How to Fix Cat Scratches on Window Ledges

Cats love to scratch, and they don̵7;t always differentiate between their scratching post, your favorite armchair, wall molding and a windowsill. If your kitty has created significant damage to your sills, simple repair techniques can get them back into tip-top shape. Consider an anti-scratch plan to protect against future damage after repairs are made.

Things You'll Need

  • Drop cloth
  • Sander or wood stripper
  • Degreasing agent
  • Stainable wood filler
  • Putty knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood stain or paint
  • Paintbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position a drop cloth over furniture or flooring under the windowsill that could be damaged by flying sawdust and wood stain; otherwise remove the furnishings.

    • 2

      Clean the windowsill using a degreasing cleaning agent and allow it to dry. Sand the cat-scratched portions of the windowsill, sanding in the direction of the wood's grain. If a small area is damaged, you should be able to touch up a single section. If the entire windowsill is damaged, you may opt to sand away the paint or varnish across the entire surface to create a uniform finish. Use a sander or a wood stripper for this process.

    • 3

      Fill in pits or grooves with wood filler as necessary, using a putty knife to apply it. Follow directions on the manufacturer̵7;s label for how long to allow the material to cure. Once it's dry, sand the surface again until you get a smooth and seamless finish.

    • 4

      Stain or paint the windowsill as desired. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely, and seal with a polyurethane topcoat.