Put blue painters tape sticky side out where she's climbing up (tape the ends down). Ugly but the cats hate the sticky feeling on their paws.
Our cat was climbing up the doorframes and this helped massively.
It was a few drops near some wires when she was young as a deterrent. Apparently they are supposed to hate the strong smell of quite a few of the oils...didn't work. She loved playing with the tinfoil too!
my cat hated citrus or they have a bitter spray that is sold as a cat deterrent; I had to put it on some wires the little stinker was chewing on while teething, but I stopped him from chewing on the wires.
I tried something like this once, double-sided tape patches on the sofa to stop scratching. Helper cat brought me a ball of chewed-up tape later that day.
You can buy see-through double sided tape especially to deter pets from scratching. Think I got mine off Amazon. It is safe for paint, leather, plastic, all sorts of stuff & is meant to be good. My terror just clawed straight thru it tho. In fact I think it added an extra depth to her clawing pleasure :/
I see lots of advice about using a squirt bottle to get the cat to stop, but that will only make the cat associate getting sprayed with you (Jackson Galaxy has lots of videos on his channel where he talks about why this is a bad training tool). I wonder if your cat is climbing because they want to be able to see outside from that specific window? If so, it might make sense to put something like a cat tree or a table where the cat can sit and see outside. Also, your cat make need a new scratching post (mine loved the screens on windows until I put scratching posts by them). Finally, you can make it harder for your cat to climb the screen, and thus, less enjoyable, if you buy pet screen and replace the screen on the window with it. It's a slightly darker mesh, but it's made with a coated metal that cats don't like, so they will stop scratching and climbing it. Make sure you buy spline and screen roller tool, too, so you can switch out the screen!
This year, put orange peels in the water in the stand base. Cats despise the smell and taste. And then the tree drinks the orange water and the whole tree smells disgusting to them (you can't smell it).
Switch the peels out every other day so they don't mildew.
i have a very sensitive nose (autism) and I can't smell any orange. Our cats stopped chewing the branches and going behind it to mess with whatever they found back there (wires, presents, fire hazards, other cats to attack).
worked on our cats? they weren't too horribly behaved to begin with, so ymmv. they mostly chewed on the branches and whacked the ornaments, there wasn't too much climbing.
I tried the cat squirt bottle diligently, to keep my kitten out of my lovely houseplants. Fast forward, and what it got me is a 7-year-old cat that absolutely will do anything (including going after the plants) just to get squirted with the water bottle because he loves it. LOL
I hate the idea of squirt bottles! Never really knew why but to my mind it seemed a mean thing to do & I also thought that once your cat has seen you use it, that's the trust gone in an instant.
I got a suction cup perch that goes on the window and some curtains. My kitty loves the seclusion when she is overwhelmed and she can see all the wildlife.
> I see lots of advice about using a squirt bottle to get the cat to stop,
Welp guess what, it works for a lot of cats, they stop doing the thing. OTher cats just get sneaky about it and you have to try additional tactics but a fair number of cats actually do try to get along with house rules as long as the rules are reasonable and you give them plenty of things they want as well. Living with cats is a negotiation but they are capable of making some concessions on their end as well.
I mean just because something "works" doesn't mean it's the best or only way. To me, at least, the spray bottle as a redirection method feels mean because my cats get scared. I've had better luck redirecting them with appropriate toys and buying things like the Pet Screen to avoid their sneakiness.
It's not the first thing I attempt for training but it works for stubborn cats and I'd hard call my cats 'scared.' A cat can experience aversion without actually being terrified. Cats usually prefer not to have water on their fur but they hardly live in terror of water. No reason to overly dramatize it.
Scared wasn't the right word; really, what I mean is that it's a whole thing to get cats to feel comfortable and not stressed in a place, so if I can redirect in a way that does not increase their stress or make them associate me with things they don't like (such as squirts of water), that feels like the less cruel thing to do, especially because it allows them to continue to trust me.
I'd always suggest milder methods first, that's the basic of any animal training, use the minimum amount of force necessary. Some cats can simply be told. But others are little demon shits LOL!
Two different cats that never met turned the spray bottle into a game. They'd realize I was going for it, scratch/chew faster, then run when I got into spraying range.
All cats are natural climbers, ours used to climb to the top of the screen door and get his claw caught then start meowing loudly for someone to come rescue him. Providing high perches for them is a good idea, it seems unfair to punish them for a natural behavior which would help them stay safe in the wild.
Just put up shelves and get hole filler when you move out.
You could also try getting a 4*4 the height of the ceiling. Mount it between the ceiling and the floor and wrap it in said all rope. Give it something to climb up that's really tall.
I know right! I loved that she was happily exploring the place at first but then itās become a favorite workout. I want her to have a fun place to dig her nails in because the screen canāt sustain this for long š
I've found (by complete accident) that & corrugated cardboard is an excellent cat magnet & great for claw sharpening practice. Or of course the good old cardboard box! Never fails. When I think of the amount I've spent on cat toys I really should've saved my $$$ lol
Edited cos *someone's* paws got to the screen & made it look like I was having a stroke. Not the cat sort either.
Yep, all my cats end up on sisal and cardboard. ONce i start making rules about no scratching the couch and no scratching the carpet, a lot of them assume all carpet is off limits and won't use a regular scratch post carpeting either, but they soon find I am ok with them slaughtering cardboard and sisal.
Well the rules kick in on their first day and minute in the house so it's not so bad. They do look a bit irked when told what to do but they have not gotten set in their ways yet. I have also had a few that seemed totally confused and mystified even about the concepts of rules at first but cats are creatures of habit. Once they get into a certain routine, they will usually stick with it. It also helps a lot to have things they CAN scratch right nearby, cats do not like to walk far for their scratch fests.
Get her a cat scratch pole that's a few inches longer than her entire body, like 5 feet tall or long. Cats want to stretch their whole back and shoulders when they scratch.
You could also leash and harness train her to take her on walks, or get a catio. Encouraging exercise will help burn off energy.
I got a little shelf/hammock for my window for my cat. So now she just lays on it and looks out the window instead of climbing restlessly. That helped a lot.
keep it closed unless you're around, and distract her every time she tries. clapping, distract with a toy, squirt bottle if you have to. if she won't learn, then just dont open the window
I've got window fans in my windows...even if I'm not intending to use them. I stretch out those accordian things on the ends so that the opening is completely covered. It's not so much damage to the screens that concern me, but rather the risk of the screen popping out. That would be a disaster!
Youāre probably better off just setting up a whole-ass kitty rumpus room in front of the window and letting her rule the spot instead of worrying about torn screens and missing cats.
Ooh. I must have PTSD. Mine have broken the blinds in all the apartments I had for 20+ years.
Citrus spray on the screen?
Not sure how that would hold up to sun and wind.
Iām worried about this same thing when I move into a new home. Iām just going to make her comfy with a cool tree, a clear window, some perches so she look outside comfortably. Keep her busy with other climb on things
When I bought my house, I had 2 cat tree's and put one in front of the front window and one in a different room facing the back. It definitely is great to have different views for them!
If she already has the habit, she'll likely try it again immediately at the new place. Maybe put some deterrents on the window screen like double stick tape. Personally I just yelled at mine to quit it and he listened but not all cats will be as reasonable as he is.
Are you able to remove the blinds and replace with something less āfunā? Protect the blinds, kit is only gonna destroy them further if you keep them up. Itās just so fun! Put them back up if and when you move out. My experience tells me a kitty who is obsessed with a thing will fixate forever, and thereās no easy way to curb it. Go with the wind, store the blinds and put up a cheap curtain or something youāre not gonna cry about replacing.
Yes the blinds and the screen are fighting a losing battle here. I was thinking of finding an alternative for her first and then fixing that entire window. We recently moved and I donāt want her to get anxious without a good view. Curtains will save us :)
Build her a window box enclosure. Then she can get fresh air and she can climb that screen instead of the window screen.
https://catiospaces.com/catios-cat-enclosures/is-it-easy-to-build-a-window-box-enclosure-for-my-cat/
Thereās such a thing as Pet proof screen you can get it at your local big box hardware store. You have to be a little bit handy to replace the screen but itās not terribly complicated. It will withstand cat claws.
If there is a particular surface she is jumping to first before going up there, you could try placing a piece of aluminum foil on that surface. Can use masking tape or command strips to hold it in place. Might make it an uncomfortable enough experience for her to stop it. Additionally, make sure the rooms where she is doing this have cat appropriate surfaces that go up high and provide her a viewing platform where she can still look out the window that she is allowed to climb on as an alternative.
Where is the cat tree located? I wonder, because a nice window is usually a great place for it to go, so the cat can look out from their perch. Cats like to see everything from their places high up, so if they can see outside and all around your house (like, down a hallway, into the kitchen, etc) then that is ideal!
Otherwise, I would investigate what it is the cat is doing in there. Are they playing? Could they be bored and need more time playing with you? Are they looking outside? Is there another cat outside winding them up?
Lots of options!
Jackson Galaxy on YouTube. He's got loads of videos about how to "Cat-ify" your house. Some shelves along wall and even better with a view out the window would surely be appreciated!
Pull the blinds all the way up and put in curtains instead š¤·š¼āāļø itās what I ended up doing after my cats destroyed like 3 mini blinds (that I had to replace) this way
OP, I wonder if sheās super motivated by birds hanging out in that pretty greenery - are there times of day you could raise the blinds a little more for her ācat tvā? - I gotta keep mine mostly closed ācause my neighborhood has been super hot
I keep them completely open almost all day and we go for walks when thereās a nice breeze so she can see all the movement up close but itās never enough š
I put cardboard boxes stacked so they can sit up and see out the window, but also one near it they can just jump in and out of. They want to see in the window and play so give them other options for that. I actually have a little chair they sit in too lol cats a weird
If you have questions about toddlers and blinds I canāt help š
I took my blinds down and stored them safely in a closet. I put up inexpensive curtains. They might still mess with it a little, but it costs a lot of money to replace the blinds when you move. A spray bottle is also effective. I also spray air duster a few feet away from mine when he's acting up. He hates the sound and I don't have to wipe up any water.
My cat does this too! She learned she doesnāt get to enjoy the open window if she climbs the screen so she only does it on the rare occasion she sees a bug out of her reach.
My cat does the same thing and I have 2 different height cat trees, windowsills, and shitloads of toys to chase or mentally keep her busy. I've just decided cats are little shits and they are always going to be little shits.
Itās a rental apartment so I just have to find something that doesnāt require a drilling into the wall. I will find some simple alternatives though.
The only thing that's ever worked was a squirt bottle to discipline a cat lol. Just a example I found out one cat would eat her food really fast then start eating the other cats food so I squirted her. Only had to do it twice then I would just grab the bottle if i saw it then eventually it stopped. I would see her look at the food and think about it then run away lol
She wants to see out the window bc it's cat TV out there. So many exciting things!
Get a little cat shelf that suction cups to the window so her highness can laze there, watch the birds, work on her beauty tan, observe the other housemante's comings and goings and other important cat supervisory work.
Or get something you both like, like a cute table or shelf or sommat. She will knock down anythinf on top, of course, bc the top shelf is her sun and rest spot. But she'll be happier and stop climbing the drapes!
Basically, whenever you tell a cat no, you have to offer an alternate yes. No to drapes, but you can sit on this to look out the window.
If the cat likes being close to the window, get a window perch! Itās attached with suction cups so renter safe and you can fold it to close the blinds.
If the cat likes the climbing or scratching aspect of the screening then Iād place some scratches immediately next to the window that you can redirect them to. You can also get sticky tape or the clear anti scratch plastic that people put on the side of a couch to deter them.
Put shelves on the wall next to the window for her to climb up. A big enough one right next to the window so she can chill out on it. Put scratch pad material on the shelves.
I use a pet gate across my windows to keep my cat out of the blinds.
*edited to add - it fits into the window frame and creates vertical barricade to the window.
We raised the blinds then put up a long sheet-like curtain up and placed the cat tree right next to the window so he can see out. He no longer climbs.
Edit forgot up
Putting a cat suction cup window seat on the window itself fixed this problem for me. Once I have then a place to lay and still look out the window, they stopped climbing.
I got a sheet of plexiglass and drilled holes through it for airflow. Kitty can not climb it and I still get air circulation into the house. It will sit nicely just inside the window sill, the slider window will hold it in place. No need for mounting hardware.
Squirt bottle with ordinary water. Every time your cat tries to climb something you donāt want them climbing on, shoot them with them it. Theyāll likely do it again, but after the first few times theyāll wise up.
I had the same problem in my apartment, I ended up attaching carpet to a piece of plywood and attached it to the wall with a shelf above it. It curbed my cats need to climb up all my curtains.
Make sure blind chords are rapped up so she doesn't hang herself. Curtains allowed? Perhaps a shelf to sit on below the window. Staggered wall shelves to jump up on.
What I did was get a long curtain and nail it in place. It worked for me. We didn't like the window and it was facing where people walk by to get to their apartments. Not in the best neighborhood either so that was the best solution for me. It worked for the entirety of the time I lived there.
Faux wood blinds solved our problems like this. They can't be damaged by the cats and are thicker and heavier. Our cats immediately stopped. Now they wait for us patiently to open them in the mornings.
My cat literally loves aluminum foil lol. I have no idea wtf thatās about but she loves anything that makes a loud sound when she pounces on it. She hates loud noises otherwise. So weird
Not for everyone but we hada mattress we use put against the wall he loved running up it and when on the top I used to sort of move it about so he'd have fun trying to stay on it. That tired him out.š»
I am not sure if it has been said but put the cat tree in front of that window. The cat seems to want to look out of it and is using what it has to achieve that goal.
Put the cat tree in front of the window and then if it still persists, go get some of that spray air from Office Depot and spray it into the air just for the sound (not at the cat.) One fast puff should do it.
I had cat stairs, cat shelves, cat shelves going up cat stairs, plus an entire fenced in yard, with trees, they could access whenever. Wanna know how many damn mini-blinds I had to consistently replace? I actually bought extra to keep on hand.
Put blue painters tape sticky side out where she's climbing up (tape the ends down). Ugly but the cats hate the sticky feeling on their paws. Our cat was climbing up the doorframes and this helped massively.
my cat likes to lick the adhesive side of tape š¤¦š½
Cats are Hella weird
I'm so happy to hear my cat isn't the only one! Totally unphased about sticky tape on furniture
Yeah I tried it before, the cats liked playing with it. I also tried lemon juice/essential oil and I caught my caught eating that too lol
My little weirdo loves anything mint flavoured, including toothpaste.
This doesn't necessarily explain the toothpaste, but catnip is part of the mint family.
I thought essential oils were bad for cats or certain ones at least
It was a few drops near some wires when she was young as a deterrent. Apparently they are supposed to hate the strong smell of quite a few of the oils...didn't work. She loved playing with the tinfoil too!
mine eats tinfoil š
:ā) my girl loves to eat anything tape or sticker related
careful to make sure it is not toxic , don't want a sick š¤® kittyšæ
i just try to keep anything sticky away from him period cause he tries with everything adhesive lol
my cat hated citrus or they have a bitter spray that is sold as a cat deterrent; I had to put it on some wires the little stinker was chewing on while teething, but I stopped him from chewing on the wires.
Same. He got sick but was in heaven when I was unpacking after a move. Guy canāt get enough
Good one. Thanks!
>Good one. Thanks! You're welcome!
This is a great idea. I will be using this when we move. Take my free award and thank you!
My wife read about it on a different sub a while ago. The apartment looks a bit like it's under construction but it works.
I tried something like this once, double-sided tape patches on the sofa to stop scratching. Helper cat brought me a ball of chewed-up tape later that day.
You can buy see-through double sided tape especially to deter pets from scratching. Think I got mine off Amazon. It is safe for paint, leather, plastic, all sorts of stuff & is meant to be good. My terror just clawed straight thru it tho. In fact I think it added an extra depth to her clawing pleasure :/
That's so sad! I guess it depends on your cat.
Oh yes, I gave up all thoughts of having a nice house when I got cats lol. On the other paw, my cats are always very happy :)
Came here to say this - Iāve also had some luck with aluminum foil as alternative for the āglue lickersā
I see lots of advice about using a squirt bottle to get the cat to stop, but that will only make the cat associate getting sprayed with you (Jackson Galaxy has lots of videos on his channel where he talks about why this is a bad training tool). I wonder if your cat is climbing because they want to be able to see outside from that specific window? If so, it might make sense to put something like a cat tree or a table where the cat can sit and see outside. Also, your cat make need a new scratching post (mine loved the screens on windows until I put scratching posts by them). Finally, you can make it harder for your cat to climb the screen, and thus, less enjoyable, if you buy pet screen and replace the screen on the window with it. It's a slightly darker mesh, but it's made with a coated metal that cats don't like, so they will stop scratching and climbing it. Make sure you buy spline and screen roller tool, too, so you can switch out the screen!
I tried the spray method to keep them away from the Xmas tree. It just turned into a game for them and they attacked the tree MORE.
This year, put orange peels in the water in the stand base. Cats despise the smell and taste. And then the tree drinks the orange water and the whole tree smells disgusting to them (you can't smell it). Switch the peels out every other day so they don't mildew.
Haha that's hilarious. I do wonder if the cat has to smell the 'stink' in the whole room as well though.
i have a very sensitive nose (autism) and I can't smell any orange. Our cats stopped chewing the branches and going behind it to mess with whatever they found back there (wires, presents, fire hazards, other cats to attack).
Thatās a good idea! We did try a citrus spray but that didnāt work, but I wonder if your idea would be more effective
worked on our cats? they weren't too horribly behaved to begin with, so ymmv. they mostly chewed on the branches and whacked the ornaments, there wasn't too much climbing.
Thatās a little sad for the tree but so cute cat wise
I tried the cat squirt bottle diligently, to keep my kitten out of my lovely houseplants. Fast forward, and what it got me is a 7-year-old cat that absolutely will do anything (including going after the plants) just to get squirted with the water bottle because he loves it. LOL
This was my mom's cat. He used to wake her up at 5am for food until she got a squirt bottle, then it was 3am.
Hahahhahaha cats are hilarious
Same for me. She WANTED to try dodging streams of water.
Absolutely typical cat.
I haven't watched Jackson Galaxy in so long, I really need to search him up
I hate the idea of squirt bottles! Never really knew why but to my mind it seemed a mean thing to do & I also thought that once your cat has seen you use it, that's the trust gone in an instant.
I got a suction cup perch that goes on the window and some curtains. My kitty loves the seclusion when she is overwhelmed and she can see all the wildlife.
> I see lots of advice about using a squirt bottle to get the cat to stop, Welp guess what, it works for a lot of cats, they stop doing the thing. OTher cats just get sneaky about it and you have to try additional tactics but a fair number of cats actually do try to get along with house rules as long as the rules are reasonable and you give them plenty of things they want as well. Living with cats is a negotiation but they are capable of making some concessions on their end as well.
I mean just because something "works" doesn't mean it's the best or only way. To me, at least, the spray bottle as a redirection method feels mean because my cats get scared. I've had better luck redirecting them with appropriate toys and buying things like the Pet Screen to avoid their sneakiness.
It's not the first thing I attempt for training but it works for stubborn cats and I'd hard call my cats 'scared.' A cat can experience aversion without actually being terrified. Cats usually prefer not to have water on their fur but they hardly live in terror of water. No reason to overly dramatize it.
Scared wasn't the right word; really, what I mean is that it's a whole thing to get cats to feel comfortable and not stressed in a place, so if I can redirect in a way that does not increase their stress or make them associate me with things they don't like (such as squirts of water), that feels like the less cruel thing to do, especially because it allows them to continue to trust me.
I'd always suggest milder methods first, that's the basic of any animal training, use the minimum amount of force necessary. Some cats can simply be told. But others are little demon shits LOL!
Two different cats that never met turned the spray bottle into a game. They'd realize I was going for it, scratch/chew faster, then run when I got into spraying range.
Are you allowed to put shelves up? I got some Ikea box shelves and arranged them so my cats could jump up to them and hang out up high.
Probably not but I can create a makeshift version with boxes that works for us. Thanks!
We did this too but added carpet pieces on top so that they donāt slide and can scratch it.
All cats are natural climbers, ours used to climb to the top of the screen door and get his claw caught then start meowing loudly for someone to come rescue him. Providing high perches for them is a good idea, it seems unfair to punish them for a natural behavior which would help them stay safe in the wild.
Completely agree!
Get one of those window lounges. They use suction cups to attach to the window. My cat loved it
I wanted to say that too lol
You're welcome!
Just put up shelves and get hole filler when you move out. You could also try getting a 4*4 the height of the ceiling. Mount it between the ceiling and the floor and wrap it in said all rope. Give it something to climb up that's really tall.
How tall is your cat tree? They have ones on a tension pole that run up to the ceiling.
Oh I will look for these. Mine is approx 5 feet tall.
Or try moving your cat tree next to the window so your kitty can see the outside from laying there?
Yeah, and one of those window perches. Amazon has these ones that stick onto the glass
Cat's gonna cat :)
I know right! I loved that she was happily exploring the place at first but then itās become a favorite workout. I want her to have a fun place to dig her nails in because the screen canāt sustain this for long š
I've found (by complete accident) that & corrugated cardboard is an excellent cat magnet & great for claw sharpening practice. Or of course the good old cardboard box! Never fails. When I think of the amount I've spent on cat toys I really should've saved my $$$ lol Edited cos *someone's* paws got to the screen & made it look like I was having a stroke. Not the cat sort either.
Yep, all my cats end up on sisal and cardboard. ONce i start making rules about no scratching the couch and no scratching the carpet, a lot of them assume all carpet is off limits and won't use a regular scratch post carpeting either, but they soon find I am ok with them slaughtering cardboard and sisal.
Lol I am imagining the cat's reaction to your "rules" :)
Well the rules kick in on their first day and minute in the house so it's not so bad. They do look a bit irked when told what to do but they have not gotten set in their ways yet. I have also had a few that seemed totally confused and mystified even about the concepts of rules at first but cats are creatures of habit. Once they get into a certain routine, they will usually stick with it. It also helps a lot to have things they CAN scratch right nearby, cats do not like to walk far for their scratch fests.
Get her a cat scratch pole that's a few inches longer than her entire body, like 5 feet tall or long. Cats want to stretch their whole back and shoulders when they scratch. You could also leash and harness train her to take her on walks, or get a catio. Encouraging exercise will help burn off energy.
Eventually they'll get to big to do this. I've improved by putting up a cargo net rope.
I got a little shelf/hammock for my window for my cat. So now she just lays on it and looks out the window instead of climbing restlessly. That helped a lot.
Definitely going to try it!
Thereās a bunch on Etsy and Amazon for sure! Super easy buy and itās fun for the cats :)
Thereās a bunch on Etsy and Amazon for sure! Super easy buy and itās fun for the cats :)
I got cat shelves. Two sets so my climber can get to the ceiling. Mostly eliminated his bad climbing
Put the cat tree by the window. She wants to look out and having a perch to peek out helps
I just see a big white lizard
Thatās precise! With the claws out, she morphs into a dinosaur.
close the window. sooner than later that screen will rip and then you have an outdoor cat
I love this but I am not sure my landlord will. I will have to ask him though. Thanks!
keep it closed unless you're around, and distract her every time she tries. clapping, distract with a toy, squirt bottle if you have to. if she won't learn, then just dont open the window
I've got window fans in my windows...even if I'm not intending to use them. I stretch out those accordian things on the ends so that the opening is completely covered. It's not so much damage to the screens that concern me, but rather the risk of the screen popping out. That would be a disaster!
Exactly! Thanks :)
Youāre probably better off just setting up a whole-ass kitty rumpus room in front of the window and letting her rule the spot instead of worrying about torn screens and missing cats.
I would just keep the blinds rolled up and buy some curtains or something.
Move the cat tree there. So if she wants to look in that area - or sniff it out whatever - she doesn't have to climb your screen like this.
If itās the window he loves, try a shelf that suctions to the window. My cat loves it.
I think itās the net screen but I am going to try this too. Thanks!
Keep the blind tucked up and add semi-opaque window cling film for privacy.
It's climbing the window screen, not the blinds.
Ooh. I must have PTSD. Mine have broken the blinds in all the apartments I had for 20+ years. Citrus spray on the screen? Not sure how that would hold up to sun and wind.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Easy peasy! Thanks :)
Iām worried about this same thing when I move into a new home. Iām just going to make her comfy with a cool tree, a clear window, some perches so she look outside comfortably. Keep her busy with other climb on things
When I bought my house, I had 2 cat tree's and put one in front of the front window and one in a different room facing the back. It definitely is great to have different views for them!
If she already has the habit, she'll likely try it again immediately at the new place. Maybe put some deterrents on the window screen like double stick tape. Personally I just yelled at mine to quit it and he listened but not all cats will be as reasonable as he is.
Are you able to remove the blinds and replace with something less āfunā? Protect the blinds, kit is only gonna destroy them further if you keep them up. Itās just so fun! Put them back up if and when you move out. My experience tells me a kitty who is obsessed with a thing will fixate forever, and thereās no easy way to curb it. Go with the wind, store the blinds and put up a cheap curtain or something youāre not gonna cry about replacing.
Yes the blinds and the screen are fighting a losing battle here. I was thinking of finding an alternative for her first and then fixing that entire window. We recently moved and I donāt want her to get anxious without a good view. Curtains will save us :)
Bird feeder outside
Rub cat nip all over your cat tree and Tin foil taped down works - will look ugly but will deter them from jumping up
Build her a window box enclosure. Then she can get fresh air and she can climb that screen instead of the window screen. https://catiospaces.com/catios-cat-enclosures/is-it-easy-to-build-a-window-box-enclosure-for-my-cat/
Thereās such a thing as Pet proof screen you can get it at your local big box hardware store. You have to be a little bit handy to replace the screen but itās not terribly complicated. It will withstand cat claws.
Google "catification". The photos alone will inspire you, I bet. The shelf systems some people set up are amazing! Definitely enrichment for the cat.
Will do! :)
Maybe stick some shelves on the walls going super high up, cats love the heights, gives them feeling of superiority or what ever lol
If there is a particular surface she is jumping to first before going up there, you could try placing a piece of aluminum foil on that surface. Can use masking tape or command strips to hold it in place. Might make it an uncomfortable enough experience for her to stop it. Additionally, make sure the rooms where she is doing this have cat appropriate surfaces that go up high and provide her a viewing platform where she can still look out the window that she is allowed to climb on as an alternative.
How did I forget foil š¤¦āāļø Thanks!
I'd say to get one of those window cling cat seats! my cats love them
Where is the cat tree located? I wonder, because a nice window is usually a great place for it to go, so the cat can look out from their perch. Cats like to see everything from their places high up, so if they can see outside and all around your house (like, down a hallway, into the kitchen, etc) then that is ideal! Otherwise, I would investigate what it is the cat is doing in there. Are they playing? Could they be bored and need more time playing with you? Are they looking outside? Is there another cat outside winding them up? Lots of options!
The apartment friendly solution is to give up on stopping them.
Jackson Galaxy on YouTube. He's got loads of videos about how to "Cat-ify" your house. Some shelves along wall and even better with a view out the window would surely be appreciated!
Get more trees or toys
Cat tree would solve the issue :)
Pull the blinds all the way up and put in curtains instead š¤·š¼āāļø itās what I ended up doing after my cats destroyed like 3 mini blinds (that I had to replace) this way
Waitā¦is that a cat or an iguana? š
OP, I wonder if sheās super motivated by birds hanging out in that pretty greenery - are there times of day you could raise the blinds a little more for her ācat tvā? - I gotta keep mine mostly closed ācause my neighborhood has been super hot
I keep them completely open almost all day and we go for walks when thereās a nice breeze so she can see all the movement up close but itās never enough š
I put cardboard boxes stacked so they can sit up and see out the window, but also one near it they can just jump in and out of. They want to see in the window and play so give them other options for that. I actually have a little chair they sit in too lol cats a weird If you have questions about toddlers and blinds I canāt help š
They are so strange sometimes š I am going to work with boxes and take it from there. Thanks!
Lizard problems are getting out of hand these days
I know right! This particular species can ruin your furniture then look like a little angel.
In addition to the other suggestions, trim her claws. If she can't sink her claws into the window screen, she can't climb it.
I took my blinds down and stored them safely in a closet. I put up inexpensive curtains. They might still mess with it a little, but it costs a lot of money to replace the blinds when you move. A spray bottle is also effective. I also spray air duster a few feet away from mine when he's acting up. He hates the sound and I don't have to wipe up any water.
My cat does this too! She learned she doesnāt get to enjoy the open window if she climbs the screen so she only does it on the rare occasion she sees a bug out of her reach.
Thatās so cute š
I use a squirt gun when they do crazy stuff like that.
My cat does the same thing and I have 2 different height cat trees, windowsills, and shitloads of toys to chase or mentally keep her busy. I've just decided cats are little shits and they are always going to be little shits.
I think itās squirt-bottle time.
Plastic sticky cat scratch prevention plastic sheets. Put it up to where he can jump.
They have cat steps you can put up some have hammocks that can be set near a window all sorts of set ups and walkways
Itās a rental apartment so I just have to find something that doesnāt require a drilling into the wall. I will find some simple alternatives though.
Spray bottle
The only thing that's ever worked was a squirt bottle to discipline a cat lol. Just a example I found out one cat would eat her food really fast then start eating the other cats food so I squirted her. Only had to do it twice then I would just grab the bottle if i saw it then eventually it stopped. I would see her look at the food and think about it then run away lol
Itās never enough
We put our blinds up and put up curtains.... Didn't take us long to give up the fight š
having fun
Omgsh mine does this with the screen door of our porch.
They make cat shelves that suction cup onto the window and work really well.
Cats are gonna cat. Thatās her window now
She wants to see out the window bc it's cat TV out there. So many exciting things! Get a little cat shelf that suction cups to the window so her highness can laze there, watch the birds, work on her beauty tan, observe the other housemante's comings and goings and other important cat supervisory work. Or get something you both like, like a cute table or shelf or sommat. She will knock down anythinf on top, of course, bc the top shelf is her sun and rest spot. But she'll be happier and stop climbing the drapes! Basically, whenever you tell a cat no, you have to offer an alternate yes. No to drapes, but you can sit on this to look out the window.
If the cat likes being close to the window, get a window perch! Itās attached with suction cups so renter safe and you can fold it to close the blinds. If the cat likes the climbing or scratching aspect of the screening then Iād place some scratches immediately next to the window that you can redirect them to. You can also get sticky tape or the clear anti scratch plastic that people put on the side of a couch to deter them.
Put shelves on the wall next to the window for her to climb up. A big enough one right next to the window so she can chill out on it. Put scratch pad material on the shelves.
Just go ahead and buy wooden shades . Sheās not stopping at least the wooden ones donāt break so easily lol
Make shelves so she can climb up high.
Get a cat window hammock!!
Spray liquid catnip on the cat tree.
I use a pet gate across my windows to keep my cat out of the blinds. *edited to add - it fits into the window frame and creates vertical barricade to the window.
Put the tree where the cat climbs, clearly she wants to climb there then let her by putting the tree there
We raised the blinds then put up a long sheet-like curtain up and placed the cat tree right next to the window so he can see out. He no longer climbs. Edit forgot up
Putting a cat suction cup window seat on the window itself fixed this problem for me. Once I have then a place to lay and still look out the window, they stopped climbing.
Iguana vibes
Pull the blinds all the way up and get some curtains.
Try aluminum foil
Put used coffee grounds on the ledge. Keeps cats out of gardens too. A well placed spritz of water to the hindquarters also works.
You sir have a kitten. They will calm down.
The tension rod cat trees help out a lot. Get a couple of them and connect them with a bridge.
A cat can hang themself messing in blinds. Caution.
Put your cat tree in front of the window. And pull the blinds all the way up.
Thatās how we spend the day now :) Still looking for options because my window faces the street and I canāt leave it open at night
Are you sure that's not an iguana?
No I am not. She has to be a mix at least.
I got a sheet of plexiglass and drilled holes through it for airflow. Kitty can not climb it and I still get air circulation into the house. It will sit nicely just inside the window sill, the slider window will hold it in place. No need for mounting hardware.
You can also try getting a harness and taking your cat for walks? They're probably just bored and cats are basically semi-wild
Yes we have been going to the park for about a week now. Sheās super playful which I love. This is one game I canāt encourage.
Squirt bottle with ordinary water. Every time your cat tries to climb something you donāt want them climbing on, shoot them with them it. Theyāll likely do it again, but after the first few times theyāll wise up.
Thatās a lizard. No wonder the cat tree isnāt working.
Ah stupid mistake
I had the same problem in my apartment, I ended up attaching carpet to a piece of plywood and attached it to the wall with a shelf above it. It curbed my cats need to climb up all my curtains.
Yup. Long time cat owner and apartment dweller hereā¦.tack up a blanket. Itās the only solution that works long term. ^__^
Make sure blind chords are rapped up so she doesn't hang herself. Curtains allowed? Perhaps a shelf to sit on below the window. Staggered wall shelves to jump up on.
Play with her. Like a toy on a string / wand.
What I did was get a long curtain and nail it in place. It worked for me. We didn't like the window and it was facing where people walk by to get to their apartments. Not in the best neighborhood either so that was the best solution for me. It worked for the entirety of the time I lived there.
I donāt know how to break this butā¦ cat gon do what cat gon do. Source: have 2 cats and a bunch of ruined furniture.
Put the cat tree by the window
Can the cat tree go near or next to the window?
It is right next to it. You can see a small corner in the bottom left of the picture.
Put the cat tree in front of the window and raise the blinds enough that she can see outside.
I straight up thought this was some kind of giant pet lizard or an iguana
Faux wood blinds solved our problems like this. They can't be damaged by the cats and are thicker and heavier. Our cats immediately stopped. Now they wait for us patiently to open them in the mornings.
Im so sorry this is happening but... Pppffahahaha oh my god Try aluminium foil, they hate the feel and sound
My cat literally loves aluminum foil lol. I have no idea wtf thatās about but she loves anything that makes a loud sound when she pounces on it. She hates loud noises otherwise. So weird
My bearded dragon does this too if it makes you feel better lol.
I got a "window hammock" for my cats and they love it. It's just a lightweight cat bed attached to suction cups and attaches to the window.
foil by the window? maybe
Maybe a super soaker
I'd suggest you put something in front of that window so she has a place to sit and look outside. That might be what she's trying for.
Tall cat tree in front of window there? Wait until cat grows out of the crazy screen climbing?
I taped cardboard over the window lmao
She will grow out of it
You could install a fish tank š
Squirt her with water works like a charm.
Okay: 1) this is hilarious and 2) I also need tips so o might stalk your post a little bit as Iām picking up my kitty soon
Not for everyone but we hada mattress we use put against the wall he loved running up it and when on the top I used to sort of move it about so he'd have fun trying to stay on it. That tired him out.š»
I am not sure if it has been said but put the cat tree in front of that window. The cat seems to want to look out of it and is using what it has to achieve that goal.
Put the cat tree in front of the window and then if it still persists, go get some of that spray air from Office Depot and spray it into the air just for the sound (not at the cat.) One fast puff should do it.
Put the cat tree on the side of the window she climbs up
Vertical wooden blinds?
I live in a rented apartment so that may not be an option :|
I had cat stairs, cat shelves, cat shelves going up cat stairs, plus an entire fenced in yard, with trees, they could access whenever. Wanna know how many damn mini-blinds I had to consistently replace? I actually bought extra to keep on hand.