So over the past month (since it became warm) My two cats have started ripping holes in the screens. Sometimes it is to escape (they always return) and sometimes it's just for fun. My husband even replaced on of the screens with the strongest material that is available and we left the window to see. Still ripped a hole, between Frankie and mia they have destroyed over half the screens in the house. This morning was the last straw. Frankie got into our bedroom (we usually always keep the door closed) and ripped through the screen and jumped out the second story window. Then proceded to Meow outside that same window untill i came outside to get him. I don't know what to do. They are both declawed, they are ripping holes with their teeth. we live in a house with out AC so not opening the windows is really not a long term option. Any suggestions
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HELP!!! Cats tearing holes in screens
- Thread starter jay_anne
- Start Date
We have the kind of screens that are INside (and the window cranks open outward), and had the same problem. My husband got some acrylic sheets at the hardware, cut them (exacto knife) to size and put them over the screens to the height the cats normally reach to, leaving room for air at the top (about 1/3 depending on the particular one). It's not perfect, but I don't know what else to do either and I'm definitely sick of bugs in the house!
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Anytime the cats clawed the screen we would say no, and remove them from the window. They soon stopped and don't do it anymore, but we never leave windows open when we are not home or even overnight, just in case.
One of our members had the same problem, so she installed trellises over the screens. It worked like a charm!
Also, the big hardware chain stores have pet-proof screening. We used that in our old house and never had a problem with torn screens.
Also, the big hardware chain stores have pet-proof screening. We used that in our old house and never had a problem with torn screens.
Oooh! Oooh! I have a great idea!!! Members on TCS suggested soft claws for LuckyGirl cause she has cat scratch disease. I was afraid that even though she is not a scratcher, that my baby nephew may hurt her on accident and she would naturally take a swing in defending herself... so the soft claws are little plastic caps for your kitties claws, they are shaped like the claw and come in different sizes. Think press on nails for kitty. I got them at Petsmart for about $18, but you get 4 sets of nails, and they last about every 6-8 weeks. Not only is she the coolest cat on the block with her red nails matching her collar, but now she can't hurt anyone! And we have realized SO many other benefits to these claws... our bed spread is silk, and her claws would get caught or stuck in the seams and the silk...now, no problem... and it would work for the screen too... the tips are rounded. Also, she'd try to jump on your lap, and occasionally dig in with her claws to help her land, and although there was no blood drawn we were still like "owww!" now, no problem! I'm telling you it's the best thing ever!
**And my macho hubby who was so "your NOT getting her red finger nails!!" is all "aren't you daddy's pretty little girl with pretty nails!"
Men!
**And my macho hubby who was so "your NOT getting her red finger nails!!" is all "aren't you daddy's pretty little girl with pretty nails!"
Here is the link... you can order them online! I got her the patriotic set...you get red & blue...so she'll be all decked out for the 4th of July!!!
http://softclaws.com/
http://softclaws.com/
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Since the cats are declawed and using their teeth would the bitter apple spray possibly work? One of my cats just busted through a screen yesterday and I also have a screen that I taped the hole shut. The funny thing is I have an outside enclosure for the cats but I guess for one of them it's not good enough.
Lucky, I believe she said the cats were declawed and were ripping the screens with their teeth.Originally Posted by LuckyGirl
Oooh! Oooh! I have a great idea!!! Members on TCS suggested soft claws for LuckyGirl cause she has cat scratch disease. I was afraid that even though she is not a scratcher, that my baby nephew may hurt her on accident and she would naturally take a swing in defending herself... so the soft claws are little plastic caps for your kitties claws, they are shaped like the claw and come in different sizes. Think press on nails for kitty. I got them at Petsmart for about $18, but you get 4 sets of nails, and they last about every 6-8 weeks. Not only is she the coolest cat on the block with her red nails matching her collar, but now she can't hurt anyone! And we have realized SO many other benefits to these claws... our bed spread is silk, and her claws would get caught or stuck in the seams and the silk...now, no problem... and it would work for the screen too... the tips are rounded. Also, she'd try to jump on your lap, and occasionally dig in with her claws to help her land, and although there was no blood drawn we were still like "owww!" now, no problem! I'm telling you it's the best thing ever!
**And my macho hubby who was so "your NOT getting her red finger nails!!" is all "aren't you daddy's pretty little girl with pretty nails!"Men!
We put the pet proof screening in our sliding door and have had no problem but then we don't have cats that try to eat their way outside.
Here is a link to an online vendor so you can have an idea and they are really not expensive..
http://www.metroscreenworks.com/pet-...FRu4EAod6g0Aug
I can recommend the Pet Screen. Jamie used to bust through regular screens, so I replaced them with cat net (sort of like fishing net).
Window with cat net:
When we had our windows replaced a few months ago, we had Pet Screen installed. It's very strong, but does make it a bit darker.
Picture with Pet Screen:
Window with cat net:
When we had our windows replaced a few months ago, we had Pet Screen installed. It's very strong, but does make it a bit darker.
Picture with Pet Screen:
Hey Jay...a bit OT to your question..but are these two fixed? Sometimes when cats are intact, the drive to get out is very strong.
Katie
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