Floppycats

Cat Proof Window Screens: A Guide

With the weather in the Northern Hemisphere getting nicer, you might want to start leaving your windows open, but this can be a source of worry for Ragdoll cat owners since cats can jump or fall out of windows – like Charlie and Trigg did when a screen failed.

A lot of cat owners ask about solutions to this problem, and there are quite a few things you can do too, though cat window guards don’t necessarily make for the most elegant home décor.

It’s also good to keep in mind that some cats might scratch their way through screens, whereas others might be able to actually push through the screen with their body weight, so you have to either proof your window for both or keep in mind what your cat is capable of. 

Here are some of the top suggestions for cat proofing window:

– Putting double stick tape on the windowsill to deter cats from jumping up. – Steel Pet Grille – This article explains the importance –  Metal grids or grill guards – Reinforcing screens from the outside with duct tape, screws, or nails

– Clips or window locks you can attach – you can use the same kind available for child safety – Metal latches – choosing a durable metal for your window latches rather than vinyl can really improve the strength of the lock.

– Magnetic window screens – there is a company in New Zealand called MagicSeal that one reader recommended, or you can try to DIY – Replacing or doubling up your window screen with heavy mesh or pet screens, which you can cut and fit into a screen frame or simply tape to your regular screen.

Here are a few suggestions for different kinds of screen guards for pets: – New York Wire Saint Gobain Adfors Screen Wire – Phifer Pet Screens this mesh screen can be installed easily in the window track, and is made from a tough vinyl plastic that’s resistant to tearing.

– Fence wire – Hardware cloth – Flat Cats  - Tension bars  Again, the solutions aren’t the most beautiful, but there are a lot of options if your cat’s safety is a concern. 

Scratch Damage vs. Cat Safety Note that sometimes screens advertised as pet safe actually just guard against scratching damage, rather than effectively keeping a cat from getting out a window. 

Swipe up to learn more about Cat Proof Window Screens

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