Cat people: window treatments?

[Becky]

DH and I are in the process of "freshening up" the living and dining rooms in our house (if only I could pick out a paint color!). When we moved in 8 years ago, we put up roman shades for privacy and light filtering (not actual darkness). Although I continue to love the look, they're really not the right choice for active people who have pets, an old house, and are not Martha Stewart. In particular, the cats have done a number on the ones that hang in their favorite windows as they push around them to gaze outside. I've considered faux wood blinds, but Auric has been known to go through a slatted blind, rather than around it. If he breaks an expensive blind, I will be forced to eat him.

Please give me your ideas for simply-styled, easy-to-clean, cat-resistant window treatments. Many thanks!

[Bethany1]

Not really sure I have an answer. In my huge front window I have sheer curtains in the middle with heavy curtains on the side. They move the heavy curtains out of the way to sit on the end tables to look out. I don't have window sills for them to actually sit in as the house wasn't designed that way but they love the side windows open and enjoy the breeze.

I have roller blinds in my bedroom which helps. I just roll them up and they can look out all day.

But if you are looking for shades that stay down all day to filter the light, I don't know of an easy answer.

[jessmarimba]

I have roller blinds on the windows they can't get to (no sills, or no nearby furniture). The rest either have nothing or heavy washable drapes. Blinds with any kinds of cords can't be used at my house!

[OakLeaf]

What about vertical blinds? I don't have cats, but any animal would be hard pressed to climb the inexpensive plastic vertical blinds that we have. They might bat the ends around, but no more than the wind does if we open the window without retracting the blinds.

[Becky]

Thanks for the feedback so far. I should add that we have radiators with large wooden covers under each window. The cats looooooooove to sit on the covers, warm their butts, and gaze outside. Because of the radiators, I'm leaning away from drapes.

Roller blinds might be an option. Any suggestions for quality blinds that clean up nicely?

[lph]

I can't help but think, every time I see this thread title, how much the sight of a cat improves any window

Sorry, that wasn't much help.