If you love cats as much as we do, you are probably familiar with their love of sitting in the window to catch some sun and watch the goings-on outside. If there is a way to get to the window, your cat will find it, and they will spend plenty of their time there. However, it can get quite dangerous, especially if your cat tends to scratch the screen.
If you want to purchase a screen guard or screen for your window, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve reviewed several brands so you can see the difference between them. We’ll give you the pros and cons of each, and we’ve also included a short buyer’s guide where we discuss what’s important to look for if you continue to shop. Keep reading while we discuss material, durability, size, and more to help you make an informed purchase.
The Doca Pet Screen is our pick as the best overall cat window guard. It’s an extremely durable screen with vinyl-coated polyester for added strength and durability. This screen won’t wrinkle or dent while it’s in place, and it’s easy to install, only requiring a few steps. It’s tear and scratch-resistant and keeps out a lot of insects. It’s also available in multiple sizes.
The only downside to the Doca Pet Screen is that it might allow smaller insects like the mosquito to get through.
The PAWISE Protection Net for Cats is our pick as the best cat window guard for the money. It uses durable nylon rope to create a net that you can use to keep cats inside the house or out of an area they shouldn’t be. It has an attractive white color that will look attractive in most homes and won’t obscure your view of the other side. It’s available in multiple sizes and has the nails you need to install.
We like the PAWISE, but it can be challenging to set up due to the knots in the string. It also doesn’t do much to block insects if you need it to do that.
The KidCo Mesh Window Guard is our premium choice cat window guard. The polyester fabric is thick and durable and should last quite a while. It’s easy to install, and we found it quite sturdy to stay in place even with a cat hanging on it. The installation is easy and only requires installing a few screws, and you can still use your curtains or shades with it.
The only downside to the KidCo is that the guard does not allow your cat to sit in the window.
Pros
Thick and durable
Easy to install
Works with blinds and curtains
Cons
Doesn’t allow your cat to sit in the window
4. Pet Proof Window Screen Replacement Kit – Best for Kittens
The Pet Proof Window Screen Replacement Kit is the best for kittens. The netting is tight, so it does a good job of keeping out insects if you need to. It’s quite large and is well suited to porches and decks, and the netting is thick enough that your cats won’t bring it down while they play.
We liked the Pet Proof Window Screen a lot, and it keeps kittens and puppies on the right side. The only problem we had was that it arrived with many wrinkles, so it took some effort to get it to look nice when we first put it up.
The YOKMO Cat Balcony Rail Net is a loose-style netting that allows plenty of light inside but still prevents your cat from getting out of the house. You can also use it as a safety netting. It uses a flexible nylon rope that is UV resistant, so it won’t fade or become brittle. It’s flexible and easy to install almost anywhere.
The downside to the YOKMO is that the nylon rope is not very thick, so it might not be suitable if you have a dog. It also does nothing to keep out insects.
The Fairy Baby Window Guards is an extremely strong window guard that can withstand up to 150 pounds. It’s made for babies, so it’s more than suitable for any cat or dog. It’s adjustable to fit different windows and uses a finished metal construction to look as attractive as it is functional. It’s easy to install and portable, so you can put it in different windows to give your cat more variety.
The downside to the Fairy Baby is that it’s expensive and doesn’t do anything to prevent insects from entering your home. We also found that it dents easily, which takes away from the attractive appearance.
As the name suggests, the Clear Pet Window Sill Protector protects your window sill from damage if your cat spends a lot of time there. Leaping up and down can cause scratches that damage the paint, varnish, and the wood below. These guards use thick plastic polypropylene that will protect them. It’s extremely easy to install, and you don’t even need any tools. We were also able to trim it by cutting it with a hacksaw, but they are available in a wide range of sizes, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one you don’t need to trim.
The only real downside to the Clear Pet is that it only protects the windowsill.
Pros
Multiple sizes
Extremely durable
Easy to install
Cons
Only protects the windowsill
8. OCEANPAX Cat Scat Mat with Spikes Pest Deterrent Mat
The OCEANPAX Cat Scat Mat Cat Scat Mat with Spikes Prickle Strips Anti-Cats Network Digging Stopper Pest Repellent Deterrent Mat is another preventative item that helps guard your windows by keeping the cats away. This product provides a mat containing soft spikes that rise up. These spikes are fairly soft and won’t hurt your cat, but most don’t like them so that they won’t walk through them. It’s easy to install and works great. If you put it on any windowsills, you won’t want the cats to jump on. You can also place it outside the home to keep stray cats away.
The downside to the OCEANPAX is that it doesn’t block the window, and some cats won’t mind the spikes and ignore them.
Pros
Keeps cats away
Trimmable
Easy to install
Cons
Some cats aren’t deterred
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Window Guard & Screen
Tight Screen
If the window is in your home and has no screen, you will most likely want a tight net to help keep the bugs out. The downside to these nets is that they are usually thicker to withstand cat claws, so they can prevent a lot of light from entering the area.
If your cat likes to sit on the windowsill and damages your current screen by stretching it out or putting holes in it, this is what you want.
Windowsill Protector
Another problem with cats that sit on the windowsill is that they can scratch it as they get up and down. Unfortunately, many older homes still have lead paint, so it is a good idea to protect it with a guard so there is no damage.
Netting
If the window is on a porch or barn, you probably want a wider netting. Wider netting allows more sunlight to get through, so it won’t interfere with your view if you are sitting out there, but it will also allow the insects to enter. Another small problem with netting is that some cats like to chew on wires. If you have one of these cats, there is a chance it will chew through the netting. The cat may even be able to escape if left unattended.
Image By: Daga_Roszkowska, Pixabay
Fencing Rails
Fencing-style guards are a great alternative to screen or net, and you can use them indoors and out. The rails on these devices are usually metal, wood, or hard plastic, so they are quite durable and will likely last the lifetime of your pet. The downside is that some models can make the inside of your home look like a jail, and it doesn’t do anything to prevent insects, so you will still need a screen. Some models will also begin to rust as they age.
Deterrents
If your cat has access to a very high window, adding a deterrent to keep it away might be a good idea. Many options are available, from aluminum foil to sticky tape, and we have an excellent one in our reviews that uses soft spikes to deter the cat.
Conclusion
When choosing your next cat window guard or screen, we highly recommend our pick for the best overall. The DocaScreen Pet Screen is tear and scratch-resistant so that it will hold up well with aggressive cats. It doesn’t wrinkle, is available in multiple sizes, and is easy to install. Another smart choice is our pick for the best value. The PAWISE Protection Net for Cat Protection Net for Cats is a wider netting that is extremely durable, huge, and low cost. It is perfect for porches, and you can even use it as a safety netting.
Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs that cover tools, pets, guitars, fitness, and computer programming. When he’s not writing, Ed is usually performing DIY projects around the house or working in the garden. He’s also a musician and spends a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent films.
