Updated at: 17-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

So much so that any object that resembles a path leading to an elevated perch, such as the drapes, becomes a potential climbing wall for cats. Preventing these curtains from being pierced, torn, or covered in cat hair is easier if you stop the behavior before it becomes habitual, especially with energetic kittens and young cats.

Cause for Alarm

Cats aren’t a fan of sudden, loud noises, like an alarm. Doorknob alarms and small motion sensors attached to curtains or tiebacks sound whenever your cat begins to climb. She will eventually remember the obnoxious sound and steer clear of the curtains. ‘ This type of solution has the advantage of continuing to work even if you are not there; nevertheless, some alarms may need to be manually stopped or reset each time they sound.

How to Teach Cats Not to Climb Curtains | PetMD

Offer an Alternate

It is likely that Kitty would like to remain in a position that affords her an elevated view of her indoor environment. Whenever she tries to climb the drapes, remove her off them and set her on a built-in perch instead. If she wants a view of the outdoors, place the post near a window. If she doesn’t realize that the curtains aren’t meant to be climbed, it could be a while before she does.

A Weighty Solution

Remove the curtain rod and replace it with a tension rod positioned within the window frame. Tighten the tension rod just enough to cause the rod to fall, taking the curtains and cat down with it. After a while, the cat will learn that the curtains aren’t strong enough to support her weight, and she won’t do it again. Alternatively, you can use curtain ring clips with a conventional curtain rod and clip as little cloth as possible in each clip to ensure that even a tiny tug of additional weight pulls the curtain down. This is an alternative option.

Other Deterrents

Keep the cat from climbing up the curtains by stapling pieces of aluminum foil at the bottom of each panel. In order to avoid the foil and curtains, cats may develop a dislike for the texture. While climbing, she shakes a can of pennies, generating a startling sound. Don’t look at her when she hears you producing the sound, so that she focuses on the drapes and not on you instead. If you’re dealing with a young kitten, folding the curtain will keep her out of reach until she loses interest. Another option is to use vertical blinds, which are more difficult for a cat to scale due to their lack of claw-friendliness.

As a result, your cat managed to claw his way to the top of your bespoke curtains, tearing them to bits. In other words, you can’t point the finger at your cat because you are solely to responsible. Good news! You have the power to change things.

Why Do Cats Climb Curtains and Window Screens?

Dr. Carlo Siracusa, DVM, clinical assistant professor in behavior medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, says that regardless of their age, gender, breed, or whether they have been “fixed,” your cat is simply behaving naturally.

A high-energy dog like an Abyssinian or a low-energy dog like an Iranian are both good examples of this. In his opinion, “cats’ bodies are intended for vertical use as much as horizontal use.”

According to Siracusa, climbing is only an issue since the action is undesirable or harmful. According to him, “most cats will end up ruining lengthy curtains merely because it’s fun and in their nature,” and that’s why “we should provide them with opportunity to execute this behavior in a way that is acceptable to us.”

Siracusa said that if your cat were to be left outside, he would have easy access to high places where he could perch. Climbing up trees is a common activity for animals for a variety of reasons, including safety, monitoring the area, collecting prey, and simply having fun.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine lecturer Dr. Brian Collins, DVM, backed with my sentiments. “Cats are naturally curious, and it’s in their nature to want to climb,” he said. In addition to providing a greater vantage point from which to see prey, a cat’s elevated position puts them at risk from larger predators. Collins observed, “They are both hunters and prey.”

Even if you keep your cat indoors, that instinctual predator/prey behavior will not disappear.

Underlying Health Reasons for a Cat’s Climbing

An worried or depressed cat may prefer to be alone, and may seek a high perch away from other animals and people to do so.

If you have more than one cat, it’s especially vital to provide numerous surfaces at different heights and quiet areas for them to hide, said Collins. “It’s time for them to separate.”

Siracusa said that hyperthyroidism and other metabolic diseases, as well as some drugs, might increase a cat’s activity level, but that this does not inevitably translate into destructive behavior.

How to Train a Kitten Not to Climb Screens and Drapes

Both veterinarians agree that your cat is doing nothing wrong and should not be penalized from a feline standpoint.

To prevent kittens from engaging in destructive activity such as climbing curtains and screens, Collins recommended providing them with a stimulating environment.

Kittens and children alike learn via play and exploration, and climbing is a vital part of this process, Collins said. In other words, we don’t want to stand in their way. It’s our goal to provide them with choices and reward them for their excellent behavior,” he said.

Siracusa points out that punishing a kitten for its natural behavior is cruel and could lead to hostility in the cat as it matures.

A better strategy is to provide your kitten with a variety of interesting places to climb. Provide a comfy resting space at the top of your cat tree and arrange high-value goodies there, hang toys with feathers on various levels, and play with your kitten for a few minutes every day. If he likes catnip, use it to get him to play with a cat tree, scratching post, or other toy he might enjoy.

How to Train an Older Cat to Stop Climbing Curtains

Cats of all ages can benefit from these methods, according to Collins. Some cats’ climbing behavior is limited only by a decline in agility as they get older. In spite of the fact that many cats become more laid-back as they get older, he added that some remain energetic and would require a varied environment for the rest of their lives.

Create a Safe Climbing Space for Your Cat

Do your best to keep your cats engaged indoors so that they don’t try to get out and explore the world outside.

Claw-Shredded Curtains and What You Can Do About It - Katzenworld

For safety and entertainment, give your cat a variety of hammocks, shelves and scratching posts. Curtains can be tied back to restrict access to some places, or long curtains or screens can be used to do the same.

Set up a special climbing area for your cat if you have the room. In order for your cat to securely leap from one level to another, Collins recommends arranging bookcases and furniture in such a way that there are toys and rewards hidden in various areas.

Toys and cat trees don’t have to cost a fortune. Collins and Siracusa both advocate utilizing what you have on hand to make things. If you want to save money, you can make your own cat condo from scrap wood and carpet scraps, or you can attach carpet swatches to the step surfaces of a small to medium-sized step-ladder to provide your cat with a perch from which to watch the world go by.

It’s also possible to keep your cat amused by using a strong pole with feathers or balls attached to it to resemble a small prey animal that your cat can hunt and trap, or by cutting an entry hole in the cardboard box from the grocery shop that you brought home.

When it comes to cat climbing, both specialists agreed that if you don’t give your cat a safe and intriguing place to perch, he’ll find a way to get his claws into curtains, screens, sofas, and more.

If you don’t give your cats what they want, they’ll find a way to get it, Siracusa warned.

WHY DO CATS / KITTENS CLIMB CURTAINS? WITH 12 WAYS TO STOP THEM!

Adorable and energetic, kittens are a joy to behold. Because of their innocence, enthusiasm, and curiosity, they are a constant source of happiness. However, hyperactivity may appear to be spiraling out of control at times. Cat owners often grow irritated when household furnishings like drapes and sofas are being shredded and scratched by their feline companions. Understanding the reasons for specific animal behaviour can aid in finding a solution. Cats are known for their penchant for scaling drapes, and their owners are often debating how to keep them from doing so. How do cats and kittens manage to get up on the curtains?

CATS LOVE CLIMBING

Unlike dogs, cats have an innate desire to scale walls and other obstructions to get to higher ground. This is a species that is built for climbing, with its strong back legs pushing forward as well as sharp, extended claws excellent for holding the item they are climbing. As a safety precaution, climbers keep their bodies close to the object they are attempting to scale. Climbing is done for a variety of purposes, including amusement and exploration, hunting, and the need to feel safe at a higher elevation. So, long draped curtains can be the ideal thing to satisfy their instinctual desire to climb. The curtain pole provides an excellent vantage point from which to observe the world around them.

PLAYING AND EXPLORING

Cats, especially kittens, enjoy running around and exploring their surroundings. Isn’t that how children do it? Playing with other kittens and cats is a favorite pastime for all of them. For a cat, playtime is an essential aspect of each day. Stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues are all reduced as a result. Cats and kittens enjoy exploring new places as a form of entertainment. They need to explore and discover the textures, scents, and sights of their surroundings. Playing around with the curtains as fast as possible or hanging on to them while they sway is now just a fun game for them.

TRYING TO GET OUTSIDE

As a way to get out of the house, an unspayed kitten or cat may climb the drapes. Her priorities and goals will shift to include finding a partner.

If a cat had previously been able to go outside but is now restricted to the confines of an indoor environment, it may just be looking for a way out of the house. Similar to a cat looking for an escape route when bored, lonely, or otherwise under stimulated.

SEEKING ATTENTION

The majority of cats prefer to be petted and fussed over on a regular basis. Cats need more than just being fed and hydrated. They, too, need our love and attention. One way that cats communicate to their owners that they are present and active is through destructive activity. Kittens and cats will find their own ways to entertain themselves when they’re bored, and their choices may not always mesh with our human lifestyles.

DOMINANCE

In a household where there are multiple cats, expressing dominance might become a problem. On the curtain pole, the room’s highest point, you can show your supremacy in the most prominent way possible. When there are multiple cats in a household, aggression and bullying can also play a role, and a scared cat will look for high areas to hide and feel safe.

FEELING UNWELL

A veterinarian should be consulted whenever your cat exhibits any unusual behavior. It’s common for cats to flee from people and other animals when they’re feeling ill, anxious, or stressed.

12 WAYS TO STOP CATS FROM CLIMBING CURTAINS

Cats who climb curtains will eventually stop doing so for the most part, although this isn’t always the case. It is common for young kittens to engage in hyperactive behaviors such as scurrying up your drapes in an effort to burn off their inexhaustible supply of energy. Stopping kittens from climbing the curtains now will help save them from becoming adult curtain climbers. This is one trait that many kittens retain into adulthood, and if this is the case with yours, there are a number of things you can do to stop it.

1. USE TIE BACKS ON YOUR CURTAINS

There are many different ways to keep your curtains tucked away from view, such as utilizing curtain tie backs or other curtain accessories.

2. ENSURE THERE ARE PLENTY OF AREAS FOR YOUR CATS TO SATISFY THEIR CLIMBING NEEDS

Cats and kittens alike have a natural affinity for climbing. They need to be able to reach higher places in order to feel comfortable, secure, get some exercise, and have fun. Climbing areas for cats are safe and created for them if cat trees, cat towers, or cat shelves are available to them. For cats who appreciate the swaying motion of the drapes, a natural rope hung from the cat tree might be an additional option for climbing. Your cat will feel safe and secure in their own little haven on the cat tree, filled with all of their favorite scents. Multi-cat households may benefit from the use of cat trees to keep things in balance. If a higher perch is available, it’s a more agreeable approach to show your rank than fighting or intimidating others.

3. SPRAY YOUR CURTAINS WITH CITRUS SPRAY

When it comes to citrus, cats aren’t a fan. Orange or lemon essential oil diluted in water can be sprayed on the curtains to keep rodents away from them. Spray your curtain every few days until they decide that this is an area they should avoid.

4. INSTALL A WINDOW SEAT OR PERCH FOR YOUR CAT TO VIEW THE OUTSIDE WORLD

As long as there’s a clear view of the outside world, cats can enjoy watching live television from their window ledge. Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife may keep children amused for a long time. If you have a window with a bird feeding station, you won’t have to worry about being bored. It’s also a great area to take a sleep in the afternoon if you’re in the proper spot.

5. SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CAT

Whether you have an indoor or an outdoor cat, they both need a stimulating and safe home. Because of this, indoor cats must be kept amused and their natural urges gratified. Playing games with your cat every day will strengthen your relationship and help you learn more about each other. There are numerous advantages to spending time playing with your cat:

  • Keep your cat’s bones and muscles strong and healthy by engaging them in some form of physical activity.
  • Using it to assist two cats get along and become buddies is a terrific idea!
  • It strengthens your relationship with your cat;
  • Stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues can all be alleviated via the simple act of playing.

For additional wonderful ideas, see our article titled “18 Games to Play with Your Cat.” We have an article on whether or not indoor cats require time outside if you’d want to learn more. In this article, we’ll look at a few safe ways to let your cat out into the great outdoors.

Simply spend some time with your cat by petting them and talking to them. Let them rest their heads on your knee and enjoy some quiet time. Your cat, as well as yourself, will get the rewards of this.

Dogs and Cats Ruining Your Curtains, here is what to do.

6. ENSURE THERE ARE PLENTY OF TOYS AND ACTIVITIES TO KEEP YOUR KITTENS AND CAT AMUSED.

Keeping your cats entertained while you’re away is just as vital as spending time with them. For instance,

  • Climbing cat trees, towers, and shelves
  • It’s easy to conceal yourself in tunnels and boxes.
  • Activity feeders will help to develop your pet’s natural instinct to hunt for food.
  • Fun things to do with.

For additional information on how to keep your cat happy, see our article, ‘How to keep your cat happy — 10 critical criteria.’

7. USE VERTICAL BLINDS INSTEAD OF CURTAINS

This is a drastic approach, especially if you’ve just purchased and installed a new pair of gorgeous long flowing curtains. Blinds, on the other hand, are an excellent cat-proof option for your windows.

8. PUT ALUMINIUM FOIL OR DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE ON YOUR CURTAINS

Double-sided tape and aluminum foil are two materials that many cats find unappetizing. They won’t be as enticing to your kittens and cats if you place them at the bottom of the curtain.

9. USE A TENSION ROD

Oftentimes, the combination of ill-fitting poles and climbing cats results in curtain poles pulling away from the walls, leaving holes and exposed plaster. When the cat’s weight is placed on the curtain, tension rods will collapse. Before any more ascent can begin, the curtain will come down. It won’t do any damage to the walls, and after a few tries, your cat will probably stop bothering with this climbing endeavor!

10. MOTION DETECTOR ALARM

If you attach a motion detector to your curtain, the alarm will sound if your cats try to scale it. We hope that this surprising noise will scare the cats away from attempting it again, because cats don’t like surprises or unexpected noises!

11. TRAIN YOUR CAT NOT TO CLIMB THE CURTAINS

Cats can be trained, contrary to popular perception (although there will always be one kitten who defies the rules!). Remove your cat off the drapes as soon as you observe them attempting to scale them, and place them on a cat tree or cat tower instead. When it comes to children, it isn’t about repressing their natural tendencies but rather offering them with better options. If you do this repeatedly, they will quickly come to the conclusion that the curtains are off limits. To train through punishment is a WRONG strategy. Good behavior will be reinforced if it is rewarded with a pleasant experience.

12. ENSURE YOUR CAT IS SPAYED AND THAT THERE ARE NO OTHER MEDICAL ISSUES

If you see any changes in your cat’s behavior or have any ongoing concerns, you should always consult a veterinarian. Keep your kittens neutered to reduce their desire to mate.