Finding the right window blind for your home all comes down to your individual requirements. And, one of the first places we recommend looking is at the people who spend the most time there. If you’re a family of animal lovers or simply have a beloved pet who frequents your home, you’ll need to take them into consideration too. This blog post will look at the best pet-friendly window blinds and how you can prevent dogs and cats causing damage to your blinds.
Why is it important to choose the right blinds for pets?
It may seem like an unusual concept – taking your pets into consideration alongside interior design. However, with over 12 million people in the UK (44%) of UK households having a pet, it makes sense that they should also be considered. There are a number of reasons why the right window covering could benefit the whole family. These include:
- Damage – Everyone expects a bit of damage when bringing a new puppy or kitten into the home. There has to be a period of time where boundaries are established and your new pet learns wrong from right. However, damaged window blinds aren’t just confined to younger animals. Many dogs and cats can scratch or chew through soft furnishings due to stress, anxiety or simply for play.
- Anxiety – Some animals are more strongly impacted by things like light, busy environments or noise. The right window dressing can help minimise this exposure and bring a sense of calm to your home.
- Safety – Primarily seen with curtains, many animals snuggle into smaller areas to make themselves feel safe and secure. However cute this can be, it also puts your window dressings under stress, causing damage and expensive replacement costs.
What are the main safety issues concerning window blinds and animals?
One of the biggest hazards in your home and one of the first things we will discuss here are cords. Traditional window blinds are adjusted using a pull cord mechanism. You’ve probably all seen them before. However practical these are, they pose a significant risk to both young children and animals. They can become entangled in the dangling cords – a situation that can cause suffocation and significant burn injuries. A study found that nearly 17000 young children were hurt by window blinds between 1990 and 2015. This puts them high up on the list of household hazards that can be found today.
We will talk about roller blinds in this blog. However, before we do, we would like to highlight the importance of storing blind cords. There are a number of child-safe blind devices available on the market for as little at £1.50 that allow you to wrap and store cords safely. We recommend wrapping up your blinds every time you make an adjustment. And, pay particular attention overnight where animals will roam freely. Alternatively, there are a number of Cordless Blind designs available that do away with the pull cord altogether. Whatever you choose, remember that safety is the number 1 consideration to make.
What are the best styles of window blind and why?
Roller Blinds
Let’s start with the classic option – roller blinds. With no gaps between slats, there is a minimise chance that animals can hurt themselves while exploring. Many of the options available today have a smooth finish which won’t clutch on to dog or cat hair easily. And, there are 100% waterproof options that can be wiped clean, allowing you to remove cat licks or dirt quickly. If you have a pet with anxiety or issues in busy environments, blackout roller blinds allow you to create a cave-like environment. This blocks our distractions while making them feel secure at all times.
Wooden Blinds
If you keep finding your cat or dog attempting to climb your window dressings, consider wooden blinds. They are tough and durable, giving a strength that aluminium blinds don’t. If you choose wooden blinds with larger slats, cats will be less likely to attempt to force themselves in-between to see outside. And, the durable surface can be dusted easily without holding on to animal-related dirt. Opt for faux wood designs for waterproof and durability benefits too – perfect for the busy dog or cat owner.
Vertical Blinds
Unlike other designs, vertical blinds have slats that are really easy to move. This means cats and dogs won’t have to force themselves through to see the view. Again, they come in a variety of colours and styles. Opt for Rigid PVC styles for those rooms where pets find themselves exploring a lot. And stick with Plain designs instead of textured to ensure the surface is easy to clean and maintain.
My pet keeps chewing my blinds – is there a better option?
When it comes to chewing, this behaviour in dogs or cats is normally behavioural. It either related to anxiety, boredom or some other issue at home. The best way to prevent this form of damage to your window blinds is to address the issue with your pet first. You can install the most durable and hardwearing blind on the market but if a dog or cat wants to chew, it will chew.
Here at Shop4Blinds, we have a team of knowledgeable and helpful blind experts on hand to help with every enquiry. Get in contact today to find the perfect pet-friendly blind for your house.