Life can be exhausting, and animals need just as much rest as humans do. Whether you have a rabbit, gerbil, hamster, or cat, there are two things you should consider when buying window treatments: are my blinds or shades pet-proof and are they helping my pet rest better. Because absolutely nothing is worse than a grumpy cat.
Snuggle up with your furry friend and a comfy blanket, because we're sharing paw-sibly the best window treatment guide for animals that go bump in the night.
Blackout Shades & Room Darkening Shades
When choosing between blackout and room-darkening shades, you'll need to ask yourself a couple of questions first: is my pet a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper?
The key to restful sleep for rambunctious pets who are up all night is blackout shades. Blackout shades will completely block out any light trying to enter a room.
If they're a light sleeper, a light-filtering shade may be a better option. The thinner fabric allows some light to pass through. Room-darkening shades block about 95% of light entering a room.
Pictured: Premium Blackout Roller Shades in Rainier Snowfall. Photo via @abeautifulmess.
Faux Wood Blinds
Faux Wood Blinds are durable and come with a cordless lift option, which is what you should look for when you have a critter roaming around at night looking to get into things.
To avoid any faux-paws, we recommend a wider slat size for Faux Wood Blinds, like 2.5 inches, so it's easier for your pet to peek through.
Pictured: 2 inch Classic Faux Wood Blinds in Antique White. Photo via @sumgoodstuff.
Roller Shades
Aside from being one of the easiest window treatments to clean, roller shades are available in a cordless lift upgrade, which is ideal for pets.
There's no dangling cord tempting them to get into mischief. Plus their sleek, modern design, available in blackout or light filtering, is an added bonus.
Pictured: Premium Blackout Roller Shades in Charlotte Iron. Photo via @chrislovesjulia.
Vertical Blinds
As many of us know, pets are inquisitive by nature. They are constantly wanting to see what's happening outside.
In order to protect your sliding glass doors from the wrath of your pet's claws, vertical blinds are a must.
Premium Vinyl Vertical Blinds in Linen Pure White.
What Window Treatments to Avoid
There are some window treatments you'll probably want to steer clear of if your hamster, gerbil, or cat might mistake them for their new toy.
To avoid any cat-astrophes, you may want to skip Cellular Shades. Pet's claws can easily get stuck in the fabric and create tears in the shade.
Although they're gorgeous to look at, Woven Wood Shades are not the best option when you have pets with claws. Cats can use them as a scratching post, and let's just say things can get ugly.
Pictured: Woven Wood Shades in Antigua Natural. Photo via @astinmin_.
Pictured: Woven Wood Shades in Capri Ivory.
April Fool's Day
On April Fool's Day, whether you're purr-chasing pet-friendly blinds or pranking your friends, Blinds.com is here for you! Be sure to follow us on Instagram or Pinterest for window inspiration or check out the blogs below for more pet-friendly suggestions.
More Pet Inspiration
Help Your Hamster Sleep Better With These Blinds and Shades