Cat Destroying Window Screen (How Can I Stop it?)
If your cat is destroying your window screen you may be wondering why it happens and what you can do to stop it (Click here for my best solution, on Amazon #Ad).
Why is my cat destroying my window screen?
Your cat is destroying your window screen because she is Keen to see outside without any barriers. Unfortunately, the screen in your home is annoying her. And, her natural reaction is to destroy it so she can get access to the window directly.
What you need to protect your window (Top Options)
Description | Image | My Rating |
01. DocaScreen Pet Screen (Best Option) Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad |
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02. Window Guard Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad |
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03. Stainless Steel Mesh screen Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad |
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To get around this you need to either replace the screen with a stronger one (more on this later). Alternatively, a solution to stop her from getting to it (more on this later). But, what do you need to stop this? Why do cats sit at the window anyway? Keep reading for these answers and so much more…
How can I stop my cat from destroying my window screen?
Earlier I gave you some high-level tips of what you can do to stop your cat destroying your window screen. In this section, I’ll give you some specific products and solutions that you can use. Here are the options
- Pet-proof screens (best option)
- Window guard
- Stainless Steel Mesh screen
- Block access to the room off the window
Pet-proof screens (best Option)
Pet-proof screens (Click here for the availability on Amazon #Ad) can be used to replace your normal window screen. These screens have been strengthened to allow them to withstand the damage that your cat might try to unleash on it. This is a great option to get around your problem.
Window guard
A window guard (Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad) can be used to cover your window to stop it damaging. It is a good sturdy option and protects your window. However, sometimes it can be difficult to fit in all homes and cats can still escape through the gaps.
Stainless Steel Mesh screen
Another alternative is a stainless steel window mesh screen (Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad). This is quite a drastic choice but it is an option nevertheless. Some cat owners do not love it because it can be hard to cut and more noticeable than a pet-proof screen.
Block access to the room off the window.
Another drastic tactic you can use is the block access to the room where the window is contained. For example, if it is a bedroom (Click here if your cat is meowing outside there too) window, block access to the window.
Although this is a guaranteed method of stopping your cat destroying the window screen it is not always possible to implement depending on the layout of your home.
How are pet window screens any different?
If you are toying with the idea of getting a pet window screen (Click here to check the availability on Amazon #Ad) you may be wondering how is this any different than the screen that you’ve already that’s getting destroyed, right?.
The difference between a pet window screen and a standard window screen is the strength of the material used to make it. At a glance, it may seem the same, which is good, because it does not stick out.
However, the pet screen is reinforced with strong material and design to take the impact of your cat’s teeth and claws, are you with me? So, now you know how your standard window screen is different from the pet version.
Will pet screens look ugly and be less effective?
While you are considering one of these pet screens you may be wondering if they will look unacceptable in your home, you know, an eyesore…
Pet screens do not look ugly and are effective. If you look closely at the screen you may see some slight differences but it will be hard to see the difference. Usually, it has a thicker profile. But, to deal with this impact the holes are typically larger so it’s hard to see it.
Also, black mesh pet-protector screens are quite popular (Click here to see the reviews on Amazon #Ad). And one of the reasons for this is the fact its hard to detect.
Why do cats sit on window sills?
If you are scratching your head wondering why your cat is so attracted to your window sill you might be wondering why she is so interested in it, right?
Cats sit on the windowsill because they are curious or bored. They may be sick and tired of the same old interior of your home. This is common, especially with indoor cats that have been starved of the outside world. The window allows them to kill their curiosity and see what’s happening outside.
So, now you know why cats sit on the windowsill.
Why does my cat lick the window screen?

Cat sitting at the window sill.
If you have noticed your cat is licking the window screen you may be wondering why this weird behavior is happening.
Cats lick window screens because they are trying to test the scent on the window. It’s easier for them to detect the scent from a moist residue. Hence the reason they lick it. In some cases, this may not be the reason. It could just be a genuine accident or confusion on the behalf of your cat.
So now you know a couple of reasons why your cat may be licking your windows screen to help you understand.
How long do they usually hang around the window sill?
If you have noticed your cat hanging around the windowsill for long periods you may be wondering if this is normal or not.
Cats usually hang around the windowsill for up to two hours on average. According to this site, a survey was conducted with 577 cat subjects. Their findings were some cats stayed on the window sill for up to 5 hours a day. But on average cats would spend two hours a day on there.
So, now you know how long you can expect a cat to hang around the window sill.
How do I stop my cat from sitting on my window sill?
If you are noticing your window screen getting damaged and your cat is constantly hanging around the window sill you may be looking for solutions on how to stop your cat from getting onto the windowsill in the first place. Here are some options:
- Keep the curtain closed or drawn
- Place a cat Tree near the sill
- Use a scat mat
Keep the curtain closed or drawn
One of the best ways to deter your cat from getting on the sill is to simply keep the curtains closed or drawn. This will hide it and make your cat unlikely to jump onto it.
Place a cat Tree near the sill.
Another tactic you can use his place a cat Tree (Click here to see the price on Amazon #Ad) near the window sill to draw the attraction away from it. This will allow your cat to kill her curiosity of looking outside but keep her away from your window screen and window sill.
Use a scat mat.
A scat mat (Click here to see the price on Amazon #Ad) is a device that will deter a cat on a designated surface. Some cat owners are against using them because of the technique that is used to deter the cat.
However, some owners swear by it. This can be used on the window (Click here if you also have Venetian blinds) sill to tell your cat from using it if you are out of ideas and unable to find any other method.
So now you know a few options that you can consider to keep your cat away from the windowsill to save your window (Click here if you also have Velux windows) screens.
Is Vinegar a good cat repellent?
If you are still on the hunt for some ways to deter your cat from certain areas in your home you may be looking for natural cat repellent. But, is vinegar one of these?
Vinegar is a cat repellent. In particular apple cider vinegar is known to be a good natural cat repellent. To use this you will need to have one part water and one part apple cider vinegar. You can also consider substituting the apple cider vinegar with natural lavender oil.
But, if you are going to use natural lavender oil you will need to dilute it more than if you were using apple cider vinegar. In particular, one part water to three parts of essential lavender oil.
What is a natural deterrent for cats?
If you are curious about natural deterrents for cats. So far you have learned that the apple cider vinegar is one option, and also essential lavender oil is another. But, are there any more?
Citrus juices such as oranges or lemons can be used to deter cats. Other options are coffee grounds. These can be used to help to deter cats from certain out of limit areas of your home.
However, some cat owners say they get good results while others struggled to get a benefit from it. So it could be a matter of trial and error.
Will lemon juice repel cats?
You may have heard rumors that lemon juice is a good natural repellent for cats. But is this true or just a rumor?
Lemon juice can be used to repel cats. But, it would need to be diluted with one part water to make it usable. Some cat owners will typically put this mix solution into a spray bottle to spray on surfaces they want to deter a cat from.
However, you need to be careful with this spray. This is because the acids in it can damage your furniture or fabric surfaces. So, use it at your own risk. So now you know that lemon juice is a natural cat repellent.
Is it important to secure your window frame?
It is important to secure a window frame. The screen is one thing but if the frame is not secure it could be the weakest link. And, as they say, you are only as strong as the weakest link.
If the screen seems secure but the frame is loose a cat could push the frame out in the moment o panic. Or, an unwanted intruder could come in and startle your cat, or even you.
Should I clip my cat’s nails to avoid window screen damage?
It is advantageous if your cat’s nails are clipped if you are worried about damage to your window scales. This is because it can seriously reduce the damage on your screens.
It’s not possible to totally avoid any damage if your cat really goes for your screen. But, if the nails are clipped and maintained it will make a big difference.
Will screen guards be effective to keep cats away?
Window screens are only effective if they are designed for pets. Meaning, they need to be thicker and more durable, for example, thick fiberglass material.
It is even possible to fit them in almost any door or window dimensions to keep the window secure. The idea is to cause a barrier. This barrier should not be challenged every day of your cat’s life. Once they learn the screen can’t be easily broken most cats leave it alone.
So, it just needs to be strong enough to deal with the initial tests to convince your cat it’s not worth their time even getting through.
If you compare this to us, humans, we don’t need to test our front door every day, right? Once it’s fitted and we see it’s secure we assume it will remain that way for years.
What can I do if my neighbor’s cat keeps scratching my window screens?
If your neighbor’s cat keeps scratching your window screens it’s best to discuss the issue with the owners. This is assuming you are on talking terms with them. Your rights in this situation vary vastly depending on where you live.
In some locations, you will be within your rights to take some action against the cat, such as taking it to a shelter, whereas other places will leave you at the mercy of the cat owner’s discretion.
How can I be sure that my cat has damaged my windows?
Although it may seem obvious your cat damaged your windows it is not always a fact. There could always be a chance that it was another animal, a random person, etc.
The only way to be sure is to see it with your own eyes. If that is a challenge it may be worth investing in a small security camera to see for sure. It is a good way to feel secure in general anyway.