HOw to stop cats from scratching screen door

I have just installed a new full-view screen door--and would like to keep my two Siamese cats from poking holes through the screen. Does anyone know of a product that I can install across the bottom of the screen..or a spray...or anything to help modify their past behavior???

I just know these two normally well-behaved cats in the past just could not restrain themselves from attacking the screen when a bug landed on the screen. I am hoping there is a preventive measure out there so I can have cats peacefully co-exist with my new screen door!!! (PS, they both have their claws).

If the only reason they jump on the screen is because of bugs, you could put those lights outside that attract bugs. Insects will then veer towards it away from your door and windows.

I see you also posted this in the intro forum. So I guess I'll answer here too.
Your cats are still well behaved. They're not after to destroy your screen but chasing after bugs. Why not install those "bug lights" outside away from your door/windows? Insects will veer away from your house.

Thanks for the reply--but these are daytime bugs--flies, hornets, etc. I realize it is just in a cat's nature to jump and attack the bugs and I am sure a lot of people are thinking, why did you put in a full-view screen, if this is a problem...I thought I had seen some prevention solutions in some magazines, but cannot recall where now!!

There is pet-proof screen mesh sold at Home Depot (and probably other places) that is heavy enough to resist scratching.

My husband installed a sheet of plexi-glass across the bottom of our screen door. It can be purchased at a bldg. supply store. It works well for us.

Originally Posted by coaster

There is pet-proof screen mesh sold at Home Depot (and probably other places) that is heavy enough to resist scratching.

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As you can see from my siggy, we have 2 Siamese as well and yes they can make a mess of the screen without meaning to.

We bought the pet-proof screen from Home Depot and it is great. I would suggest that as well. It's a simple fix.

You might also try putting some double-sided sticky tape on the door for a while. They may learn that they don't like scratching there and eventually you can remove it. Of course, if they're extra stubborn, it may not work, but it's a cheap potential solution.

THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS. I THINK WE WILL TRY THE EASY ONE FIRST--WILL TRY STICKY PAWS TAPE ON THE LOWER PART OF THE SCREEN. If that doesn't work--(They both are SMART cats, so they should learn fast, (I HOPE) so maybe that will be the trick!)..then we wil try the plexiglass on the bottom. Then, if they do ruin the screen, we will re-screen with the home depot screen. I appreciate your replies!!

Originally Posted by Bugaboo1

My husband installed a sheet of plexi-glass across the bottom of our screen door. It can be purchased at a bldg. supply store. It works well for us.

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BEAUTIFUL idea...put it with something that attracts & catches bugs (that uses something scented that attracts them, instead of the bug-light idea), and you should have a fool-proof setup!!

I'll do a little research and see if I can find something to explain what I mean about the bug-catching device, and I'll write back with a name for ya to look up.

Ok, I've checked out a couple options. One thing is to google "bug traps". One site has something called a wasp trap, which is a glass container that has sweet-smelling liquid inside. Basically the wasp goes in to get the liquid, and gets trapped, can't find it's way out, etc.

Another idea, is something similiar (that you could use in conjunction with the wasp trap) that they use to trap flies.

My best suggestion...go to some place like Home Depot/Lowes/OSH and ask them what they have. Each place has quite a lot of things like that. Tell them what kind(s) of bugs you're trying to either repel or trap, and they should be able to direct you to the right product. (Make sure to tell them you have cats, so they find something they won't get into.)

Sorry I couldn't find something more exact! Hope it helps, though!