Climbing Window Screens

My 6.5 old male kitty loves to sit in the windows. Here in AZ, it is now at a temperature to where we can enjoy the windows open in the am and pm. Thespis however, has discovered that he can climb the screens and I cannot get him to stop. I don't want to have to put him somewhere w00h ile we enjoy the fresh air, and I don't want to forgo this short, but most enjoyable time of year....Help please.

Oops...other kitty walked on keyboard, as I was typing. Should read *while.....

I don't know if it will work, but you can try a squirt bottle and spray your cat with water, if your cat is one of those that doesn't like to get wet. You can also get a motion sensor that either emits a loud noise or blows air when the cat walks by, but sitting in the window is okay, its the climbing that isn't.  Good luck.. .my cats do this too, but I am not patient/consistent enough to have curbed it.  (I like to leave my windows open while I am away from home, and all night while I sleep).

Thank you for your reply. He doesn't like water, but I hate to have to spray him. Right now, I've closed the windows so only open about a foot. I have to watch him though, he's sneaky.

You're absolutely right to not want to use a spray bottle. Negative reinforcement rarely (if ever) works with cats - you're more likely to make him afraid of you. The best thing is to make HIM decide that climbing the screens is a bad idea. The two things that spring to mind for this situation are 'Sticky Paws' or some kind of citrus spray (such as a citronella spray) that will put him off this new game. You might find that placing a cat tree in the window helps too.

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LOl he used his cat tree to get up there. It's about window height. I do have some citronella oil.....maybe I'll try spraying that on the screens. Thank you.

2kittiesohmy said:

LOl he used his cat tree to get up there. It's about window height. I do have some citronella oil.....maybe I'll try spraying that on the screens. Thank you.

Click to expand...

:lol3: Well, one idea bites the dust! Hope some of the other suggestions are of more use.

You can replace the window screens with screens that are more durable to pet claws. There are various brands out there. Hardware stores should have some but you can buy online. Here's one:
There are YouTube videos of how to DIY cat-proof window screens.

Interesting. I'll have to show this to the hubby....Thank you.

I am sharing this idea every where I can. Please share as well to protect more cats! Most methods out there are not safe enough for my "cannon baller" cat. You see, he flew out my 3rd floor apt & luckily he cried & I found him ASAP & had not left the house for work. He just lost his canine at a tune of $700. I am sooo fortunate to have my baby♡♡. Not only did he fly thru the screen he also flew through the window inset screen I had added for extra protection " Pet screens" or netting will not keep your cat secure. Screens pop out very very easily! Cats will lunge after wildlife.

I searched high & low for a solution to allow my boy to bask in the sun & get fresh air safely. Now he can sit in the window on the top perch of his cat tree. Its place closer to the window. If they have more room for a "running start" like he did, from the bed then "bam" thru the screen..they are doomed.You want to reduce the clearance.

**HERE WAS THE $40 SOLUTION FOR MY SITUATION: **

#1 Plaskolite 4 ft. x 2 ft. Suspended Light Ceiling Panel 1199233A at The Home Depot - Mobile I bought 2 of these panels & mounted them together. You could use one but I wanted to provide a stronger barrier.

#2 double-sided mounting tape: 3M Scotch 0.75 in. x 9.72 yds. Permanent Double Sided Indoor Mounting Tape 110-LONGDC at The Home Depot - Mobile

#3 Straight Nippers: I bought to cut the plastic panels to fit my odd-shaped horizontally sliding window.
Wiss Straight-Cut Aviation Snips M3RS at The Home Depot - Mobile. Note: It took some time to try to cut along the plastic to create a smooth edge. I probably needed a better pair. It was a bit messy. I just put the rough edge away from my cat & inserted the cut part against the edge of the wall.

After they were secured together via double-sided mounting tape placed along the edges, I shoved this piece onto my window ledge pushing it into & along the corner edge of the wall & snugly against the window frame. It fit outside vs inside the frame.This piece also extends beyond the portion of the window where the exposed screen is when the window is open by about 4" on both sides to create a larger surface area for it to rest against to strengthen it. I dont open the window all the way. About 1/2 of the span of my horizontal sliding window has this plastic insert against it. I open that portion about 3/4 of the way. I also used a mallet to get it snug against the right side corner of the wall where it meets the frame. I am in an apt so slight damage is easily repairable w/ touch up paint made from the plastic scraping along the window ledge & against the edge of the wall when securing it. I can still open & close the window easily. You can also use this to fit directly into or against (by securing to both sides of the wall w/ heavy duty double sided mounting tape or nailing it in some way.You can cut it down to size to fit inside the frame & shut the window down onto it. I would certainly use 2 of these panels taped together to create a thicker piece & to more securely fit into the window frame.

Another idea I pondered which may work for you..especially to mount along balcony banisters is this lattice. There are some made out of plastic or wood. You could also secure these in a window but u would need a frame perhaps & I dont think they are strong enough for a cannon baller they can be flimsy unless u use the wooden ones.

Veranda 0.2 in. x 48 in. x 8 ft. White Vinyl Classic Diamond Lattice 73004026 at The Home Depot - Mobile


Also..what an employee did suggest & what can work for people w doors is this which may work for some & retrofitted into a window:

Unique Home Designs 36 in. x 30 in. Bronze Steel Pet Grille ISPA800036BRZ at The Home Depot - Mobile


Lets keep the ideas flowing♡♡ Meow♡♡