commonly seen in outdoor settings, but if you're determined to protect the device, you can't go wrong with one of these. It might seem like a bit of overkill, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a more durable and secure way of keeping your cat from the TV.
Conclusion
Cats can be incredibly curious and destructive creatures, but with these cat-proofing tips, you should have no trouble keeping your cat away from your TV. Take a few moments to cat-proof your TV today and save yourself the headache of replacing it down the line.
Remember, don't be too harsh on your cat for jumping on the TV or scratching it. It's only natural, and they can't help it. Cat-proof your TV and rest easy, knowing that both your cat and your TV set are perfectly safe.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Ingus Kruklitis, Shutterstock
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
