Cat Climbing and Ruining Shades - How to Stop?

Question

Our 1.5 year old cat has recently started to jump up and try to hang on our fabric blinds.

He only seems to do it when we are around (as far as we know) - he probably knows it bothers us and he likes the attention. We spray him with water whenever he does it and then put him in a bathroom for a while as punishment.

He has a scratching post, and I don't think it is about his claws. He probably likes the attention and / or it is fun for him to hang by his claws from the shades...

Any ideas on how we can change this behavior?

Also: the blinds are up when he jumps on them - he can see out the window just fine.

Answer 1

I would suggest keeping a spray bottle handy. When you see the cat going for the shades, give them a squirt without letting them see where the water is coming from. If they don't know you're doing it they will begin to associate the water squirting with the shades and stay away from them.

Should the cat persist, you can buy PSST on ebay. It's a can of compressed air with a motion detector on it. When the cat trips the sensor, the air is released along with a high pitched tone. Cats hate it and will stay away from that area.

Lastly, your cat may be bored. Make sure you play with your cat for 30 minutes a day or so. Sometimes cats act out when they feel they aren't getting as much attention as they want. And if you have only one cat you may want to consider adopting a friend for the cat from your local shelter or rescue group. Another cat can keep him occupied and a cat that's not bored is generally a less destructive cat. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Try putting some double sided tape on the curtain where your cat likes to jump and hang on to it. It also works well for sofas. You can pick up wide double sided tape at fabric stores and they also make a product just for that reason called Sticky Paws you can find it in the cat section at most pet stores. You can also dilute 1 tablespoon of vinegar to one cup of water in a spray bottle and spray the curtain.

Answer 3

My cat is the same age.

She only kamadazis the couch when we are home. (as far as WE know)

The spray bottle is her game. She actually times it prrrrfectly, when we reach for the bottle and caulk back the trigger..... (SHEESSS GONNNE). and we are pissssed.

My boyfriend and I have to give her play time. 20 minutes and shes done with us.

try some "quality" time. Our babies are home 8 + hours a day (mine is) and when IM home I just gotta give her some love. 20 minutes of throwing around a little mouse on a string. (string) you dont even have to move from the couch. and they love it. behaivor has gotten better.

Here is a pic of her waiting for me... she looks a little peeved...(I had to get the shot)http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h140/auntiejen_photos/E-dee037.jpg

Answer 4

My cats ruined several sets of blinds until we started leaving some open with a cat perch by them Turns out they just like looking out the windows. Curiosity, you know.

.