Okay, so I'm thinking ahead to spring. Living here in PA in the winter, one has to do something. Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone out there has any ideas on how to "kitty-proof" my windows. After being flooded this year, I'm definitely going to want to leave my windows open to circulate fresh air. The fear is...my screens aren't that sturdy. I'm especially concerned about the upper level windows where the pigeons like to roost. Are there any window guards out there that are small enough for cats that can allow fresh air in, yet still protect my girls if they decide they want to sit and enjoy the fresh air themselves?
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Window safety
- Thread starter mssandora
- Start Date
Perhaps you could re-screen your windows. We have "pet screens" on all of our windows. It's basically the same type of mesh screen, except the actual mesh is 5x thicker and your cats can't scratch it up. We got them at Lowes, but I'm sure all the major hardware stores have them too.
In addition to screens, we have standard childguards on our windows. They let air in but keep kitties inside. In NY they are required by law if you have children under a certain age, which the people who lived here previously did, so we just left them in.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #4
I've definitely been looking into that as well. My fear isn't so much the screen material itself, but more the screen being pushed out of the window. We rent and the landlord put the current screens in...he does everything half-way...so I'm just nervous...especially since my two girls are fairly rambunctious. I'll definitely check out Lowe's, though for the screen maybe I can do that and window guards.
On a completely unrelated note. Go Steelers.
But if you're really concerned about leaving the windows open you could think about getting an air filter. I just got a HEPA and it is AMAZING I got flooded as well this year... and I have a basement apartment, but finally the air is so fresh so clean. I got it to help with alergies, but its definetly helping with air freshness.
But if you're really concerned about leaving the windows open you could think about getting an air filter. I just got a HEPA and it is AMAZING I got flooded as well this year... and I have a basement apartment, but finally the air is so fresh so clean. I got it to help with alergies, but its definetly helping with air freshness.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #6
LOL. That's right. A winning football team for a change. Hee hee. It is pretty exciting. I did get an air cleaner a portable one that I can take from room to room. I also got a second dehumidifier for upstairs...I'm afraid to see what the humidity in the summer will do.
We don't have central air, so sometimes it's nice to open the windows...I just don't trust my girls to not get distracted by a pigeon and bump the screen out of the window.
Our house is on a steep hill over looking the ocean so we made sure our screens are safe. Kionu has definitely put the screens to a test and it still works great. Just make sure you get a strong frame for the screen. If all else fails, get the window guards.
Yes, there are adjustable,removeable screens in a frame that you can insert inside the window and in front of the outside screen to add a level of protection.
I lived in an upstairs apartment in Ontario and the screens pushed out far too easily. I didn't have air conditioning so needed to have the windows open in the summer just to keep the temperature at liveable level. I was worried about my cats pushing out the screens, so at the local hardware store I found these screens that are made in two sections on a metal frame that slide sideways to adjust to the width of the window the same way a child proof gate adjusts to the size of a doorway. They come in a variety of heights and as the width is adjustable they can fit virtually any window. Basically, you put them inside the window frame, open them up sideways to fill the window, then lower the inside glass so it rests on top of the screen insert.
I have been using them now for several years and brought them with me to our new home in Georgia. Now they go in the ground floor windows to prevent my cats from jumping or tearing through the screens and to prevent any visiting outside cat from making through-the-screen contact with mine.
I have seen the same thing available in Lowes and depending on the size you are looking from around $16 and up per screen insert. They are well made and well worth the investment if only for your peace of mind.
Kathryn
I lived in an upstairs apartment in Ontario and the screens pushed out far too easily. I didn't have air conditioning so needed to have the windows open in the summer just to keep the temperature at liveable level. I was worried about my cats pushing out the screens, so at the local hardware store I found these screens that are made in two sections on a metal frame that slide sideways to adjust to the width of the window the same way a child proof gate adjusts to the size of a doorway. They come in a variety of heights and as the width is adjustable they can fit virtually any window. Basically, you put them inside the window frame, open them up sideways to fill the window, then lower the inside glass so it rests on top of the screen insert.
I have been using them now for several years and brought them with me to our new home in Georgia. Now they go in the ground floor windows to prevent my cats from jumping or tearing through the screens and to prevent any visiting outside cat from making through-the-screen contact with mine.
I have seen the same thing available in Lowes and depending on the size you are looking from around $16 and up per screen insert. They are well made and well worth the investment if only for your peace of mind.
Kathryn
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #9
I wondered about those little screens that fit in the window, too. At least that seems like something I could fit in there fairly tightly as a first defense. Thanks so much. These are all great ideas that I have some time to think about.
