When curtains and cats meet, messes and scratches are sure to happen. Luckily, with the right training, the cat and the blind can get along in peace. First of all, take a few minutes to assess why your pet is doing this. After thinking about this, you will likely gain time and effort during training, as understanding what is motivating this cat's behavior is very important. With that in mind, take a look at some of the training ideas shown below. Remember that an effective solution will likely involve both teaching the pet not to climb and satisfying the needs that motivate its destructive behavior.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Teaching the cat not to climb the curtains
Step 1. Invest in mechanisms that can be left in the environment to inhibit cats from approaching
This type of mechanism is very efficient, as they provide an efficient and safe solution for moving the pet away from the curtains or any other place you don't want it to approach.
Step 2. Purchase a compressed air "cat repellent" system
This system, which uses compressed air in conjunction with a motion sensor, is a great option. With it, if the cat gets too close to the curtains, it will receive a blast of compressed air, and this will make the pet understand that that object is not a toy.
Step 3. Place plastic mats at the base of the curtains
Some pet stores sell a type of plastic mat that gives off a small static discharge when the cat walks over it. In dry indoor environments, any plastic can cause a small static energy discharge.
Step 4. Place double-sided adhesive tape on the curtain
Cats will likely not like the feeling of climbing onto something sticky, and they may also have difficulty penetrating the tape with their claws. Try to position the tape in an appropriate and discreet location so as not to damage the curtain fabric.
Step 5. Place traps on surfaces the cat will use during climbs
If he's using the curtains to reach a table, counter, or shelf, place a set of light, easily (and harmlessly) items such as plastic containers on these surfaces. The cat will probably freak out after dropping a pile of stuff and think twice before trying to do the same in the future.
Step 6. Replace curtain hooks with very fine wires
When the cat tries to climb, it will break the wires and bring down the curtain. After going through this experience a few times, the pet will hardly insist, allowing you to reattach the curtain normally.
If possible, you can try replacing the system that supports the curtain with a tension rod system. Many adult cats are heavy enough to drop the rod when trying to climb the curtains. However, be careful when using this solution, as a falling rod can break items in the house or even injure the pet
Step 7. As a last resort, use direct punishments
The cat may react and move away from the curtain if you clap your hands, use a spray of water, or make loud noises by crumpling a newspaper or using other noisy things. However, try the other methods first, as doing so could frighten the cat. Also, these Methods should not be used if the pet is a nervous animal. When using water, check first that the spray will not damage the curtains.
Part 2 of 2: Meeting the Cat's Needs
Step 1. Buy a scraper for him
They will meet the cat's natural need to sharpen its claws. If your curtains are made of heavy or heavily textured fabrics, maybe your pet sees them as a nice surface to sharpen your claws, not a decorative item.
- Every cat prefers different textures and styles. Try testing cardboard, carpet, wood, sisal, or upholstery surfaces, and try varying the placement of the scratcher, which can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
- Lure the cat to the scraper using treats or CatNip. You can even try to teach him how to use the scraper so that he understands the new toy better, but don't try to force his paws over the surface. He may be scared and avoid using the toy in the future.
- Check that the scraper is sturdy and that it has the proper height. Also if it starts to wear out, don't think about throwing it away. Even worn out, the cat will still love the pleasant surface offered by the toy!
Step 2. Trim the cat's nails regularly
Also, put protective plastic caps on the pet's claws. They are fixed using adhesives and usually last four to six weeks.
Step 3. Check if the cat is bored and needs something to do
Maybe his behavior that's pissing you off is the only way he can avoid boredom. Cats that spend a lot of time alone are more likely to find "creative" (and destructive) ways to spend time. Try to do activities with him, keeping their mind and body always active.
- Hide snacks around the house. Something as simple as an empty box with some holes and snacks or food inside would be a great distraction.
- invest in cat toys. Toys that hang and/or move are even more effective in getting the cat's attention and preventing curtain destruction.
- Consider placing a bird feeder outside your house in a location (away from curtains!) where your cat can observe.
- Implement solutions like a cat perch, a shelf that he can access, or any other high surface that he can use to satisfy his climbing cravings and enjoy the view.
Step 4. Ensure your cat will feel safe in the environment
Again, cats like to climb things naturally, so if he feels threatened by another pet or small children, he might seek shelter at a higher location.
- A cat perch is a great solution to offer this possibility to the pet without causing any harm.
- Gates used to keep out children or animals are great for creating a safe area for cats. This is because they can easily jump over these gates. A ladder is an ideal place to put up such a barrier, as cats love to safely observe what's going on below them.
- Most home improvement stores offer small cat doors designed for both outdoor and indoor use. Even indoors they can love the presence of a small door that allows them to access a safe place when they feel threatened.
Step 5. Remove plants and food from places the cat can access
These items work as cat magnets and can greatly harm the well being of the cat and the curtains in your house.
- Make sure your house plants are not toxic to cats. Also, remove tempting hanging pots from places near curtains and don't let plants grow near them.
- Cover sweets, snacks and other culinary temptations. See which foods interest your pet, as each animal has different tastes in relation to "human" food.
Tips
- Reward good behavior by using cat treats.
- Be a responsible owner and sterilize or neuter your pet.
- Remember that cats are animals that like to climb things naturally. Trying to focus their attention on something else is likely to be more effective than simply banning it.
- Be aware of the cat's needs daily.