How can I protect my window screens from my lovely cat?

How can I protect my window screens from my lovely cat?

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Right now, I've settled for just opening the windows a few inches from the bottom, but that doesn't allow much breeze to get in. All my windows are double-hung, and the screen portion of each measures 26 W x 30 H. They don't open from the top.

I'm not considering declawing my cat, so please assume that solution is off the table. She already has a scratching post that she uses often. I managed to stop her from clawing a part of my couch by putting a strip of clear packing tape over the area, but I can't cover all my screens with packing tape! She doesn't seem interested in clawing anything else.

Suggestions? I've shared my home with various cats over the past 30 years, and Phoebe is the first cat who seems incredibly attracted to window screens!

How to Cat-Proof Windows: Screen Mesh Protection and Repair

My lovely cat, Phoebe, likes to claw at my window screens and has already made small tears or holes in a few. I like to keep my windows open when it's warm, but I don't want to continually repair or replace my screens. Also, I don't want to worry that she'll tear a hole large enough to get out.

The Feline Motive

To begin, it's important to understand your cat's motive for scratching the window screens. Is your cat a frequent visitor of the outdoors? They might scratch your window to gain your attention so you can let them inside. Your cat might also scratch the screen for fun. Try getting a scratching post and see if your cat can exercise their claws without tearing the screen. If the scratching post fails, it's time to use stricter methods.

Obstructing Your Cat

A cat can't ruin a screen if it can't climb the window. Try putting some wire on the window to cover up any openings your cat can latch onto. You could also use a tiny pet gate to deter climbing. However, this method comes with a price. Wired and screened-in windows do not look particularly inviting, and your home might start to feel like a makeshift prison for both you and your pets.

Cat Training

Positive reinforcement through treats often leads cats to develop newfound respect for their owners. Cats might be fussy, but they, like all of us, love treats. Try giving your cat a treat every time they approach the window without clawing the screen.

For outdoor cats, reward your cat with treats when they manage to get your attention without scratching the window. If you're feeling creative, you can make a little trail of treats from the outdoors to your door to promote a more civil discourse between you and your cat.

Unfortunately, cats might like treats, but their independence makes them hard to train with a layman's knowledge of the species. Cats could just accept your treats and never bother to link their reward to window respect. You could seek out a qualified cat trainer, but there are much easier and less expensive ways to stop a cat!

Discouraging Your Cat

If positive reinforcement fails, stricter methods might be needed. Try using a spray bottle to deter your cat from scratching the window. It may seem a bit harsh, but it's harmless and the cat will remember the consequences. Of course, your cat will also remember you sprayed them and may harbor resentment, so think of this method as a last resort.

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As you can see, no method is 100% effective or flawless. Cat-proof windows may seem like a good idea, but it becomes much harder in practice. Maybe it's time to accept that cats will be cats and focus on the things you can control, like fixing your screen mesh.

Window Screen Repair

The Tape Method

Duct tape provides an easy solution to torn screen mesh. Simply apply the tape to the afflicted area to patch the hole. This fix seems easy, but it comes at the price of a view. That strip of grey duct tape will obscure your vision of a beautiful yard. The solution may be worse than the problem as you will have a reminder of your cat's audacity with every glance at the screen.

Window Screen Repair Kits

A window screen repair kit also grants a fast solution. But this fix may result in a headache as many kits of differing quality and colors exist. You now have to worry about choosing a matching screen, and the burden of the repair rests solely upon your shoulders. These kits also have varying rates of success, so browse your options with caution. There's no point in spending money on a faulty kit.

Window Screen Replacement

If you don't want the look of tape or the inconvenience of choosing the right repair kit, it might be time to replace the window screen altogether. Pop out the old screen, find a new screen that matches your home, and place it in the window. Of course, as stated before, this job is best left to trained professionals to reduce the chance of bodily harm or property damage.

Window Repair Warranty

When you choose Advanced Window Systems, LLC, you receive a lifetime warranty on all installations. Thanks to this warranty, our customers never have to worry about repairs again! Say goodbye to fearing the wrath of your cat. Our service department will provide repairs to our customers' torn screen mesh free of charge.

Let's face it, cats may be cute, but they leave a trail of chaos with every step of their paws. Cat-proof windows and self-mesh repair yield mixed results. Place your windows in the hands of the trusted team at Advanced Window Systems to ensure a grade-A repair. At the end of the day, leaving your home to the care of trained professionals takes away the stress and confusion of self-remodeling and the possible guilt or personal injury stemming from a botched job. At Advanced Window Systems, we guarantee quality and professionalism with every repair.

Have any other questions about window maintenance? Advanced Window Systems, LLC is happy to help. Contact us at 1-800-CALL-AWS to schedule a free in-home estimate today. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter too!

Written by Alex Buonocore

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