How to Train Your Cat Not to Climb on the Curtains

Training Your Cat Not to Climb

Invest in "environmental punishers." Environmental punishers are effective tools that aren't dependent upon your physical presence. These tools will enable you to safely send your cat a consistent message that the curtains are not a climbing toy.

Purchase a compressed-air cat repellent system. These systems are equipped with a motion sensor. When your cat wanders too close to the curtains it will be met with a blast of compressed air.

Place plastic sheeting at the base of your curtains. Pet retailers sell a type of plastic sheeting that delivers a mild static charge when the cat steps upon the surface. In dry indoor environments any plastic may be sufficient to cause a minor static shock. You can also take the curtains down altogether. This breaks your cat's desire to climb since the curtains aren't readily available.

Trim your curtains with double-sided sticky tape. Cats are likely to find the texture unappealing. They may also find it difficult to penetrate with their claws. Test the tape in an unobtrusive location to ensure it will not mar your curtain fabric.

Booby-trap any surfaces your cat might be climbing toward. If your cat appears to be climbing the curtains in order to reach a table top, counter, or shelf, place a stack of lightweight, easily toppled items such as plastic storage containers on the surface. Your cat will be startled when it knocks over a clattering pile of plastic, and may think twice about returning to its favorite haunt.

Replace your curtain hooks with lightweight thread. When your cat tries to climb, it will break the thread and pull down the curtains. Once the cat has experienced this consequence a few times it is unlikely to persist, and the curtains can be re-hung properly. You may also try replacing existing window hardware with a tension rod if your curtains are hanging where use of one is feasible. Many adult cats are heavy enough to pull down the rod if they attempt to climb the attached curtains. Exercise care in using this solution, however, as you don't want the rod to break decorative items (or harm your cat) on the way down.

Use direct punishments as a last resort. Your cat may respond to clapping, spraying water, or rattling newspaper or a plastic grocery bag. Try other methods first, however, as direct punishment runs the risk of scaring your cat. These methods should not be employed if the cat is already skittish. If you choose to use water, test to make sure errant spray won't damage your curtains.

Addressing Your Cat's Needs

Provide scratching posts. These will meet your cat's instinctual need to sharpen its claws. If your curtains are made of heavy or highly textured cloth, what you see as decor might look like a delightful claw-sharpening surface to your cat. Different cats prefer different textures and styles; consider cardboard, carpeting, wood, sisal, or upholstery, and horizontal, vertical, or diagonal posts. Lure your cat toward the post with treats or catnip. You might even try "modelling" scratching behavior to illustrate the possibilities of this new contraption. Don't, however, force your cat's paws against the post. You might frighten your cat, leading it to avoid the scratching post altogether. Make sure posts are sturdy and of sufficient height, and don't toss them when they start to fray -- from a cat's perspective, a worn post offers perfect traction!

Clip your cat's nails regularly. Consider applying plastic caps to the cat's claws. These attach with adhesive and typically last 4-6 weeks. Trimming your cat's nails can help train them to stop climbing curtains.

Contemplate whether your cat needs something to do. Behavior you find infuriating may be your cat's solution to boredom. Cats left alone for long stretches of time may be especially prone to finding "creative" (and destructive) ways to occupy their time. Provide enrichment activities to keep your cat's mind and body sharp. Hide cat treats around the house. Something as simple as an empty box perforated with small holes and containing kibble or cat treats can provide useful stimulation. Invest in cat toys. Toys that hang or swing are a particularly useful alternative to feline destruction of your curtain ties or tassels. Consider hanging bird feeders in a (curtain-free!) location where your cat can watch the activity outdoors. Provide a human-approved location such as a cat perch, accessible shelf, or other elevated surface where your cat can fulfill its natural climbing instincts and enjoy the view.

Ensure your cat feels safe in its environment. Again, cats are natural climbers. If your cat feels threatened by other pets or small children, it may seek safety by escaping upward. Cat perches offer a human-approved escape route for anxious felines. Pet or child gates can ensure that your cat has access to safe zones in your home. Cats will simply jump over gates placed to stymie small dogs or toddlers. Stairways may be especially useful locations for such barriers -- cats enjoy watching the action below from the safety of a sheltered stair. Most home improvement retailers sell small cat doors designed for either exterior or interior use. Even indoor cats can benefit from a strategically placed door allowing access to a basement or storage room where they can escape when they feel threatened.

Remove nearby houseplants or food sources. These items may act as cat-magnets in ways that jeopardize both your cat's welfare and the well-being of your curtains. Check to make sure your houseplants are not poisonous to cats, and remove tempting hanging baskets or trailing flora from locations adjacent to drapes and curtains. Cover candy dishes, snacks, or other culinary temptations. Learn what your cat finds appealing -- each animal responds differently to "human" food.