Mary Allen
Has your cat cheated you out of your favorite curtains? If you’ve often had to buy new curtains because your cat tampered with them, it’s time for a change.
Curtains are popular with cats: Some cats like to climb up them, while others use them as a hiding place or to fight behind with a fellow cat. All of these behaviors have one consequence in common: your curtains will soon resemble Swiss cheese. With the right tips, however, you have a chance to dissuade your kitty from such destructive actions.
What Cats Love About Curtains
Curtains can be fascinating for cats: they move slightly in the wind that blows in through the window, maybe even a promising cord or other ribbon dangles from the curtains – all these are very inviting signals for your velvet paw. Which cat doesn’t want to jump up and climb to the top of the curtain rod? After all, the four-legged friends with their talent for climbing like to observe their world from above.
Above all, curtains that reach down to the floor are also a wonderful hiding place – but not only for taking an afternoon nap there: You can lurk under them and engage in an exciting fight with a conspecific – or even the curtain itself.
Make Your Curtains “Uninteresting”
One of the simplest tips is to hang your curtains so that they don’t reach all the way to the floor or window sill. Ideally, the hem ends at least ten centimeters above. This deprives your cat of the opportunity to use the curtains as hidden battle arenas. If your curtains are already fixed, simply tie them up – especially if your house cat is alone at home.
Also, make sure there are plenty of alternative play options: set up a high place for your cat where it can see the whole room. Then she no longer has any reason to use your curtain rod as a lookout. You should also offer her enough scratching and climbing opportunities for sharpening her claws – preferably covered with sisal.
If Your Kitty Still Doesn’t Give Up
Are you watching your velvet paw preparing to jump towards the curtain? Then speak your mind! Say “No!” out loud or clap your hands – the main thing is that you draw your cat’s attention away from the curtains. A blast of water from a flower spray bottle can also achieve the desired effect. But make sure that your cat does not associate these negative experiences with you, but with the curtains. Then it’s time to stay on the ball! Train your cat to avoid unwanted behavior by regularly reminding her that curtains are taboo with loud calls, clapping, or a splash of water.