how can I get my cat to stop scratching the window screens?

Question

My mothers cats scratch the hell out of her balcony door screen She has had it replaced 2 times so far how can we get the cats to stop this behavior.

Answer 1

We have a sliding patio door. I went to a home supply store and got the biggest piece of plexiglass that comes already cut. It's clear. I slide it between the outer screen in the tracks of the door. Then I close the slider enough to keep/hold it in.

I just slide the plexiglass thing to the side when we go outdoors.

We still get the air thru at the top, yet the cat can't scratch the screen bc the bottom area is covered. :)

In a bedroom I did something similiar, I got one of those portable sliding screen inserts ($6), and slide that into the window vertically *using the original window to hold it in* and then if the cat decides to get feisty and claw at it, he's only clawing the one I bought and not the permanent screen.

Cats have instincts to climb and they also have scent glands on their paws, so stands to reason they like to stretch, claw and such. You have to find ways around the instincts, yet still satisfy their needs.

Also, cats LOVE to look outside. Get a tall kitty condo/perch. Just don't place it so close to the screen that she could jump at it. Make sure you have a variety of scratching posts/textures.

Answer 2

Cat Window Screen

Answer 3

Okay first, get a spray bottle full of water. When you see the cat going to start on the screens again, Spray her! It will only work if you do it every time. When the cat sees it she will be scared of the bottle. So i suggest putting the bottle near the screen. But not in reach of were the cat can become friends with it. Put it on a ledge next to the screen, he will see it and be afraid of it. Hope that helps!

Answer 4

Our cat does the same thing. for years I had to replace the screen in the door. we tried everything, keeping the cat away from the door, squirt the cat with water, a stronger screen. she would just patiently wait and watch us until we gone and then go at the screen again. then we would hear pat pat pat pat pat. Getting out and being free for a few days was a strong motivation for her I guess. Finally I put a piece of sheet metal over the bottom of the door. That kept her in for a while. Our clever kitty sat and watched us use the door and figured out how open the latch to let herself out. At least now I don't have to fix the door anymore.

Answer 5

Get a tall cat toy. Thos ones they can climb on. They are scratching the screens because they have a need to climb high places, especially when stressed. Or if you want an extreme answer, try declawing.

This kind of stuff
http://www.catsplay.com/catty_corner.php3

Answer 6

Try to find a mat for infront of the door that the cat dislikes standing on. You can also get sheets to put down from the pet store that are "sticky"

Another option is a water gun. Yep, a little squirt of water every time you catch the cat doing it will modify his/her behaviour pretty quickly.

Answer 7

My cat does that as well. when she does, she's trying to open the door. It's possible that your cat needs a scratching post.If you have one, sprinkle some catnip on it to get her to use it. Do not declaw her. It's cruel. You can ask your vet about Claw-Caps.They are like caps that prevent you cat from messing up your furniture.

Answer 8

My cat lives to use her claws!! I took her to Petsmart and had her claws trimmed (you can do it at home with regular nail clippers). When she got home and tried to jump on the furniture she fell because her claws had blunt ends!! I also bought some Soft Claws. Developed by a veterinarian, Soft Claws® are vinyl nail caps that glue on to your cat's claws. It covers the claw tips so no damage occurs when your cat scratches. You can put them on your cat or the vet will do it. (my vet charged me $15 to do it, but there are plenty of testimonials on the website where people have applied them to their own cat) Petsmart sells them, some vets do as well. Check out their website they really are a fantastic solution!!! http://www.softclaws.com

Answer 9

Hi Heather,
That's an easy question. Just place a Pit Bull in front of every screen. BOWWOOOOO
Inodat

Answer 10

Water bottle. Squirt gun. And be constant about it. Every single time the cat scratches, douse her with water. Yell, smack her. Yes, smack her. You need to be the alpha or she won't respond. Play by her rules, not human rules.