Cats and Blinds: 3 Tips for Harmonious Living

Cats are naturally inquisitive and mischievous. Both of these traits make it very difficult for cats and blinds to coexist peacefully. Hangings and entanglements are common, as are broken slats and frayed drapes. If you're dealing with this issue, you're no doubt beyond frustrated. You love your cat, obviously, but you also want to have nice things. Fortunately, it is possible to have a cat and beautiful window blinds in the same house. Following are a few tips that will help you keep your cat and your blinds.

Choose Cat-Friendly Blinds

If you're just now in the process of selecting your blinds and window treatments, you're in luck. You're in a unique position to select cat-friendly options. For the most part, you want to avoid mini-blinds, since your cat can probably mangle them in a single bout of play. Instead, choose vertical blinds. Your cat can't climb them or get tangled up in them. Indoor shutters are also a great option, as are wood blinds. If you really want a traditional blind look, go for wooden blinds. They are more durable and can stand up to your cat's assault. 

Make Your Blinds Cat Proof

If you already have blinds, you can still work with what you've got. Take steps to make your blinds cat proof. Keep in mind that your cat loves to look outside. If possible, leave one blind open or make sure that your cat has a place where they can look out. Keep in mind that they want to watch birds and squirrels play. If there's a lot of activity outside one of your windows, that's probably the one you want to leave open. Also, do not let cords hang free. Wrap them over the top of your blinds or install a wall hook that you can wrap them around. 

Protect Your Blinds from Your Cat

If you want to keep your cat away from your blinds completely, you can take steps to keep them away. Cat-repellent spray is perfect for making your curtains and blinds an unpleasant conquest. Cats can climb or jump over just about anything, so moving your furniture won't help much. However, you can leave your blinds up during the times of day that your cat is most active and likely to get into trouble. 

If you want to keep your cat and have beautiful blinds, you may have to take some steps to make sure that your cat doesn't destroy your blinds. Choose blinds your cat can't tear up or take steps to keep your cat out of your blinds.