Your furry friends can brighten your day and bring companionship in times of loneliness, but they also can cause damage to your home. While cats, dogs, and other small animals are fun to have, they can cause damage to window screens, paint, flooring, and furniture. Protecting your window screens from damage from your pets takes a little extra effort, but it will save you money on replacement window screens. In this blog, we will share tips on how to protect your window screens from your pets and provide alternatives to flimsy mesh window screens. 

Common Reasons Your Pets Can Damage Window Screens

Understanding the reasons behind why your pets damage your home can help you solve the underlying issues first. Common reasons for pets scratching or chewing on items include:

• Boredom
• Unmet needs (scratching, grooming, nurturing, or otherwise)
• Curiosity in younger years
• Seeking comfort
• Seeing other pets, people, or prey
• Anxiety (around noises, temperatures, other animals, or separation)

If you think one of these factors could be contributing to your pets damaging your window screens, try a few other methods (more attention, separation from other pets, or new toys) before reinforcing window screens. 

1- Install Pet Screens Or Pet Guards

Many window companies offer pet-proof screens or guards that cover screens to save them from damage. Sturdy mesh or metal screens can be a better investment option for a home with pets. 

Standard window screens can only withstand so much force, while fiberglass or metal has higher durability to keep your stubborn pets from breaking through. Having stronger window screens can give you peace of mind when leaving your pet home alone or after getting a new animal. 

Pet screens can be made to custom-fit your windows or screen doors. Some of the themes are permanent, while others roll up to give you a clearer view through the traditional screen.

2- Ensure Your Windows Are Out Of Reach

Windows that are placed higher up or don’t have a good perch for animals to lay on have a lower risk of damage. Completely moving windows is not an easy task, or moving to a new place may not be an option. The best way to try and keep your windows just out of reach is to remove objects/furniture from underneath the windows.

Many animals like to climb or jump, so limiting their access to the areas with windows can protect your window screens.

3- Get Your Pet A New Scratching Post

As previously mentioned, some animals need to scratch objects to feel well. Cats especially need scratching posts to meet this need and prevent them from scratching your furniture. Scratching helps cats to trim down their nails if not done consistently by an owner. Try purchasing more or new scratching posts to give your animals places to address their claws, rather than your windows. 

4- Spray A Pet Deterrent On Your Screens

Many pet deterrents can be odorless for humans but are a strong odor for cats. Cats strongly dislike the smell of these sprays and will likely stay far away from them. Using these sprays on your window screens or around the window sill can keep your window screens from being scratched. 

These sprays should not be harmful to your pets, but it is best to do extensive research before purchasing anything. Homeowners could also work with their veterinarian to find solutions to their pet’s scratching problems and determine if a deterrent spray is the best choice.

Window Screen Repair And More From Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder specializes in window cleaning, but we also offer services for your gutters, window screens, and permanent lighting. Our team can help install new mesh in your screens when they may have been damaged by your pets. Our experts can install stronger materials or pet guards to traditional window screens as well. 

Jacob’s Ladder will provide new mesh, new spline, new pull tabs, and new corners during a screen repair service. All of these components will help your windows to look and feel brand new. 

Our window cleaning services are another way to help make your home look more appealing and let in more natural light into your home. Removing build-up from glass will prevent light from being blocked and can improve energy efficiency in your home. No matter what services you need, our experts can enhance your home’s curb appeal in just a few hours. Contact our team today to get an estimate or to schedule a service for your Colorado home.