Window shades can be a tempting playground for cats and dogs, especially if they have dangling cords. Cats can pawe at these strings, which can lead to serious injury or even death.
Luckily, there are some options for keeping your pet safe while still enjoying your favorite San Diego window treatments. Here are 5 tips to make life easier for your cat with window shades!
1. Keep the Light Out
Keeping the light out can make life easier for your cat. Not only will it keep them away from the sun’s rays, but it can also keep them from seeing the outside world while you’re at work or asleep.
The light filtering abilities of cheap window shades can make it a challenge for your cat to see the outdoors, so leaving window shades slightly raised can make it easier for them to view what’s happening on the other side of the house. Motorized shades can be a good option for this as they can be programmed to open or close at the exact time you need them to be, without your cats’ input.
Cellular shades are a great option if you want to let in more light and allow your cat to see outside. These shades are made of fabric so cats can climb it to scratch it or stretch it. This makes it easy for them get stuck in it and gets tangled.
It is better to choose roller shades made of solid material and not slats. These shades are easy for cats to jump behind, but they’re also difficult for them to tear through, so you won’t have to replace them if your cat does manage to break them.
These blackout roller shades can be used cordlessly and are easy to use. However, they are not as strong as some of our other cat-proof options. They are available in 10 different sizes and are not suitable for every window, but they’re a good choice if you want blackout shades that are easy to clean.
2. Make a Scratching Post
A scratching post is a great way to make your cat’s life easier if he likes to scratch. By providing a place for him to scratch, you can prevent him from damaging your carpets and furniture.
A scratching post can be made of cardboard, wood, or sisal depending on the cat’s preference. Choose a scratching post that matches the environment and decor in your home.
Scratching posts are a great way to get your cat moving and to keep her nails strong. They can also be used to prevent your cat from damaging furniture and carpets, which can cause costly repairs.
You can make your scratching posts from scraps of plywood, carpet, and rope. You will need to start with a piece plywood. Then, cut it into a square or circle top. Whether you’re making a circular or square top, you should cut it at least 4 inches smaller than the base.
Next, place a second piece on the platform and tack the edges together. Fold the overlap around the edges and trim it to create a smooth, tight surface for your cat’s claws to rest on [Photo F].
Once the post is in place, it should be close to where your cat scratches. If your cat has a favorite spot for scratching on the couch, place the post there.
Then, entice your cat to use the post by playing with her. To get your cat to scratch and climb up the rope, rub catnip on it or use other cat toys. This will teach her that the post is good and will make her want to use it. It will take some time for her to adjust to the new scratching post, but with patience and consistency, you can get her to love it!
3. Train Your Cat
Cats are highly intelligent animals that can be trained for a variety of behaviors. Some skills can be taught using food, while others require hand signals or voice cues to communicate with your cat. You can also train them to do tricks, like sit, high-five, or come, using positive reinforcement (rewarding them with a treat when they perform the desired behavior).
Experts recommend that you start simple training sessions to teach your cat new skills. Start small, and be patient, because learning a new behavior takes time.
You can start by using a verbal command such as “bed” to ask your cat to move onto a specific space, like a bed or towel. Repeat the command over and over, and eventually your cat will respond to the word.
You can reward her with a physical reward if she is able to go to her bed or place without prompting. You can reward her with a piece or a toy that she enjoys.
A carpet runner placed along the window sill from the bottom is one common deterrent. Your cat will associate this unpleasant feeling on his paws with the window and will stop going there.
Another method is to spray a citrusy or mentholated fragrance along the window sill. This is a terrible smell for cats and they will avoid it at all costs.
Combining deterrence with positive redirection is a tried-and-true solution to many of your cat’s problems, and it can make life easier for both you and your cat. If your cat attempts to jump on the counter, you can clap your hands and tell them “No!” In a moderately loud, stern, but loving “bad cat” voice
4. Keep the Cords Out
While cords may look tempting to your cat, they are not a safe option for your feline friend. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission corded window treatments are one of the most dangerous in American homes. It is best to replace them with blinds or draperies that have no cords.
The strings that come with your drapery or blinds can also be a threat to your cat, as they are potentially dangerous and can strangle your cat if she gets caught in them. You can avoid this issue by opting for cordless window treatments, such as motorized shades that are safer for cats and pets.
You can also keep your blinds and curtains out of reach by tying or wrapping the cords up high, away from your cat’s view. This will prevent him from playing with the cords and tripping over them, which can be dangerous for your cat.
To prevent your cat from ripping through your blinds, make sure the slats are scratch-proof. Vertical blinds, for example, are a great choice because they do not bend easily and will not break if your cat is determined to tear them up.
In addition, you can help to protect your blinds by purchasing specialised spray that will deter your cat from coming near them. This type of spray is usually available at pet stores and will produce an unpleasant odour that your cat won’t want to smell.
5. Keep Your Cat Indoors
If you’re considering keeping your cat indoors, window shades can make life easier for them. Window shades can provide your cat with a safe place to look outside, without putting them at risk of being hit by a car or eating dangerous plants.
Your cat’s safety and well-being can be improved by keeping them inside. They can get the exercise they need, which is important for their health and happiness.
While indoor cats may live longer than outdoor cats, they still face risks. Indoor cats are more susceptible to accidents like falls, poisoning from cleaning products and medications, ingesting foreign objects, and skin rashes.
These risks are more dangerous for some cats than others. For instance, older cats, cats with chronic illnesses or sick cats carrying contagious diseases must be kept indoors to prevent them from spreading disease to other cats or their owners.
These cats are less streetwise and may be prone to becoming lost. This risk is even higher if they’re living in an apartment or condominium where they might be forced to share their territory with other cats.
You can make window watching safer for your kitty by using window shades or valances that are a bit more wide than your curtains. These can be purchased at pet shops or made by you if you have the time.
Keep in mind that you should never let your kitty climb through or chew on fabric window coverings. If this is the case, you can trim their claws or use rubber tips, such as Soft Paws, to keep them from digging into your draperies.