10 Smart Ways to Stop Cats Ruining Your Curtains
Cats love windows and they like to climb on things. Scratching surfaces allows them to stretch, leave their scent on the surface, and deal with anxiety and aggression. While this behavior is familiar to most cat owners, it can ruin your window coverings. Cats may not be trying to be tiny hurricanes of destruction, but they’re definitely good at it. Here are some ways to limit the path of debris.
Open the curtains
Opening the curtains can actually solve some of the problems cats have with trying to climb into them. Cats tend to be curious and often want to look out the window, but they don’t have opposable thumbs like we do, so they can simply remove the obstruction to their view. By moving the curtains to the side, your cat will have access to the view she wants, and in doing so, she may stop trying to destroy the curtains.
Give them the best place to climb
Offering your cat an excellent climbing option can help distract her from the curtains. A cat tree , climbing structure , or cat shelves can help prevent the curtain from being destroyed, giving an active cat a better climbing experience. If they are climbing for a better view and a height advantage, a cat perch can also give them what they want without sacrificing window treatments.
Offer them a scratching post
A scratching post, especially one coated in catnip spray or sprinkled with dried catnip, will give your cat a place to scratch that isn’t destructive. Scratching helps cats relieve stress, so giving them a good place to do it other than your curtains is a win for both of you. The bonus of choosing a scratching post is that your cat will also likely become calmer and less aggressive overall after using one, especially one infused with catnip.
Give them some stimulation
Keeping cats busy will reduce their destructiveness. Some cats act out simply because they are bored. Keep a few cat toys on hand to keep them entertained and tap into their predator instincts to minimize destructive behavior. Moreover, playing with your cat will also help you relieve stress.
Give them a window seat
If your cat, like mine, is obsessed with a particular window, provide her with a window sill from which she can comfortably judge the area. This can either be a table or shelf at a suitable height for your cat to see out of the window, or a special cat platform that attaches to the windowsill.
Give them better shelter
Cats will sometimes scratch or rip curtains in an attempt to hide behind them, so try to provide them with good cover rather than behind curtains. A cozy alternative may prevent them from ruining the curtains in search of a cozy place to curl up. Cat igloos or cat forts are a good alternative to hiding behind curtains if your cat wants a cozy place to hide.
Try setting an alarm
If all your attempts to focus on other things fail to redirect your cat, you can try a motion sensor alarm that will make a noise when your cat tries to get up. The noise the alarm makes is likely unpleasant for your cat, and if she associates the noise with climbing, you may be able to dissuade her from ruining the curtains.
Use citrus fruits
To make curtains smell unpleasant to your cat, you can try a citrus spray . Cats don’t like the smell of citrus fruits, and they also leave a bitter taste on their paws that they don’t like, but you probably won’t mind the smell.
Trim their nails
Trimming your cat’s nails will prevent your cat’s claws from getting caught in the fabric as he moves. Since indoor cats don’t regularly walk on abrasive surfaces to wear down the tips of their nails, you should trim their nails regularly to prevent them from tearing the fabric, either accidentally or on purpose.
Visit a veterinarian
If your cat has other behavior problems or seems suddenly agitated or out of sorts, his behavior may be related to a health problem. If the urge to scratch your curtains comes on suddenly and is combined with aggression, urination in unusual places, or uncharacteristic vocalizations, it’s time to see a veterinarian.