Cats can be the cutest animals in the world until they’re not when they get all moody or curious and do random things. This is exactly why cat-proofing your home is very important: to ensure that your cute little fur babies do no harm when adventuring around your home. Or maybe you’re not a cat person but random strays often find their way into your home.
Whatever the case might be, catproofing your home by installing a cat-proof window grille is the first of many steps required for you to cat-proof your home. Here’s everything you need to know about cat-proof windows, how to implement them properly, and a couple of other things to keep in mind whether you plan to keep your cat safe or prevent stray ones from getting in.
Understanding the Need for a Cat-Proof House
The need for cat-proofing your home is very simple whether you’re a cat lover or not a big fan of them all. You see, cats are naturally curious creatures that are ready to scamper and chase whatever catches their attention. No matter how domesticated your cat is, a cat-proof house is a must for any responsible cat owner. This means implementing a cat-proof gate, a cat-proof window, and a cat-proof balcony if necessary using cat-proof mesh.
All of these cat-proofing steps will ensure your beloved is kept safe from dangerous heights, getting trapped, or getting injured from bad weather or fighting with other cats. On the other hand, if the purpose for cat-proofing your home is to keep them out, then you don’t have to consider so many things as simply installing a proper cat-proof window should be more than enough to keep your home and furniture safe.
Benefits of a Cat-Proof Window
If you live in the suburbs or the countryside, you might be more inclined to let your cat come and go as it pleases as long you have cat-proof furniture and measures in place. But in large cities like Singapore, this is simply not an option as too many dangerous elements might harm a clueless cat. Here are some of the major benefits of installing a cat-proof window in your home:
Safety: A common misconception many people have about cats is that they can safely land on their feet reflexively even if they fall from a great height. While it’s true that cats have lightning-fast reflexes, that doesn’t help at all if they fall from an awkward angle, even if it’s a short height. By installing a cat-proof window you can prevent your cat from getting into fatal accidents or injuries from high falls, especially if you live in a multi-story apartment.
Environmental Enrichment: Cats usually get bored easily when they don’t have companionship. If you have to stay out for the better part of the day then having a window that lets them indirectly observe the outside world can do a great deal to cure their boredom and hopefully prevent them from ripping your furniture to shreds, unless you have cat-proof furniture of course!
Ventilation: You might think that installing a cat-proof window might cause ventilation problems in your home, but that’s not the case. Cat-proof window grill are popular cat-proof window options that are the most common and popular alongside cat-proof mesh designs. Not only do these specialized windows keep your cat safe but also alleviate any ventilation concerns.
Key Considerations For Implementing a Cat-Proof Window
If you intend to make your home a cat-proof house by using cat-roof gates or grilles there are a couple of factors you should keep in mind to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety, These are as follows:
Window Type: Choosing the right window type depends largely on the style and architecture of your accommodation. There are many different styles of cat-proof windows including mesh, grills, sliding, sash, and more. They come at various price points so do your research or consult with a carpenter to find the best fit.
Security Features: Since cat-proof windows come at various price points, the quality also varies greatly. You want to find a good balance between price and features, ideally ones that have reinforced screens and barriers. Though these variants are a bit more expensive, they ensure total protection for your cat.
Installation Method: Even the best cat-proof windows won’t serve their purpose if not installed correctly. To ensure proper installation, hire a professional. Once installed, check whether the window has been securely mounted and sealed. If not installed properly, gaps and cracks can start to develop around the window, making it easy for your cat to jump out.
Accessibility: Remember to make the window accessible for your cat, otherwise it defeats the entire purpose of the installation. Usually, accessibility shouldn’t be an issue since cats can leap surprisingly high as long as there are perches and window sills for the cat to hop on to.
Maintenance: Lastly, make arrangements for the occasional inspection and maintenance of your newly installed cat-proof window. Once a year should be more than enough, but if you live in an old apartment or home, having two inspections a year might be wiser. Clean the windows regularly and replace them if you notice any broken parts.
Final Thoughts
Installing a cat-proof window is one of the best ways to ensure the safety of your feline companion while allowing them to enjoy the sights and sounds of the outside world. While it might seem a bit harsh to keep your cat locked up, anything can happen in a big city, so it’s better to play it safe than be sorry later.
It’s also equally beneficial to get them installed even if you don’t have cats but live in a neighbourhood filled with cats. The last thing you need to see after coming back home from a hard day’s work is a messy kitchen or frayed and torn furniture caused by adventurous cats straying into your home. Whatever the case may be, consider getting one installed today!