Cats are curious and playful creatures that love to explore their surroundings. They also have a natural instinct to chew on things, especially when they are bored, teething or stressed. However, this can be a problem when they start chewing on your blinds. Not only can this damage your blinds and make them look unsightly, but it can also pose a health risk for your cat if they swallow any parts of the blinds. So how do you keep cats from chewing on blinds? Here are some tips on how to do it.
How to keep cats from chewing on blinds: You can follow these tips:
- Provide your cat with alternative chew toys. Cats need to chew on things to keep their teeth and gums healthy and to satisfy their natural urges. You can provide your cat with various chew toys that are safe and appealing for them, such as rubber balls, dental chews, catnip toys or rawhide sticks. You can also rotate the toys regularly to keep your cat interested and prevent boredom.
- Deter your cat from chewing on the blinds with a bitter taste. You can apply a bitter tasting substance on the blinds that will make your cat dislike chewing them. You can use a commercial product that is designed for this purpose, such as Bitter Apple spray or Chew Guard spray. Alternatively, you can use a natural substance that is safe for cats, such as lemon juice, vinegar or hot sauce. However, be careful not to use too much or too often, as this may damage your blinds or irritate your cat’s mouth.
- Deter your cat from chewing on the blinds with a spray bottle. You can use a spray bottle filled with water and vinegar to squirt your cat when they start chewing on the blinds. This will startle them and make them associate the unpleasant sensation with the behavior. However, you need to be consistent and timely with this method, as spraying your cat after they have stopped chewing will not have any effect. You also need to be careful not to spray your cat in the face or eyes, as this may hurt them or make them fearful of you.
- Provide your cat with a scratching post or pad. Cats also need to scratch on things to keep their claws healthy and to mark their territory. You can provide your cat with a scratching post or pad that is sturdy and attractive for them, such as one made of sisal rope, cardboard or wood. You can also sprinkle some catnip on it to entice your cat to use it. Place the scratching post or pad near the window where your cat likes to chew on the blinds, so that they have an alternative option.
- Provide your cat with a window perch or bed. Cats love to look out of the window and watch the outside world. You can provide your cat with a comfortable window perch or bed that will allow them to enjoy the view without having to chew on the blinds. You can buy a ready-made window perch or bed that attaches to the window sill or suction cups to the glass. Alternatively, you can make your own window perch or bed by using a sturdy shelf, a cushion or a blanket.
FAQs
- Why do cats chew on blinds? Cats chew on blinds for various reasons, such as:
- They are bored and need stimulation and entertainment.
- They are teething and need to soothe their gums and teeth.
- They are stressed and need to cope with anxiety or frustration.
- They are curious and want to explore new things.
- They are hungry and want to get your attention or food.
- What are the dangers of cats chewing on blinds? Cats chewing on blinds can be dangerous for both the cats and the blinds, such as:
- They can damage the blinds and make them look ugly or unusable.
- They can injure themselves by cutting their mouth or tongue on the sharp edges of the blinds.
- They can choke or get an intestinal blockage by swallowing parts of the blinds.
- They can get poisoned by ingesting toxic materials or coatings from the blinds.
- How much does it cost to replace blinds? The cost of replacing blinds depends on various factors, such as:
- The size and number of your windows
- The type and quality of your blinds
- The installation and labor fees
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of replacing blinds ranges from $100 to $300 per window, with an average of $200 per window. However, this is only an estimate and the actual cost may vary depending on your specific situation.
Final Thoughts
Blinds can be a great way to add privacy and style to your windows. But they can also be a target for your cat’s chewing habit. By following these tips on how to keep cats from chewing on blinds, you can protect your blinds and your cat from harm. You can also provide your cat with a stimulating and enriching environment that will keep them happy and healthy.
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
