Deciding on the right window treatments means keeping a lot of factors in mind. Not only do we have to decide on the right window coverings for our specific style, we also have to keep our pets in mind. We love our furry family members, but they clearly can’t grasp the concept of “private property”. Anyone who’s owned cats is probably familiar with their penchant for biting off the ends of blind slats so they can see what’s going on outside. Many dog owners have also come home to mangled and broken wood window treatments (dogs often do this out of boredom, anxiety, or panic about something going on outside).
Fortunately, there are ways you can pet-proof your window treatments, or purchase window treatments that are resistant to onslaughts from your pets.
How To Cat-Proof Your Window Treatments
Avoid Low-Hanging Fabrics
When it comes to draperies, there’s really no aesthetic option available to protect them from your cats. Unfortunately, it’s probably best to avoid draperies altogether if you’re a cat owner. Instead, go for blinds and shutters.
Purchase Durable Blinds & Shutters
Plastic blinds are a no-go if you own cats. Over time, they’ll likely become damaged, even if you have a well-behaved cat. They love jumping up on windowsills for sunlight or to see what’s going on outside. This often gets them mentally stimulated and causes them to take that energy out on surrounding objects – namely, your blinds. Instead, choose wood or faux wood blinds or shutters (faux wood is just as durable as natural wood). Vertical shutters are also a good option, as cats have a harder time damaging them, and they also allow your cat easy access to the window.
Ways To Cat-Proof Your Window Treatments
- Keep cords away from your cats – Cats like playing with these. Keep cords wrapped up and high on the window treatments.
- Apply tinfoil or double-sided tape to your windowsill – Cats usually don’t like the feeling of these materials.
- Give your cat their own window – Choose a window in your home that doesn’t need window treatments. Keep all other window treatments closed so that your cat is naturally drawn to the open one.
- Apply citrus spray – Cats dislike the smell of citrus.
How to dog-proof your window treatments
Dogs often destroy window treatments because they are an obstacle for them seeing outside. Dogs also sometimes see them as simply playthings – things to destroy. Choose the following window coverings if you own dogs.
Vertical Blinds
These are great for dogs because they allow them easy access to the window. They are also more difficult for your dog to destroy because there is no way they can put pressure on them.
Cellular Shades
These can work for certain dogs. Cellular shades are fragile, but can be the perfect window treatment for some dogs because they cover the entire window; they don’t allow them any option to see outside. Some dogs don’t even see them as obstacles to begin with.
Plantation Shutters
These are great for dogs who just want a glimpse of what’s going on outside. They will allow your dog to see what’s going on without them feeling the need to meddle with them.