After a long day, you walk through the door to find familiar signs of feline mischief: threads unravelling along the carpet, curtains swaying, and a quick flash of fur disappearing beneath the couch. For many cat owners, these daily disruptions, shredded curtain hems, paw prints on blinds, and a seemingly endless supply of loose fur, are part of life with a pet.

Fortunately, it is possible to maintain a clean, stylish home without compromising your cat’s comfort or natural behaviour. With the right materials and a few strategic choices, you can select curtains and blinds that are both durable and pet-friendly.

Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture and Furnishings?

Scratching isn't bad behaviour. It’s biology. Cats scratch to mark territory, stretch muscles, shed old claw sheaths, and relieve stress. They often go for textured or vertical surfaces, and in the eyes of a cat, your window furnishings are (unfortunately for you) a five-star feline scratching destination.

• Curtains typically dangle, dance, and drift in the breeze, which is irresistible for any cat with a curious streak or an eye for drama.

• Blinds with cords or swinging vanes, offer enticing features that are practically begging to be pawed, chewed, or climbed.

It's important to realise that you can’t stop their instinct. But you can redirect it, and protect your home in the process. Here's how.

Best Curtain Fabrics For Cats (and Their Claws)

Curtains are cat magnets. Especially long, flowy ones that sway and look all too much like a vertical playground. Luckily for you, the right fabric choices can make the difference between stylish window furnishings and a shredded mess. Here’s what you should know.

Best curtain fabrics for cat households:

• Tightly woven polyesters or recycled blends. These hold their shape and resist claw snags far better than looser weaves.
•  Medium-weight options. They’re less likely to swing dramatically (which reduces temptation), and they don’t trap static fur as easily.
• CurtainStudio’s Studio Range. Designed with durability in mind, these easy-care fabrics are a smart choice for busy, pet-filled homes.

Fabrics to approach with caution:

• Linen and silk: Beautiful, but delicate. A single climb or claw can leave pulls or tears that are hard to fix and even harder to ignore.
• Loose or open weaves: These tend to catch easily on claws, which can quickly lead to visible damage or fraying.
• Floor-length drops: While they may add elegance to your space, to a cat they often resemble a climbing challenge and it’s likely they’ll attempt to scale them regularly.

Smart styling tips:

• Double up with tracking. Sheers in the back, decorative fabric in front. Less paw access, more style.
• Go mid-length. Curtains that stop at the sill or just below are less tempting to climb.
• Check the GSM (grams per square metre). Medium-weight fabrics hold shape without becoming a cat hammock.
• Vacuum regularly. Use a soft brush tool to lift fur without pulling threads.

These simple steps go a long way. But when it comes to blinds, the game changes again…

Best Blinds That Are Cat-Safe (and Cat-Resistant)

Not all blinds survive life with a curious cat. Certain styles, such as Venetian blinds, can be easily damaged by playful or bored behavior. Choosing the right type of blind is essential for maintaining both functionality and appearance in a pet-friendly space.

Best blinds for cat owners:

• Veri Shades: These clever fabric folds hang like curtains but function like blinds — soft enough for cats to brush past without damage, and strong enough to stay looking sharp. No cords, no chains, and no tension systems for paws to tangle with. It’s the perfect blend of safety, style and cat-friendly smarts.
• Motorised or Easy Spring Air roller blinds: Smooth, cord-free operation that keeps curious cats out of trouble. These modern systems remove one of the biggest feline temptations (dangling cords) while delivering a tidy, easy-to-clean finish that works brilliantly in high-traffic homes.

Blinds to avoid:

• Chain-linked verticals: These move easily with airflow or touch, which can trigger a cat’s natural instinct to chase. Over time, that playful batting can lead to broken clips and misaligned panels.
• Cord-controlled rollers or Venetians: Dangling cords are tempting for cats and can lead to both damage and safety issues. These styles are best avoided in pet-friendly homes unless you count re-stringing blinds as a hobby.

Expert-backed tips for feline-proof blind setups:

• Choose cordless wherever you can. It’s safer, tidier, and way less interesting to a kitten on a mission.
• Use blockout rollers in busy areas to reduce stimulation (and scratching).
• Ask about Cat-Safe systems — designed with secure tracks and no dangly bits in sight.

If your cat tends to treat window coverings as a personal playground, these tips can help protect your blinds. However, the most effective solution lies in providing a more suitable outlet for their curiosity and energy.

How to Stop Cats Scratching Furniture (Without Punishment)

If your furniture’s getting clawed, your cat likely doesn’t have a better option. It’s not misbehaviour, it’s just unmet instinct. The real solution isn’t punishment, it’s redirection. Here's how to do it effectively:

• Place scratching posts or horizontal pads right next to the spots they already love to claw. Don’t hide them in a corner, meet the mess where it starts.
• Choose the right texture: Sisal, cardboard, and rough fabric are far more appealing than old carpet offcuts.
• Use catnip or pheromone sprays to lure your feline into good habits.
• Try gentle deterrents: Double-sided tape or safe scents (like citrus or lavender water) can help keep claws off furnishings.
• Trim their nails regularly or ask your vet about soft nail caps.
• Offer vertical territory: Cat towers, shelves or window perches can help turn climbers into perchers.

Expert insight: Many cat owners place scratching posts too far from the areas where their cats typically scratch. A useful guideline is to position scratching posts precisely where the damage usually occurs. While scratching is an instinctive behaviour that cannot be eliminated, providing appropriate alternatives can help protect your furnishings. And if damage does occur, here are effective steps to address it.

Cleaning Tips for Cat Hair, Smells and Accidents

Even the most angelic cats leave behind a bit of chaos: fur on the curtains, scent on the carpet, sometimes a little accident on the blinds. Here's how to keep your home looking (and smelling) fresh, without turning into a full-time cleaner.

Curtains

• Vacuum weekly with an upholstery tool, brushing downward to follow the grain (think gentle grooming, not a deep scrub).
• Spot clean using the care label’s method. Always test first if you’re unsure.
• Rotate curtain drops now and then to even out sun exposure and wear, especially if your cat loves a windowsill nap.

Blinds

• Dust regularly with a microfibre cloth or blind brush to lift hair and fine particles.
• Wipe down with a damp cloth when needed. Skip the spray cleaners, which can damage finishes.
• Check cords and moving parts for signs of wear or fur build-up, especially if your cat treats the blinds like a jungle gym.

Cat-Proofing Is Possible — And We’re Here to Help

You don’t have to tiptoe around your own home, wondering what your cats claws will claim next.  With a few smart swaps combined with expert advice, you can create a space that’s stylish, cat-friendly, and built to last.

So pop into your nearest CurtainStudioor reach out to chatwith our team for expert help on:

• Picking blinds that survive feline curiosity
• Selecting curtains that won't turn into climbing ropes

We’ve worked with all kinds of pets and all kinds of homes. We know what holds up, and what doesn’t. And we’re here to help you.

Because cats belong in your home. Just not on your curtains.

—    CurtainStudio Team