How Can I Stop My Cat From Chewing the Blinds?

Living with a cat can be a rewarding experience. The furry species provides companionship and love. However, cats can also embody the negative aspects of cohabitation. While compromise is the foundation of any successful live-in relationship, there are limits, and good roommates don't chew blinds. Not only is this behavior destructive, it is also a dangerous habit because a cat's next target could be the electric cords. Here are some methods to prevent this behavior.

  1. Chew Toys

    • Provide a chew toy for your cat. If he is a kitten, he may be attempting to relieve the pain of teething. A dental chew toy can distract him from the blinds while strengthening and cleaning his teeth. If he needs extra incentive, try catnip-filled chew toys.

    Repellent

    • If a chew toy does not help, target his tastebuds by spraying a feline repellent on the blinds. Grannick's Bitter Apple Spray and NaturVet Bitter Yuck! No Chew Spray are available at petsmart.com. Unfortunately, some cats are not repelled by these flavors. If the cat is immune to the sprays, try offending his sense of smell. Many cats are repelled by the scent of strong-smelling citrus and the menthol smell of Vicks VapoRub.

    Deterrence

    • While it is difficult to train a cat, he can be deterred. Keep a few spray bottles filled with water around the house. When the telltale sound of his teeth gnawing on plastic begins, spray him immediately in order to associate his behavior with the negative repercussion. Make sure not to spray him near the face. If his fur is too thick to be penetrated by the spray, try making a loud noise to startle him away.