Are there window screens that cats can't destroy?

PetScreen®: Dog & Cat Resistant Screening - Phifer

PetScreen: Cat & Dog Resistant Screening

Phifer PetScreen is pet-resistant screening designed to be tear and puncture-resistant to resist damage by most dogs and cats. Ideal for use in high-traffic areas, PetScreen is highly durable, making it excellent for use in patio and porch enclosures as well as windows and doors. PetScreen provides good outward visibility and is not harmful to pets.

The company is the world’s best pet resistant window screens supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly specialized and will help you find the product you need.

For more information on how Phifer pet-resistant screens work, check out our pet-resistant features page.

The Best Cat-Proof Window Screens

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When the weather is nice, there’s nothing better than opening a window and letting fresh air into the house. But before you throw open the sash, you should know that most windows are not designed to withstand a cat’s curiosity or its claws. Even if you have a screen in place, your cat could be on the wrong side of the window before you know it.

Cat-proof window screens are a great way to keep your cat safely indoors while also letting fresh air into your home. To help you learn more, we’ve put together some information about why cat-proofing your windows is so important as well as some highly-rated products to help both you and your cats enjoy a beautiful day indoors.

Why Cat-Proof Window Screens Are Important

Most window screens are designed to keep bugs out, not keep cats in.

Cats can easily push many standard window screens out of place, especially if the screen is older or the frame is damaged. It’s also tempting for cats to try to climb window screens. Doing that, they’re likely to tear through the delicate mesh, creating just enough space to slip through—or, at the very least, opening up your home to unwelcome guests.

Your cat (probably) isn’t trying to be destructive, but the call of adventure is just too strong. However, sneaking out poses a real problem. Going outside puts indoor cats at risk of becoming lost, encountering predators (or cars), becoming sick from disease or parasites, or, if your home is above ground level, falling. To minimize these risks, it’s best to keep cats contained inside the house.

Methods to Keep Indoor Cats Inside, Even When the Windows Are Open

There are several methods that can help keep cats indoors when the windows are open. All have their benefits and drawbacks.

Applying double-sided tape to the windowsill acts as a deterrent to keep cats off the window. It’s an inexpensive and easy solution, but it may not work for stubborn cats. It also means that you have double-sided tape on your windowsills, which is probably not your ideal decor.

Reinforcing your existing screens with staples or nails is another affordable option to keep your cats from pushing the screens out of the window. For kitties that are content with lounging in front of the window, it might be just enough. However, it doesn’t prevent cats from climbing and tearing the screens. These tears can result in unsightly damage, costly repairs, and an escape route to the outdoors. Plus, this method makes it more difficult to remove the screens for cleaning if needed.

Of course, you can always keep your cat away from the window simply by blocking their access to the area or the room. That solution is best for short periods, but it’s harder to manage over the long term. Plus, it prevents your cat from enjoying the open windows with you.

Cat-proof window screens offer a more secure, sustainable solution to keep your indoor cat safe when the windows are open. These screens are made of stronger materials than the standard window mesh, preventing your cat from clawing through them. Additional pet-safe window accessories provide extra or alternative security to keep your pet safe, offering a wide range of options for you, your cats, and your unique home.

The Best Cat-Proof Window Screens and Accessories

With nearly 4,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, this pet-proof replacement screen is a great option for pet owners who own their home (or have permission to make updates and repairs) and aren’t afraid of a little DIY. To install, you’ll need to remove your old screens from the frames and replace them with the new, sturdier screen. Whether you need a little or a lot, the screen is available in two widths (36 inches and 48 inches) and two roll lengths (84 inches and 100 feet).

If you go this route, you’ll still need to secure the screen frames in place or ensure that your window screen is immoveable as built. And don’t forget to pick up a splining tool and some extra spline too—check your window frame to determine the right size.

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Phifer is a well-known name in the cat-proof window-screen world, and the reviews on this roll of replacement screen point to the reasons why. One reviewer noted that the screen successfully stopped their cat’s (multiple) attempts to charge through it. Others noted that their cat was unable to climb the material or, if they did, left no evidence.

One roll comes with 25 feet of 36-inch-wide mesh, though other sizes are available as well. It is made of vinyl-coated polyester and is intended to replace the existing screen material in your doors and windows. As with the Saint-Gobain screen, installing the Phifer PetScreen takes a bit of DIY effort, but the process is typically relatively painless with the right tools. More importantly, it provides a secure barrier between your cat and the great outdoors.

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If your home doesn’t currently have window screens, cat-proof or otherwise, you may want to start with a universal-fit option like this one from Fenestrelle. The screens are 15 inches tall and expand to fit a variety of windows between 21 and 40 inches wide. As a bonus, no tools are needed to install the screens, and they come in packs of 2, 4, and 10.

In the reviews on Amazon, many pet owners praised the quality of the screen and its ability to keep their cats safe. However, they do not claim to be pet-safe and so should be used with caution. Pet owners might consider reinforcing the built-in screen with scratch-proof options. In addition, they should always be sure that the screens are installed properly so that cats can’t push them out of place.

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The mission of Flat Cats is to prevent kitties from falling out of the window, something we can definitely get behind. Flat Cats are fiberglass mesh panels designed to cover your entire window. They’re made in the United Kingdom, available in both standard and custom sizes, and easy to set up. The netting attaches to the window with hook-and-loop fasteners spanning the entire outer edge. Just attach the hook part to your window and press the netting securely into place.

While Flat Cats is only available in the US when you order it from the manufacturer, the product has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon’s UK site. As one British reviewer put it, Flat Cats “will stop a chonk falling out the window.” High praise, indeed.

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When a cat-proof window screen just isn’t enough, this sturdy metal grille offers additional protection. Primarily intended for screen doors, the grille is installed by screwing it into the door, providing a protective covering for the existing screen or glass. The sturdy metal mesh is fine enough to keep cats from reaching their paws through, and it’s strong enough to stand up to even the most adventurous climbers.

The grille is 24 inches tall and 30 inches wide. It’s recommended for 30-, 32-, and 34-inch wide doors and comes in three colors: silver, brown, and white.

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This window safety guard is tension-mounted, making it one of the easiest—and least permanent—protective options on this list. Renter-friendly, it can easily be moved around or removed, leaving no holes to fill. It’s sold in four lengths ranging from 36 to 111 inches to fit a variety of windows.

At 2.68 inches between the bars, the guard may not be enough to keep all cats inside on its own. Smaller kitties could squeeze between the bars if they really tried. However, if a mesh screen is on the other side, that prospect becomes far more difficult. The strong vertical bars also make it hard to climb the screen. When installed together, a screen and guard combo offers two layers of protection between your cat and the world outside.

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