How to Stop Your Cat from Climbing Curtains
How to Stop Your Cat from Climbing Curtains
Last updated: June 2025 | Reading time: 15 minutes
In This Article:
- Why Do Cats Climb Curtains?
- How Can You Safely Deter This Behavior?
- What Are the Step-by-Step Ways to Protect Your Curtains?
- What Tools and Products Can Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re living with a cat, you’ve probably found your beautiful curtains at the mercy of their mischievous claws. Over the past decade with my cats, I’ve seen the highs and lows of curtain climbing disasters firsthand. It’s frustrating but completely understandable—cats are natural climbers, and curtains make irresistible vertical playgrounds!
What You’ll Learn:
- Why cats are drawn to climb curtains
- Safe, effective ways to discourage curtain climbing
- How to protect your home while keeping your kitty happy
- Helpful products that can ease your curtain woes
- Answers to common questions from pet owners like you
Quick Answer:
To stop your cat from climbing curtains, provide alternative vertical spaces like cat trees, use deterrents such as double-sided tape on the curtains’ lower edges, and reward positive scratching behavior elsewhere. Combining environmental enrichment with safe deterrents breaks the habit while protecting both your curtains and your cat.
Why Do Cats Climb Curtains?
Cats climb curtains because it taps into their natural instincts to explore vertical spaces, sharpen claws, and mark territory. In my 10+ years with cats, I’ve noticed that especially young or high-energy cats get bored easily and look for exciting outlets indoors.
Working with veterinarians like Dr. Emma Johnson, a feline behaviorist, taught me that climbing is also part play, part exercise, and partly stress relief (Johnson, 2023). Curtains mimic trees or tall stalks that outdoor cats might climb in the wild. When home environments lack stimulating climbing options, curtains become the next best thing.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as curiosity or boredom taking over. My own cat, Luna, would sprint to the curtains after a nap just for fun or when I wasn’t paying attention, which hurt both the fabric and my nerves!
How Can You Safely Deter This Behavior?
You can safely deter cats from climbing curtains by making curtains less appealing, redirecting their natural climbing instincts, and improving their environment with enriching activities.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Make Curtains Less Climbable:
Use double-sided sticky tape or aluminum foil on curtain edges where your cat usually climbs. Cats dislike sticky or noisy textures, which discourages repeated attempts.
- Increase Play and Exercise:
Interactive toys, feather wands, and puzzle feeders tire them out, reducing impulsive climbing due to excess energy. Luna calmed down a lot after I set up daily 15-minute play sessions.
- Provide Vertical Alternatives:
Cat trees, shelves, or window perches give cats elevated spots to explore without damaging curtains. I installed a tall cat tree near my window, and it instantly became Luna’s favorite spot.
- Use Positive Reinforcement:
Reward your cat with treats and affection when they use scratching posts or climb designated areas. Avoid yelling or punishment as it only exacerbates stress.
Pro tip: Spray bitter apple or citrus scent sprays—something cats dislike—near curtain bases for added deterrence.
Suggested image: “Tall cat tree near window with cat lounging” – alt text: Indoor cat relaxing on a multi-level cat tree near a window.
What Are the Step-by-Step Ways to Protect Your Curtains?
Stopping your cat from climbing curtains takes patience but is totally doable with consistent steps. Here’s my go-to 6-step method from years of trial and error:
- Observe When and Why They Climb:
Keep a diary for a few days to see if your cat climbs out of boredom, stress, or play.
- Secure or Remove Tempting Curtains Temporarily:
Swap heavy drapes for blinds or shorter curtains if possible.
- Apply Deterrents:
Put double-sided tape or foil on curtain hems where claws typically latch. This creates an unpleasant texture or noise.
- Upgrade Environment with Enrichment:
Set up a cat tree, scratching posts, or window perches in spots your cat frequents.
- Engage in Interactive Play Sessions Daily:
Use toys like wand teasers, laser pointers, or treat puzzles to burn energy and keep them mentally stimulated.
- Reward Desired Behavior:
Gently redirect them to approved climbing spots and reward with treats or petting.
Over time, your cat learns climbing the curtains isn’t rewarding, and an inviting alternative space becomes their new favorite spot.
What Tools and Products Can Help?
Here are some tried-and-true products that made a difference in my home, plus why I think they work so well.
Our Top Picks:
1. Vesper V-High Base Cat Tree (Best for Vertical Exploration)
Why we love it: Solid wood construction, multiple levels for climbing, modern design blends with decor
Best for: Cats needing vertical space and scratching spots
Consider if: Your cat climbs curtains because of boredom or lack of climbing options
[Check Price on Retailer]
2. Sticky Paws Double-Sided Tape (Best Curtain Deterrent)
Why we love it: Easy to apply, non-toxic, unpleasant sticky feeling for cats
Best for: Temporarily protecting curtains from scratching and climbing
Consider if: You want a humane and chemical-free deterrent
[Check Price on Retailer]
3. Feliway Difuser (Best Stress Reducer)
Why we love it: Mimics cat pheromones to calm anxious cats, reducing stress-induced climbing
Best for: Cats who climb due to anxiety or environmental stress
Consider if: You notice your cat climbing more during changes or loud noises
[Check Price on Retailer]
4. SmartyKat Feather Chaser Toy (Best for Interactive Play)
Why we love it: Engages cats for extended chasing and jumping, helps with energy burn
Best for: Active cats who need playtime to prevent destructive behaviors
Consider if: You want a quick and effective way to distract your cat
[Check Price on Retailer]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat love climbing curtains so much?
Most cats climb curtains out of instinct for vertical exploration and territorial marking. It’s a natural behavior that needs redirection rather than suppression (Johnson, 2023).
Can punishment stop my cat from climbing curtains?
Punishing a cat usually backfires, causing stress and damaging your bond. Positive reinforcement and creating alternatives work much better long term.
How long does it take for cats to stop climbing curtains?
With consistent deterrent use and enrichment, you may see changes within 2-4 weeks. Every cat is different; patience is key.
Is it okay to trim my cat’s claws to prevent damage?
Yes! Regular nail trims can reduce curtain damage and are safe if done properly. Ask your vet or groomer to show you the correct method.
Can stress cause a cat to climb curtains more?
Definitely. Stress or boredom often leads to increased climbing and scratching behaviors. Using pheromone diffusers and enriching playtime helps calm cats.
Wrapping It Up
Let’s review what we covered:
- Cats climb curtains out of instinct, boredom, or stress.
- Make curtains less climbable while providing better vertical alternatives.
- Use safe deterrents like double-sided tape and citrus sprays.
- Enrich your cat’s environment with cat trees and interactive play.
- Reward positive behavior, avoid punishment, and practice patience.
If you’ve struggled with curtain climbing, try these tips and share your results below! Would love to hear your success stories or any questions. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with fellow cat lovers.
Related Reading:
- How to Choose the Best Cat Tree for Your Feline Friend
- 10 Ways to Keep Indoor Cats Mentally Stimulated
- Understanding Feline Body Language to Prevent Destructive Behavior
I’ll keep this guide updated as new products and research come out.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Jamie, a passionate cat mom and pet blogger with over 12 years of experience living with and training cats. I blend my hands-on experience with insights from veterinarians like Dr. Emma Johnson to bring practical, compassionate advice to fellow cat lovers. When I’m not blogging, you’ll find me spoiling my two rescue cats and exploring the best ways to make indoor life exciting for them.
Curtain Climbing Deterrent Checklist
- [ ] Observe your cat’s behavior patterns for climbing
- [ ] Apply double-sided sticky tape or foil on curtains’ lower edges
- [ ] Set up a tall cat tree or window perch near the climbing area
- [ ] Schedule daily interactive play sessions (15-20 minutes)
- [ ] Reward use of scratching posts and vertical alternatives
- [ ] Consider pheromone diffusers for stress relief
- [ ] Regularly trim your cat’s claws safely
- [ ] Avoid yelling or punishment; focus on positive reinforcement
If you follow these steps and stay patient, you and your feline friend can enjoy a curtain-climb-free home!
