Keep Pets From Scratching Windowsills With This Unattractive Yet Effective Pool Noodle Hack

When watching a squirrel or the birds go by, your dog or cat may be inclined to hop up on your windows. However, long nails, excitement, and jumping around can all lead to scratches, nicks, and other damage to the sill. Luckily, you can use a simple pool noodle hack, as demonstrated by House Digest, to help prevent pets from scratching windowsills. It doesn't look the best, but it'll keep those toes and claws from causing more trouble.

To try the hack yourself, pick up a few pool noodles at any store. Then, cut the noodle to the width of your window. A box cutter or other sharp knife is enough to easily pierce the material. Once the noodle is sized to fit, make an additional cut along its length. From there, attach the noodle directly to the windowsill. For deep or large-lipped windowsills, the pool noodle should stay put on its own. However, if you have a shallow or sloped windowsill, you'll want to add additional Velcro or other adhesives to secure it in place.

Pool noodles can be unsightly, so you likely won't want to utilize them long-term. Cardboard can be a substitute material. Additionally, you can paint it to better match the color of your walls or windowsill. Sill protectors that work similarly to contact paper can also be applied. They help create a protective barrier once you've fixed any damage. You can also apply cling-films on the window pane. This prevents your pet from looking outside and getting too excited when someone walks past.

A baby gate or X-pen is also a good option. They block your pet's access to the windowsill, which is useful if you're in the process of repairing it. In addition, placing furniture in front of the window can also give your pet a place to perch while still blocking access. Consider adding a deterrent, such as a chic DIY cat hammock or scratching post, next to the window. This can encourage pets to use those spots instead of causing damage. You can entice them to favor those alternatives with a few enriching toys or activities, like the lick mats all over TikTok.

Ultimately, figuring out why your pet is scratching the windowsill is best. Boredom, anxiety, lack of enrichment, or overstimulation from outside can all cause a pet to claw at things they shouldn't. You may want to look into ways to train your pet not to hop up. Extra enrichment activities can keep them occupied and tire them out. If you have a cat or dog that experiences separation anxiety when you leave the house, taking steps to reduce that anxiety can help foster more calm. Lastly, if you can't seem to figure out the cause, calling in a trainer is a good idea.