If you have pets, you are likely well aware of how hard they can be on window coverings. It can be especially frustrating if you love the look of blinds since cats and dogs both have a tendency to damage them. Dogs typically damage blinds by trying to force their way through to see out the window, whereas cats damage them both by looking through them and by sometimes biting on them. Fortunately, there are some blind options that may work well for you, especially if combined with a few pet-friendly usage strategies.

Blind Choices

The type of blinds that typically come to mind is mini-blinds, which are sometimes called Venetian blinds. These have thin horizontal slats that are usually made of thin plastic or aluminum. The strings can be easily snapped, the slats tend to bend and break, and cats seem to enjoy chewing on them. Instead of mini blinds, consider one of the following options.

Vertical blinds

Vertical blinds are exactly as they sound -- the slats hang down vertically instead of horizontally. The slats are typically made of plastic or vinyl, but there are fabric options that cats may be less prone to chewing. If you choose vertical blinds, make sure the style you pick out doesn't have a chain connecting them at the bottom. If it does, then dogs and cats may get tangled in it and damage the blinds or even injure themselves. Those with no bottom chain can be walked through with no damage to the blinds.

Plantation shutters

Although they are called shutters, the style is very much akin to blinds. Plantation shutters consist of a frame with horizontal slats fixed between the frame sides. The frames can be swung open, like shutters, so you have full access to the windows. The slats are also adjustable, so you can open and close them like normal blinds. Plantation shutters are typically made from wood, although there are also vinyl versions. Since the slats are fixed in place, they are difficult to damage.

Wood slats

Wood slat blinds are much like mini-blinds in design, the slats are just a thicker wood (and in some cases, thick vinyl). They are too thick and sturdy for a cat or dog to easily damage. They aren't as narrow as mini blinds, but they provide a similar look and feel. Due to their weight, the strings connecting them are also typically sturdier and more difficult for a pet to damage.

Damage Prevention Strategies

Choosing the right blinds isn't enough, you also need to practice a few strategies to prevent damage:

• Skip the hanging string. Choose blinds that are operated by a wand or have an enclosed string system. Not only does this prevent damage to the open/close mechanism, but it also prevents pet injury.
• Open blinds slightly. Keeping blinds pulled 1 or 2 inches above the window sill makes it so your pet can peek under the blinds without trying to force their way through them.
• Avoid placing furniture in front of the window. Many cats, and even some dogs, perch on the top of a chair or couch to more easily reach a window. By moving the furniture, they may not even be tempted by the blinds.

For more help in choosing the right blinds, contact a window blind installation service near you.