Cat-Proof Blinds - 6 Best Factors to Consider

Cat standing on the window sill and damaging and scratching aluminum blinds.

Essential Guide to Cat-Proof Blinds: 6 Key Points to Consider

Introduction:

Purchasing and installing cat-proof blinds can present challenges, as this applies when it comes to buying home décor and furniture.
If you have a cat that enjoys going on the balcony and tends to paw at the window blinds, it can be quite annoying and potentially lead to damage. While some cats may be considerate and not harm the blinds, playful kittens or anxious cats may cause substantial damage. To avoid this, it is advisable to choose cat-friendly blinds that are resilient and durable.

Installing window blinds can be a hassle, so it's better to make a wise choice initially rather than dealing with repairs or replacements later. To assist families and individuals who own cats and appreciate their delightful presence at home, we have conducted research and identified key factors that should be taken into consideration when purchasing blinds.

Cat laying on the windowsill with one of the window blinds partially up and the other one lowered down.

6 Tips to Cat-Proof Your Choice

1- Material:

Selecting blinds made of durable and sturdy materials is crucial when it comes to pet-proofing your window treatments, especially for households with cats. Opt for materials that can withstand the potential scratching and climbing activities of your feline companions.
Avoid materials that are prone to tearing or fraying, as they may not hold up well against your cat's natural instincts. Look for blinds made from robust materials such as metal, wood, or heavy-duty fabrics that are specifically designed to resist damage caused by pets.

By choosing blinds with durable construction, you can ensure that your window treatments remain intact and maintain their functionality even when your cat is playful.

Tips: If you have wood blinds, it's important to provide a scratching post for your cats near the window. Cats have a natural inclination to scratch on wood surfaces, so it's crucial to offer them an alternative scratching option. Otherwise, your wood blinds may become a tempting target for them.

High quality wooden blinds with open slats.

Tips: Make sure your blinds don't have fabric tape. Like drapes, fabric tapes are a magnet for hair.

2- Cord Safety:

Ensure cord safety by choosing blinds with cordless designs or inaccessible cords. Cats are naturally curious and may play with hanging cords, which can pose a risk of strangulation. Cordless blinds or those with built-in cord management systems provide safer alternatives.

Cat siting on the windowsill trying to reach blinds' cord.

Use a dedicated holder for the drawstring or bead chain. This holder allows owners to securely fix the drawstring or bead chain on the wall, preventing any unnecessary movement or shaking. By utilizing the holder, owners can ensure that the drawstring or bead chain remains out of reach and safely tucked away from pets.

Cat sitting on the windowsill with blinds lowered down and bead chain holder.

3- Horizontal or Vertical Blinds:

The choice between horizontal and vertical blinds can be challenging, as there are differing opinions on the matter. Some argue that horizontal blinds are tempting for cats to climb because they provide horizontal surfaces for perching and walking. On the other hand, all vertical blinds have interconnected strings or louvers at the bottom, which even adult cats find irresistible, let alone kittens. Essentially, this arrangement places an enticing toy right where your blinds are located.

Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether horizontal or vertical blinds are the best solution for homeowners with cats. We recommend discussing your specific situation with our experts, who can assess your home and windows and provide the most suitable recommendation.

Vertical and horizontal blinds and two cats creating potential damage to the blinds.

Tips: Vertical fabric blinds are not suitable for homes where fans are frequently used.

4- Ease of Cleaning:

Look for blinds that are easy to clean and maintain. Cats can shed fur and leave paw prints on blinds, so choose materials that can be wiped clean or easily vacuumed.

Tips: Use citrus spray on your blinds to repel cats, as they have a strong dislike for citrus smells and tend to avoid areas with such aromas. This will help you to keep your blinds safe and clean from your cats. There are automatic citrus sprays that can be activated by motion, so when your cat jumps on your window sill, it will be activated, and the citrus will be sprayed, which will cause your cats to leave the window sill right away and avoid jumping there.

Citrus spray with pure and natural essential oil.

5- Windowsill Access:

Pets are always curious about what's happening outside, and they love looking out of the window. Unfortunately, their attempts to get a clear view often result in them pushing their heads and paws through the blinds, obstructing their own view.

Therefore, consider leaving enough space between the blinds and the window frame for your cat to sit comfortably on the windowsill without interfering with the blinds.

Tips: Set up a cat perch for your cat in front of a window with an unobstructed view

A cat sitting on the cat perch by the window with lowered blinds and staring at indoor plants.

6- Electric Blinds:

Our electric blinds offer enhanced safety and convenience. These blinds utilize a motor to raise and lower them, eliminating the need for cords or drawstrings. The motor is housed within the blind header or inside the tube, removing the requirement for cord space. You can operate the blinds using a remote control for effortless control and peace of mind.

Certain electric blinds provide the convenience of automatic rolling up or down functionality, allowing you to schedule specific times for the blinds to partially or fully roll up. This feature ensures that each morning, without the risk of forgetting, your blinds will automatically roll up and create a designated area for your cat to enjoy the view of the outside and surrounding environment during the daytime.

Man holding his cellphone in his hand and showing electric blinds remote control app.

Motorized Window Treatment By Cher Decor on YouTube

Explore Alternative Options for Cat-friendly Blinds:

Seek guidance from our knowledgeable sales representatives (Email: [email protected] Phone:+66 94 293 6282) specializing in window treatments to discover additional possibilities that align with your specific needs and preferences.

By taking these factors into account, you can choose blinds that are more suitable for your home and help ensure the safety and well-being of your cat.

Read More on this Topic:

Selection of High-quality Blinds suitable for Cat Owners

What Kinds of Blinds Cats Can’t Destroy?

1. Real Wood Cat-Friendly Window Blinds

These customizable real wood blinds offer convenience and ease of installation, making them a desirable choice for those seeking simplicity in their lives. They have received positive reviews from customers, including cat owners who appreciate the materials and easy installation process.

Positive feedback highlights the straightforward ordering process, accurate custom sizing, the inclusion of all necessary parts, excellent quality, preference for genuine wood over faux wood, sturdy construction, smooth raising and lowering, and attractive appearance.

The genuine wood material enhances the aesthetic appeal of any space, making it an excellent option for those who value visual appeal. Cat owners are likely to find these blinds highly enjoyable and suitable for their needs.

High quality wooden blinds on the hallway's windows.

2. Faux Wood Blinds for Individuals or Families with Cats

Faux wood blinds offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for cat owners. They are affordable, closely resemble real wood in appearance, and are highly resistant to moisture, making them ideal for humid environments.
Additionally, faux wood blinds are durable, as they are made of synthetic materials like vinyl or PVC, and they require easy maintenance due to their ability to withstand chemical cleaning agents. Just like shutters, Faux Wood Blinds with wide slats (like 2.5" blinds) allow pets to see out easily. If slats are damaged, replacements can be ordered and inserted. Overall, these blinds provide a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, moisture-resistant, durable, and low-maintenance window treatment option for cats’ lovers.

Faux wood blinds with open slats with a view to outdoor plants.

3. Motorized Blinds (Another Cat-friendly Solution for Home Blinds)

Motorized blinds offer a convenient solution for cat owners who tend to get absorbed in their activities and forget to adjust their window blinds. With the touch of a button, these blinds become out of reach for cats, resolving the issue of feline interference. Affordable options are available, like a polyester fabric roller shade designed to block sunlight effectively.

A notable feature of these blinds is the remote control that operates the motor, allowing users to effortlessly open, close, or adjust the blinds to their desired position. Voice control devices such as Alexa or Google Home can also be used to control these smart blinds. Custom-made for a precise fit, they eliminate gaps and ensure a seamless appearance.

The cordless design of these blinds prioritizes the safety of cats by eliminating dangling cords that might tempt them. Cat owners can easily adjust the height of the roller shade to prevent feline access to windows, even when they are not at home. These motorized blinds are the perfect choice for busy or more relaxed cat owners who desire a hassle-free and cat-friendly solution. Testimonials from satisfied cat owners, including video evidence, reinforce the successful integration of these roller shades with cats.

Smart home devices and app explained with a background of living room.