Cats are cute, friendly, and adorable animals, but their climbing nature and sharpening claws mean that they can easily damage windows and glass in your home. You may have to protect the glass from cat scratches, or take steps to prevent the animal from dropping the glass. Luckily, there are a few easy ways you can try to help you save your windows from the cats.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Protecting Glass from Cat Scratches
Step 1. Make sure you have a scratching post at home that your cat can scratch
Your cat won't scratch the window pane if there's something else he can target for sharpening his nails. You can buy cat scratching posts at the pet store or make your own from plywood, posts, and carpet or rope scraps.
- Domestic cats don't have many options for sharpening their nails so their claws grow too long.
- If your cat scratches the window pane, use a vertical scratching post instead of a horizontal one.
Step 2. Trim your cat's nails regularly
This will not 100% guarantee that the cat does not scratch the window, but it can reduce the risk. If your cat has short, blunt nails, she won't be able to scratch the glass and won't want to scratch the object anymore.
- In addition to protecting the window pane, trimming your cat's nails will also make him feel comfortable.
- Don't trim your cat's nails too short. This can cause pain, bleeding, and even infection.
- If your cat struggles to get her nails trimmed, take her to a veterinarian to prevent you or the cat from getting hurt.
Step 3. Use a spray bottle to prevent the cat from scratching the glass
Whenever you see your cat coming towards the mirror, spray it with a little water. This won't hurt her, and will allow her to understand that she needs to stay away from the glass.
- A regular spray bottle will work, but if the item has previously been used to contain chemical cleaning liquids, wash the bottle as thoroughly as possible before using it.
- You can also use a water gun. It will be easier for you to aim, and it will be easier for you to let out annoyance that the cat has scratched your window!
Step 4. Adhere single or double adhesive tape to the window for precaution
Cats don't like it when their feet feel sticky. If you put adhesive tape on a window, your cat will think it's sticky and move away from it.
You can use regular double-sided tape or buy adhesives made specifically for cat behavior
Step 5. Spray anti-scratch liquid on the desired area to repel the cat
Most anti-scratch sprays are made from herbs that smell bad or don't smell in the human nose, but can be smelled by cats. You may need to re-spray the liquid every day to keep it effective.
- You can find scratch-resistant liquid at most pet stores, or order it online.
- Use a motion sensor based spray can that can spray air on the cat as it approaches the window pane. These items can be purchased at pet stores or ordered online.
Step 6. Attach chicken wire to the window so the cat can't climb over it
Use a large nail gun to attach the mesh lining to the wood frame in the window. Most cats don't like the thrill of climbing on chicken wire. So, this method can be an effective prevention method to deal with cat behavior that likes to scratch or climb your window glass.
- Chicken wire is commonly used in gardens or other open spaces to prevent cats from entering certain areas.
- If your cat is clawing at a window from inside the house, place a layer of mesh between the glass and the window. If the cat climbs from outside, attach chicken wire to the outside of the window.
Step 7. Replace your windows with tempered glass if the above methods don't work
If you can't prevent your cat from scratching the glass, you can purchase tempered glass that comes with a tear-resistant mesh lining.
You can find tempered glass at almost any home supply store
Method 2 of 2: Prevent the Cat from Pushing the Window Out
Step 1. Use adhesive tape, screws, or nails to strengthen the glass from the inside
Cats love to rub against glass, either to get rid of their body odor or to get closer to the outdoors. Unfortunately, if your glass isn't strong enough, a cat can push the glass out and then run away.
- If you think the problem is in the window sill, strengthen the area by screwing in screws or nails.
- If you need a quick solution, apply adhesive tape to the window frame until you can fix it permanently.
Step 2. Install the latch on the window pane
If the window pane is open, your cat may find it easier to push. Installing a door latch is a good option to make the glass more secure. This thing is also easy to install.
Look for tamper-proof window bolts at a home supply store or buy them online
Step 3. Replace your window glass with a window that is lined with tear-resistant mesh to prevent it from being damaged by cats
If you're concerned that the glass currently installed isn't strong enough to hold a cat, you can purchase thick, shatter-resistant mesh-coated glass at most hardware stores.
