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After my Maine Coon destroyed various curtains and blinds I’ve installed, I recommend the NICETOWN 3 Pass Microfiber Window Curtains as the best cat proof curtains and to good results!
- Microfiber material not interesting to scratch
- Quality fabric
- Great light blocking performance
- Many color and dimensions from 29-55in W x 45-96in L
- Grommets fit standard curtain rods
This comes after researching and testing some of the best curtains available on the market. All cats must scratch, I can deal with that. And since I must also own window treatments, I had to learn and find curtains that were cat proof.
But all cats are unique with their scratching targets, and maybe you require a different kind of curtain depending on your cat’s preference. So in this post, I’ve included many other varieties and style of pet proof curtains.
At the end is a complete buying guide and tips on how to encourage cats to keep their paws off of your window treatments!
These are the products we review in this article:
- Polyester Fabric
- Attachment Type: Rod Pocket, Clips
- Opacity: Sheer
- 34-70"W x 36-120"L
- Polyester Velvet Fabric
- Attachment Type: Back Tabs, Rod Pocket
- Opacity: Room Darkening
- 42-100"W x 63-108"L
NICETOWN Heavyweight Lined Blackout Curtains
- Polyester Fabric
- Attachment Type: Grommet
- Opacity: Blackout
- 37-70"W x 45-108"L
NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Curtains
- Polyester Fabric
- Attachment Type: Grommet
- Opacity: Blackout
- 52-100"W x 45-108"L
- Polyester Fabric
- Attachment Type: Grommet
- Opacity: Room Darkening
- 38-52"W x 45-120"H
AmazerBath Plastic Shower Curtain
- EVA Fabric
- Attachment Type: Grommet
- Opacity: Sheer
- 36-72"W x 65-96"H
- Best Microfiber Cat Proof Curtains
- Best Cat Proof Sheer Curtains
- Best Velvet Cat Curtains
- Best Blackout Cat Proof Curtains
- Best Insulated Scratch Proof Curtains
- Also Great Cat Curtains
- Cat Proof Shower Curtain
- Why Do Cats Scratch?
- What Are the Best Curtains for Cat Owners?
- Window Treatments to Avoid
- How Do I Get My Cat to Stop Clawing My Curtains?
- Other Cat Proof Window Treatments
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Proof Curtains
Best Microfiber Cat Proof Curtains
- Microfiber material not interesting to scratch
- Quality fabric
- Great light blocking performance
- Many color and dimensions from 29-55in W x 45-96in L
- Grommets fit standard curtain rods
Our best microfiber cat proof curtains are soft, thick, and light. All at a good value and available in 14 different sizes and in about 40 different colors. What’s not to like?
These cat proof curtains are universally tasteful for any decor. Each set includes two polyester panels that blocks 99 percent of light and UV rays.
The triple-weave blackout fabric can actually keep your room temperature balanced by blocking out extreme heat or cold.
If you’re in a sunny zone like me, you’ll like that NICETOWN 3 Pass Microfiber Window Curtains can actually protect furniture, floors and artwork against fading.
NICETOWN’s microfiber curtains are very popular, with five stars and more than 75,000 reviews (!). The most important thing is that the weave on this design just isn’t inviting for cats. Cat friendly curtains for you, just not for their claws.
But if they can’t resist, many paw-rents say the curtains are thick and stand up to claws well. And if destroyed…well, these are affordable to replace. Definitely one of the best curtains for cat owners!
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 9/10
- Quality 10/10
- Ease of Cleaning 7/10
- Price 10/10
- Overall Rating 9
What We Liked:
- Microfiber material not interesting for cats
- Great at blocking light
- Many colors to choose from
- Good variety of dimensions available
- They fit with standard curtain rods
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not thermal lined
Best Cat Proof Sheer Curtains
- Polyester Fabric
- Attachment Type: Rod Pocket, Clips
- Opacity: Sheer
- 34-70"W x 36-120"L
Textured, looks expensive, and overall feels more quality than you’d expect: words that describe our best sheer cat proof curtain. And it’s 99% similar to a West Elm curtain!
RYB HOME Sheer Linen panels show off line weaves that make them more elegant than ordinary sheer curtains. The effect is a draped look that is subtle, yet impressive.
These cat proof sheer curtains allow light to diffuse through while still providing privacy. RYB HOME Sheer Linen Curtains move like a dream when the breeze flows through!
The curtain is made from ultra-sheer linen-like polyester, free from formaldehyde and weird “gassing” of odors.
In fact, they are labeled as being “safe” enough for nurseries. That should give you confidence if you’re worried about your cat nibbling on your drapes.
But no worries, since cat owner mention that their cats leave these curtains alone mostly. For when claws and curtain snag, they say you should be able to clear it easily.
These sheer cat friendly curtains are available in a dozen colors with the option to pick 15 different sizes.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 8/10
- Quality 7/10
- Ease of Cleaning 8/10
- Price 8/10
- Overall Rating 7.75
What We Liked:
- Cats leave it alone!
- Stunning linen texture
- No toxic materials
- Available in classic colors
- A good variety of sizes to choose from
- Price
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not actually linen, but polyester
Best Velvet Cat Curtains
- Polyester Velvet Fabric
- Attachment Type: Back Tabs, Rod Pocket
- Opacity: Room Darkening
- 42-100"W x 63-108"L
Bringing things to an elegant level, our best cat-proof velvet curtains offer a nice step between blackout curtains and sheer curtains. Buyers loved how luxurious feeling and a great value this set is.
Cat owners say they these cat resistant curtains are not fur magnets. And velvet as a material is short and flat without loose weaves.
All this means it’s a wonderful fabric for us since most cats won’t bother scratching it!
While Dreaming Casa Velvet Curtains don’t fully block light, they have very nice reducing capabilities. Many reviewers were surprised at its darkening power and sound reduction too.
Available in close to 30 sizes, Dreaming Casa Curtains can actually be customized to fit any window size if you reach out to the manufacturer.
These curtains are offered in a dozen rich tones for an upscale feel to any room. And it seems everyone’s smitten by that deep, teal peacock color. Just take a look at the listing!
Each package comes with two panel curtains, and they are beautiful.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 8/10
- Quality 9/10
- Ease of Cleaning 9/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall Rating 8.25
What We Liked:
- Velvet texture of these curtains keeps most cats away
- Filters light nicely without blocking it completely
- Amazing looking
- So soft
- Custom sizes available
- Real value vs other velvet curtains
What We Didn’t Like:
- Velvet may be too heavy for some
Best Blackout Cat Proof Curtains
- Polyester Fabric
- Attachment Type: Grommet
- Opacity: Blackout
- 37-70"W x 45-108"L
This is the set you’ve been waiting for if you need true blackout cat proof curtains – they are durable, thick, and fully able to absorb naughty paws. Plus they perform like a champ.
Available in 25 colors, each two-shade set aims to make your room as dark as night any time of the day. These cat resistant curtains can also be selected in close to 20 different sizes.
NICETOWN Heavyweight Lined Blackout Curtains are made of polyester with a blackout effect from a sewn-in liner. They also reduce noise by absorbing twice the amount of sound as ordinary single-layer curtains.
Buyers almost universally loved how affordable, well made, and darkening these curtains really were.
The construction on these cat-proof blackout curtains really impresses. The two-layer construction with triple-weave blackout fabric creates a barrier between your room and the world.
Bonus points for the use of fabric with no chemical coatings or formaldehyde. This brings peace of mind if you catch your cat chewing on the low-hanging corners of your curtains.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 10/10
- Quality 9/10
- Ease of Cleaning 5/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall Rating 7.75
What We Liked:
- Quality construction
- Truly blackout
- Available in variety of colors and sizes
- No chemical coatings and formaldehyde makes these very pet-safe curtains
- Machine washable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not cheap
Best Insulated Scratch Proof Curtains
- Polyester Fabric
- Attachment Type: Grommet
- Opacity: Blackout
- 52-100"W x 45-108"L
Available in 14 sizes across 24 colors, our best cat proof insulated curtains keeps a constant temperature in room in both cold and hot conditions, and does it well.
And yes, they stand up to cat claws! For curtains that cats can’t ruin, fur is easily wiped away, too.
Many buyers loved how these curtains effortlessly block cold air that leaks from windows and doors. Installing these in front of draft or windy glass sliding door is a smart move!
The softness and flowing nature of these curtains makes them look very welcoming and stylish. Materials are high quality and feel more expensive than they are. Reviewers highly recommend it.
NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Scratch Proof Curtains can wrinkle, but are can easily be ironed or steamed to get them looking crisp again. Meant to last for years, these curtains are machine washable.
This style is especially nice if you’re looking for wide, strong curtains to cover a patio door. Each set comes with two panels.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 9/10
- Quality 9/10
- Ease of Cleaning 7/10
- Price 8/10
- Overall Rating 8.25
What We Liked:
- Very good temperature insulation
- Keeps the cold and draft out!
- Essentially black out
- Available in larges sizes that work with main entries and exits
- Very soft and attractive
- Well made
What We Didn’t Like:
- May need strong curtain rods to keep up these heavy duty curtains
Also Great Cat Curtains
- Polyester Fabric
- Attachment Type: Grommet
- Opacity: Room Darkening
- 38-52"W x 45-120"H
I really need to call out these curtains because they are really well made for the price with fantastic grommets. I’ll be honest, some curtain sets look fine but their rod pockets leaves much to be desired.
Offering 11 sizes available in 24 colors, these polyester curtains shine for being classic and chic. This is a really elegant way to do blackout panels that have a silky touch with nice draping movements.
Each two-panel Deconovo Curtain set also offers some thermal insulation, helping to regulate room temperatures by buffering against summer and winter temperatures seeping in through your windows.
Cat owners have said that this set are definitely curtains that cats can’t ruin.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 6/10
- Quality 8/10
- Ease of Cleaning 9/10
- Price 9/10
- Overall Rating 8
What We Liked:
- Very elegant texture
- Good grommets
- Blackout
- Soft and thick fabric
- Good value vs other blackout curtains
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some people have had issues with uneven hems
Cat Proof Shower Curtain
- EVA Fabric
- Attachment Type: Grommet
- Opacity: Sheer
- 36-72"W x 65-96"H
I didn’t forget about cat proof shower curtains! Reviewers commonly say this curtain is tough enough to withstand cats playing and even the occasional climb up.
The slippery nature of the shower makes having a kitty-safe curtain even more important in this part of your home.
I like that the curtain’s thick, clear shell is made from EVA material because there’s nothing for your cat to grip on the way there is with fabric curtains.
The AmazerBath Plastic Shower Curtain is flexible and can be used by itself or act a liner for your own shower curtain.
This shower curtain features clear, heavy-duty stones lined up along the bottom. These stones add weight to your curtain to help it stay in place as a guard against splashes on your floor.
Equipped with its own set of 12 metal grommet holes, these curtains works with virtually any hooks or rods. It’s also so easy to wipe this curtain clean using just a damp cloth.
This cat-friendly shower curtain is available in 12 sizes that can be ordered in 14 different attractive colors.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 8/10
- Quality 8/10
- Ease of Cleaning 8/10
- Price 10/10
- Overall Rating 8.5
What We Liked:
- Price
- Hassle-free curtain and easy to clean
- Stylish enough to look good in any bathroom
- The weighted stones at the bottom help to keep the curtain straight.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some may not like this is a shower liner instead of a full thick curtain
Why Do Cats Scratch?
I know the question that’s driving you crazy. Why does your cat want to scratch your curtains so badly?
“Scratching is a normal, instinctive cat behavior” according to the Humane Society of the United States. In fact, cats have a psychological need to scratch. Here’s why they do it:
- To express emotions. Both stress and excitement cause scratching!
- To mark objects using the scent glands in their paws.
- To remove dead nails.
- To stretch.
It’s also important to note that cats don’t scratch to be “bad.” Cats don’t have a sense of “right” and “wrong.” Nobody would scold a lion for scratching his paws over a stretch of dry grass in the Serengeti.
As a result, cats aren’t conscious of the fact that roughing up some drapes (or your couch or carpets) is considered an offense in polite society.
“Regardless of age, gender, breed, and whether they have been fixed, your cat is simply behaving normally,” shares Dr. Carlo Siracusa, clinical assistant professor in behavior medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
What’s with Cats and Curtains?
Curtains satisfy so many needs for cats. So why do cats scratch up and climb curtains?
First, they provide a material that cats can sink their claws into. They also provide a vertical space to climb. In nature, cats are attracted to elevated spaces and are constantly climbing high trees to survey the land, spot prey and have some playful fun.
What Are the Best Curtains for Cat Owners?
When looking for the best curtains for a house with cats, think of the material.
Some materials discourage cat scratching and climbing a little more than others. Here’s the rundown of fabrics to focus on when shopping for the best cat proof curtains:
Microfiber
A durable and claw-resistant fabric, microfiber is too smooth to be attractive to most cats. It’s also durable enough to hold up against cat attacks. And it’s affordable enough, plus can look quite nice. Microfiber cleans quite easily and isn’t a fur magnet, either!
Linen
Linen’s density makes it hard for cats to get their claws to destroy. As a heavy fabric, it’s also very tough. So if your cat is going to scratch anyway, linen might a good choice to withstand it.
Cotton
Most cotton curtains aren’t rough enough to be fun to scratch. Be sure to get a thick cotton material! Like linen though, cotton is affordable, washable, and easy to replace.
Velvet
As cat curtains, the flat characteristics of velvet and its tight weave aren’t satisfying for many cats. It doesn’t adequately catch on their nails.
We’ve all purchased scratching posts or toys for Fluffy made of cardboard or sisal, and they just ignore it, preferring your carpet instead. That’s kind of how velvet goes – just not interesting.
Blackout Curtains
The thickness of blackout curtains makes it harder for cats to make punctures with their claws. They may also be intimidated by the bulk.
Window Treatments to Avoid
We looked at the best curtains for a house with cats. But other window treatments are practically inviting cats to climb on them. Here’s a look at the window coverings to avoid with cats.
Mini Blinds
Blinds are extremely interesting to cats. While the worry that your cat will harm your blinds is enough to keep these off your list, there’s actually another worry. Cats can easily get tangled up in blinds. That could spell trouble if it happens when you’re not there to intervene.
Lace or Silk
Soft and delicate, silk and lace cat curtains can be shredded by cats with a single swipe of the claw. Definitely not cat scratch proof curtain material.
Bamboo
The woven nature of bamboo shades makes it easy for cats to attach their claws. Your cat will likely make the rough surface of your bamboo window covering her favorite impromptu scratching post.
Once your cat knows how good it feels, she’ll keep going back for more until your curtain is no more.
Are you destined to have naked windows if you have a cat? Not necessarily. Next, let’s talk about how to shut the door on your cat’s window antics.
How Do I Get My Cat to Stop Clawing My Curtains?
As I covered, scratching is instinctual and necessary for cats. You can’t convince your cat that it’s a bad idea to scratch. You can only help direct them to a better scratching place.
Proper Scratching Outlets
Redirection is your most powerful tool. If your cat loves to climb and scratch, provide a cat tree or scratching post.
Check out my reviews of the best cat trees and posts for all cat preferences if you need help picking out a good one. Look for one with plenty of sisal rope built into the body if your cat is a big scratcher.
You should also make sure your cat has plenty of interesting toys with textures she can sink her claws into. It’s all about creating positive outlets for climbing and scratching to divert attention away from your precious curtains.
Trim Nails
You can also reduce the impact of curtain shenanigans simply by trimming your cat’s nails regularly. If you have a kitten climbing up curtains, it’s even more important to trim their claws and them used to this regular activity.
With trimmed nails, your cat is less likely to accidentally puncture your skin or anything fragile like an air mattress or exercise ball while creating havoc throughout the day.
Do Not Punish!
Ignore any advice to “punish” your cat for attacking curtains, climbing curtains or anything else.
It’s upsetting to hear about people spraying their cats in the face with water to deter them from a behavior. You may even see others telling you to set up falling curtain rods to teach your cat a lesson.
I highly discourage traumatizing your cat or kitten to get her to stop climbing your curtains. Providing alternative outlets is a much better option for caring, responsible cat owners.
Other Cat Proof Window Treatments
What if you just cannot get your cat to stop attacking your curtains? There is life beyond curtains! Look for alternatives that aren’t flowy and tempting. Here’s my roundup of some alternative best cat proof window treatments.
Wood Shutters
Strong and stable, wood shutters don’t provide anything for your cat to cling to when they’re bored. The smooth, slick surface is also not satisfying to scratch.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are safer than horizontal blinds because your cat can’t get her head stuck between the slats. The harder materials also are not as a fur magnet.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are safer than blinds because you don’t have to worry about multiple parts where your cat can get her head stuck. You’re also eliminating the thrill of pawing at moving slats.
Roller Shades
Rollers shades offer many of the same benefits of Roman shades with the added benefit of being very affordable. A great cat scratch proof curtain alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Proof Curtains
What can you spray on curtains to keep cats off?
Cats are actually very sensitive to scents. Lots of people online recommend spraying citrus oils like lemon and orange on objects to keep cats away.
The problem with that is that many essential oils are toxic to cats. That includes orange, lemon, lime, bergamot, grapefruit and tangerine.
This applies whether they breathe them in, ingest them or get them on their skin. While some people suggest things like garlic and cayenne pepper, you might not want to choose odors that are irritating for your cat. It’s best to offer alternative scratching areas instead!
Do cats destroy curtains?
Cats have natural instincts to claw and climb! They aren’t doing this to make you upset. Your curtains simply offer the same sensations as climbing rough trees in the wild.
Yes, cats can rip up curtains if you don’t take measures to try to give them other outlets for scratching and climbing. Never punish a cat for destroying curtains!
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
