Updated at: 05-09-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Climbing is a favorite pastime for many cats, and you’ll regularly see them leaping and scaling your cupboards and windows. They can hold items with their long claws, and their backs and hindquarters are well-muscled, allowing them to jump both vertically and horizontally. But if kids start pushing objects and climbing on your curtains, finally ripping or shredding the material, it can be a pain in the neck.

How to keep cats off curtains?

Keep cats away from your drapes and curtains with these tried-and-true methods:

1. Install a cat perch or build her a cat tower.

If your cat spends her entire life indoors, chances are she’ll try to have a glimpse at the world outside by climbing drapes and blinds. Installing a cat perch on your window sill is a simple way to save your curtains and keep your cat happy. You can also build her a cat tower so that she can relax and perch on top of something. Cats will no longer climb the drapes if they can rest on these kitty fittings.

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2. Use vertical blinds instead of curtains.

For the same reason curtains do: they regulate the quantity of light that enters a room. These blinds, on the other hand, are impenetrable to cats, who would otherwise be able to climb and shred them apart.

3. Place tiebacks on curtains.

Cats won’t be tempted to climb and scale the curtains if they have tiebacks and other curtain accessories to fasten them.

4. Install an alarm that goes off every time your cat climbs the curtains.

You can’t keep an eye out for your cat climbing the drapes if you aren’t home for the majority of the day, after all. Cats can be deterred by putting a motion detector alarm that goes off whenever your cat tries to climb the drapes. Your cat will probably cease trying to climb to escape the noise once it gets the message.

5. Place double-sided tape or aluminum foil on your curtains.

Due to the fact that cats dislike the feel of aluminum foil, it is an excellent deterrent for cats who like to climb. Put them in the spots where your cat usually climbs the drapes, such as the bottom or strategic areas.

6. Use a cat deterrent spray.

Using deterrent sprays to keep your cat away from the curtains is also a good idea. Lemon essential oil and a few drops of water can be used to make a deterrent spray solution at home. To keep your cat away from the area, spritz the solution around the curtains on a daily basis. The smell of eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint is also repulsive to cats.

7. Use tension rods.

To teach your cat a lesson, install tension rods in your drapes. Instead of using hooks or screws, these spring-loaded rods are held in place by tension. Curtain rods will break if your cat tries to climb them, causing the curtains to collapse to the floor in a heap. If your cat prefers to play with the jumble of drapes on the floor instead, she will learn to give up after a few failed attempts.

8. Keep your cat busy and preoccupied with toys.

It’s possible that your cat is climbing up the drapes because she is bored and has nothing better to do at home. You may prevent this by providing your cat with interactive and psychologically challenging toys such as feather toys, treat puzzles, and meal-dispensing toys. In addition to balls and catnip toys, these playmates can keep Kitty occupied while you’re away.

9. Give her treats if she behaves well and leaves the curtains alone.

When your cat prefers to play with her toys rather than climbing and jumping on the drapes, reward her with tasty goodies. Using a reward system and positive reinforcement, cats learn that staying away from curtains results in a tasty reward.

10. Consult your veterinarian.

Even though cats are known for being fun and nimble climbers, taking her to the vet is not a bad idea. Anxiety or other behavioral or health disorders could be to blame for her habit of climbing up the curtains.

Why do cats like to climb curtains?

As a species, cats have a natural affinity towards scaling vertical surfaces. It’s a natural response, and their bodies are built to handle it. When it comes to climbing, cats have a strong need to seek, explore, and reach new heights, which is why curtains are a great way to satisfy this desire. Once toddlers realize that the curtains make a great place to swing like Tarzan, the fun and mayhem really begin.

Cats also enjoy climbing curtains as a way to get out of the house, particularly unspayed females who are in heat. Your new cat may try to go out by climbing drapes if she was previously used to being outside when she was a stray.

To get your attention and let you know that she wants some playtime with you, your cat may be climbing the drapes if you’ve been working too much lately.

There are several ways to show your authority in the feline world, including climbing the drapes. For felines, atop a high perch is a sign of power or authority. Cats, particularly in households with multiple cats, may also seek comfort at higher places. Finally, it is possible that your cat is climbing the curtains because of an underlying health issue or because of stress and worry, which necessitates a trip to the clinic.

How To Stop Your Cat From Climbing Curtains

Cats enjoy climbing, and your new drapes or curtains appear to be an ideal climbing element for your feline friend. You’re left with a ripped and mangled mess that’s nearly difficult to salvage, and your cat is content to sit on the very top of your curtains.

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To stop your cat from climbing the drapes, what is the best way to do so? For your benefit and the benefit of your curtains, there are a number of methods you can employ in an attempt to curtail this damaging tendency. Your curtains, as well as your cat, will be grateful to you!

Why Cats Like to Climb Curtains

Climbing vertical surfaces is a natural instinct for all cats, regardless of breed. It provides them a better view of their surroundings, and it also makes them feel more secure. Cats are known to climb at some time in their lives, and draperies or drapes are an easy target for them.

A higher perch is the most likely hiding spot for your cat if they’re sick or just want to get away from you. Can you really blame a cat for doing something that comes naturally to them when you don’t want it to?

Eight Ways to Stop Your Cat From Climbing Your Curtains

Stopping your cat from climbing the drapes and teaching them that this is not appropriate behavior you want them to engage in can be accomplished in various ways. We’ve compiled a list of helpful hints and tricks, and you may have to try a few before finding one that works for your cat.

1. Switch to Vertical Blinds

Simply switching to vertical blinds instead of curtains will eliminate the need for any further training of your cat not to climb. Similar to drapes, but much more difficult for your cat to climb and tear, these blinds let you know when it’s time to go outside.

Regardless of the size of your windows, you can find these sorts of blinds and open them quickly and simply during the day to let the light in. Your cat will soon tire of that perch and move on to a new one.

2. Give Your Cat a Perch

It’s common for cats to want a perch that’s a few inches off the ground so that they can gaze out the window and observe the outside world. Blinds can be saved by attaching perches to the window sill, and this is an easy method.

A perch like this will allow you to open your blinds during daylight hours so that your cat can perch there instead of scaling your drapes. Window perches come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and some may even be removed at night for convenience.

3. Install an Alarm

You can use an alarm to surprise your cat when it begins to climb if you aren’t able to be there all the time. There are little motion detector alarms or even door sensors that can be attached to your curtain to alert you whenever your cat moves the curtain.

They should be able to figure out after a few attempts that the alarm will sound every time they try to climb the drapes. Eventually, they’ll become used to the noise, and they’ll quit circling your curtains.

4. Check with the Veterinarian

You may notice your cat climbing out of harm’s way to get away from you if they’re not feeling well. Veterinarians can test for numerous conditions and devise a treatment plan if you bring your pet in for an appointment.

Depending on the results of your veterinarian’s examination, you may be able to stop your pet from climbing the curtains. Your cat will be happier and your curtains won’t be damaged by claw marks as a result.

5. Aluminum Foil or Double-Sided Tape

You may keep your cat from shredding up your drapes by covering them with aluminum foil or double-sided tape. To prevent your cat from trying to climb up the curtains, wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the bottom of the curtains.

Strips of double-sided tape can also be placed in your drapes where your cat likes to climb. They’ll do anything to avoid feeling sticky on their feet.

6. Citrus Spray

Cats don’t enjoy citrus fragrances like orange or lemon, so using deterrents to keep them away from your curtains is a good idea. It’s possible to make a repellent that smells wonderful to you by combining a few drops of citrus essential oil with eight ounces of water.

Every day or so, spritz this deterrent around and on your curtains to keep your cat away because the stench is too powerful for your cat to handle. Eucalyptus, on the other hand, irritates them.

7. Install Tension Rods

Tension rods keep your curtains in place until your cat tries to climb them and then the rods release and the curtains fall to the ground. Before your curtains are damaged by your cat, they will fall back to the ground with them.

You should be able to switch back to your regular curtain rods after a few tries. However, if your cat likes to play in the pile of drapes that falls on the floor, this method won’t work for you either.

8. Offer an Alternative

If all else fails and you’re at a loss, consider getting your cat a kitty tower with higher perches so they can get some exercise. If you don’t have enough place for a massive tower, consider mounting it on the wall or ceiling instead.

When your cat begins to scale the drapes, simply remove them and set them on their new tower for the time being. As soon as they see it, most cats begin to climb and explore, and they’ll return to this location once they understand that it helps them feel more secure and safe while they’re high up.

How to Train Your Cat Not to Climb Curtains

Keep your curtains if you can get your cat to stop climbing them. This is a little more time consuming, but it is doable if you put in the effort.

Offer a Stimulating Environment

A common reason for cats to climb is boredom, which is exacerbated if they do not have easy access to psychologically interesting objects. In order to keep your cat entertained, you can supply them with a variety of toys, including balls, paper bags and more. Toys can be manufactured by hand or purchased from a store.

Reward Good Behavior

You can reward your cat for good behavior by rewarding them with a treat or a tiny reward every time they play with their toys instead of climbing and tearing your drapes. Eventually, they’ll learn that leaving the curtains alone leads to good things.

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Give Your Cat a High Perch

Your cat will naturally gravitate toward any elevated areas in your home, and they’ll want to spend time there. A cat tower, a higher perch, or a small bit of catnip spray can be used to lure your cat to a certain location.

Having learned how to stop your cat from climbing curtains and a few ways to curb this tendency, you can use them on your own cat to keep your curtains safe and your cat happy. In the long run, it’s possible, but unlikely, that your cat will grasp what you’re attempting to teach them.

Conclusion

When your cat develops a predilection for scaling your delicate drapes, confusion and strife are sure to follow. If you’re worried, don’t worry. You can use tie backs, vertical blinds, and aluminum foil strips to keep your furry baby out. Keep your cat distracted by supplying her with interesting toys, motion detector alarms, and pet deterrent sprays.