What Are Pet-Proof Blinds?
Pet-Proof Blinds: Definition
More than half of Americanese have at least one pet in their house; they are part of their family. Though they can be harmful as well, window coverings are not an exception; we love our pets. Desperate to see outside, many a pet owner has thrown a cheap plastic mini-blind into the garbage after a furry buddy bent and shattered them to pieces.
Selecting pet-friendly window coverings can seem like a difficult chore, particularly considering kittens and puppies. How do you enjoy the advantages of window coverings in the same area with your animals?
We compiled some excellent advice on selecting pet-proof blinds, curtains or draperies, shades, and shutters.
Can You Really Dog- Proof or Cat- Proof Your Blinds?
Pets simply want to see outside world. No matter how many times they yell at him, the mailman—a squirrel—that annoying neighbor cat simply can not comprehend that he is in the wrong place.
They are shoving their heads and paws through the blinds distorting their view to get a decent look. Regarding blinds, homeowners trying to pet-proof their window treatments have some wise options as well as some not-so-wise ones.
Following are some advantages and drawbacks of several window blind choices:
Mini-blinds are Though there aren't any totally cat-proof blinds or dog-proof blinds, one of the worst options for pet owners are the quite cheap and popular mini-blinds. Pets will bend the small, closely spaced slats open for a good view; vinyl and aluminum become bent and ruined rapidly and easily. An animal will often bend them so much that it simply pushes their whole body through and gets twisted in them. Not only does that ruin your window covering, but the cord might really be rather dangerous for your pet as well.
Real wood and faux wood blinds are far sturdier than vinyl or aluminum. Larger slats let the blinds be closed yet tilted slightly providing a wider viewing area for your pet, therefore preventing their attempt to wedge them open to obtain a good view.
Vertical blinds can be cordless, readily split, and let pets slide through. They also seldom appeal for chewing on. On bigger windows, however, or even covering sliding doors, they excel.
The drawback is that dogs often gnaw on slats and adore them generally. Perfect chew toys for dogs with anxiety are blinds, but pet experts advise that sometimes this is a behavioral problem that may be resolved by wearing your dog out before you leave the house.
Nature Wood Blinds
Great non-window toys for chewing are also available since even calm dogs have to bite on something. Spraying safe but unpleasant bitter apple or sour-flavored spray on blinds can inspire a dog to find something more appetable to chew on when all else fails.
Shades & Shutters Designed for Pets
Shades and shutters are some maybe better substitutes for blinds if you want pet-proof window treatments since many of these choices minimize gaps and cords.
If you search for pet-friendly window treatments, take some consideration among the following:
One excellent choice are roller shades. Pets can slide beneath the slats without the shades being damaged, much like a curtain or draperies allows. Also, they hardly gather almost as much pet hair—always a benefit. Just roll up whatever distance you need to provide a clear view at the bottom!
Roman shades are one piece and look great; they are not slats to fit heads, paws, or whole bodies through. They can also be created without any string and totally obscure the view. For a refined, elegant style, you can still embellish over them valances and other accents.
Beautiful and quite robust are inside window shutters. They even go on French doors.
Conversely, natural woven or bamboo shades are not a good fit for blinds meant to be cat-proof. They look to cats like hanging scratching pads. Their dangling ropes is ideal for attack. Choose carefully if you intend to mix them with pets. Some materials would be more suited and less resemble Fluffy's claw-sharpening station.
Dog-Proof and Cat-Proof Draperies and Curtains
Just beckoning to your pet to curl up on them like a bed are puddled drapes, the kind that create a puddle of fabric on the floor. You also run the danger of your pet being caught in the lot of fabric here. Think of floor length curtains without a puddle, which is generally easier to maintain cleanliness for.
Without running the risk of breaking the window treatment or injuring your pet, top treatments include cornices, valances, or even swag and cascades can offer the sophisticated finishes you want or even the decorative softness of textiles.
More suited than others for not gathering fur as readily are specific textiles.
Try concealing their claws with caps if your cat insists on climbing cloth yet you want fabric window coverings. Keep their claws clipped. Little rubber tips called soft paws and similar things can be placed on your cat's claws by a groomer or veterinarian to prevent digging into your lovely curtains or drapery. Along with teaching your cat friend that drapes are inappropriate for climbing, you can and should also concentrate on general behavior.
Luckily, dogs often leave curtains alone; occasionally they try to wrap themselves in them and get fur all over them as they move about. Make sure your pet won't get any fabric wrapped around them should they choose to play.
Other Pet- Proof Blind Solutions & Safety Issues
To handle specific pet behavior and ensure your window coverings are pet-safe, take the following into account.
Either with a remote-control device or a smartphone app, motorized window treatments let you manage your window coverings from a distance. Somfy lets us also operate our motorized window treatments using Google Assistant or Alexa via "if this, then that" tech (IFTTT). Set these window treatments to close automatically at the time you know your dog barks most during the day. You can also design a calendar for them to close during busy times outside or when the mail person shows around. Your dog will thus be less prone to bark and will not observe any movement outside. This fixes the cable from your window treatments as well.
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Steers clear of hanging cables. They are dangerous for your children and your pet in addition to being appealing prey. Dogs too want to chew on and tug ropes. Your best bet are cordless solutions. The Humane Society even cautions that your pet may choke on the pull piece they have gnawed off the end or strangle themselves by encirclement of their neck. Furthermore, cordless looks elegant. They are modern and more sleek.
If your dog just cannot help but let the mailman know every single day that he is in his area, think about an opaque window solution. Many window coverings cover just what you need. Of course, you can keep window covers partially open while you're not home to avoid some of the dog trouble. One excellent answer is solar blinds or even window coatings.
Set aside a window just for your cat. If you have a cat and want to avoid the problem of completely avoiding pet-proof blinds, think about allowing your cat a window to view the outside world. Either leave the window open or cover it such that they may see outside, say with a shade you could open to provide a clear view from the bottom. One can even set up a cat bed on the window sill.
Every one of our pet-friendly products can be tailored to fit your particular requirements. One of our design consultants will work with you to ensure your new window coverings fit your needs and keep your pets safe regardless of the style you decide upon.
My pet has already ruined my shutters, shades, blinds, or draperies. Right now?
The gif picture above is a genuine client "before" picture. Their dog evidently detested their blinds!).
Contact us if you HAVE PETS!
We can assist you create pet-friendly new window curtains for your house.
Call us should you have bought from us. We can talk and work out together what the next steps should be using our warranty information.
Should you not have ordered from us, let us create fresh designs. Working with you, our Design Consultants can determine which pet-proof blinds or window coverings would best meet your budget, style, and particular pet needs or habits. We will be contacted just by you filling out the form below.