5 Best Cat Window Screens & Guards

When we first got our cat, Whisky, we lived in a 2nd floor flat.

One sunny Sunday afternoon I had a nap on the sofa with the window open, when I woke Whisky was nowhere to be seen.

I eventually found her downstairs outside the front door with a nasty limp!

A window screen would have saved her a dangerous fall.

Here are some of the best:

If you live in a flat or apartment that is dangerously high but you want to be able to let some fresh air in from time to time without worrying about your cat then you need a cat window screen

1. NeatiEase Magnetic Screen

The NeatiEase magnetic screen is one of our top choices for two main reasons:

It’s durable – once installed even the biggest, most persistent of cats isn’t going to be able to get through it.

It’s magnetic – many cat window screens use velcro rather than magnets for fastening. While velcro is an effective fastener the problem with it is that cat hair easily gets stuck to it and is very hard to remove even with a vacuum cleaner. The only way to get cat hair off velcro is to manually pluck it out by hand.

So this reason alone makes this window guard a good choice.

It is available in the following sizes:

• 100cm x 130cm
• 130cm x 150cm 
• 150cm x 180cm 

Be aware that the installation process is a bit of a time-consuming fiddle (click the product link and swipe through the images to see a video of how to fit it) so if you’re looking for something quick and easy to install this may not be the best choice.

2. Handmade Flat Cats Window Screens

This cat window screen is handmade by Dominic, the owner of the Etsy store FlatCatsWindows.

This is incredibly easy to install as Dominic will cut the mesh to precisely fit your window so all you need to do is stick the velcro onto your window frame and it’s ready to go!

The screens are made from PVC coated fiberglass mesh which is highly resistant to cat claws and bites.

So if you’re looking for something that is simple, highly effective and very easy to install then this cat window screen is a great choice.

3. PiuPet® Cat Safety Net

The PiuPet Safety net is made from durable UV & weather-resistant nylon threads which are tear-resistant and chew resistant (however if chewing is a serious problem for your cat we recommend you spray the net with an anti-chew spray just to be safe).

The nylon is see through so it won’t obstruct your view.

It is available in 2 sizes:

• 4m x 3m
• 8m x 3m

With the larger size being perfect for large balconies.

It comes with a 25m fastening rope, 20 hooks and dowel rods to secure the net to.

4. Kerbl Cat Safety Net

The Kerbl cat safety net is available in 3 different sizes:

• 2m x 3m
• 4m x 3m
• 6m x 3m

It is weather resistant and UV resistant.

The larger-sized nets can be installed on balconies or doors if needed, and because of its weather & UV resistance, you don’t need to worry about it being damaged by being outside.

Be aware that as with all nets your cat could eventually chew through it if they are persistent! If your cat is a committed chewer then we recommend you spray the net with an anti-chew spray to prevent this from happening.

5. PAWISE Protection Net

The Pawise window guard is a good budget solution for anyone looking to secure a small window.

It is made from transparent nylon thread (giving you an unobstructed view) which has high weather and UV resistance as well as tear resistance.

It is available in 3 sizes:

• 400cm x 300cm
• 600cm x 300cm
• 800cm x 300cm

It comes with a money-back guarantee, so if your cat instantly manages to break through it you can get a refund.

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Why Use A Cat Window Screen?

The main reason why anyone would use a cat window screen is to prevent your cat from falling from a high window.

As I mentioned in the introduction our own cat fell two floors from a window, thankfully she lived to tell the tale with just a minor limp.

While cats are adept at falling from great heights there is always a risk of injury or even death, a window screen will allow you to open your window without having to fear for your cat’s life.

Window screens can also be used on balconies and doors.

If you live in a house and have an indoor cat that you want to keep inside at all times, then a large window screen can be adapted to cover a door too so that you can enjoy some fresh air without having to worry about your cat running off.

Cat window screens can also be used to keep bugs out of your home, keep pigeons off your balcony, keep stray cats out and more.

Features To Consider

Type of material

Window guards come as either net or mesh materials.

Mesh has far bigger holes (3cm x 3cm) and is easier for cats to chew and claw at. While most nets are durable enough to withstand a bit of chewing there are plenty of reports of cats having managed to successfully chew through one.

So if your cat is prone to chewing things then a mesh would be preferable.

Mesh is a tight grid which is inpenetrable not only to cats but also to insects.

Fittings

Window guards fit in many different ways.

Some use velcro, some use magnets, some use hooks.

Hooks are most commonly used on window nets whcih are designed to be used on balconies.

The problem with hooks is that if you space them too far apart your cat can often squeeze through the gaps rendering the net useless!

So if you are considering buying a net with a hook fastening system ensure that you take your time fitting it and get the hooks sufficiently close together to prevent any escapes.

How To Measure Your Window For A Screen

Some cat window guards come made to measure, others don’t and require you to cut it to size yourself.

If you buy a made-to-measure one then you will of course need to measure up your window to ensure that the net you recieve is a good fit.

The measurements you will need to take are:

1. The height of your window including the frame.
2. The height of the window not including the frame (just the glass).
3. The width of your window including the frame.
4. The width of the window not including the frame (just the glass).
5. The width of your window frame, if your window frame varies in width on different sides then you should measure each side and send these too.