Kitten Climbing Curtains and Furniture: How to Redirect and Protect

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A kitten that scales your curtains like a tiny mountaineer is not being naughty. It is following a very old instinct. Cats climb to survey territory, escape danger, hunt and exercise. The trick is to offer better climbing than your drapes.

Why kittens climb

• Instinct. Wild cats climb trees to rest, hunt and avoid predators.
• Exercise. Climbing builds muscles and coordination.
• View. Height gives a sense of security and a view of the territory. See why do cats like high places.
• Play. Curtains swing, rustle and sparkle in the light.
• Boredom. A kitten with little to do invents games.
• Attention. If climbing earns a reaction from you, it may repeat.

Offer better options

• Cat trees. Choose stable, tall trees with multiple levels, sisal posts and perches. Place them near windows. See how to choose a cat tree.
• Wall shelves and walkways. Allow climbing without taking floor space. See catification ideas for small spaces.
• Window perches. See cat window perches and bird feeders.
• Scratching posts and sisal poles. See how to choose a scratching post.
• Cardboard climbing towers.

Put the cat tree where the kitten wants to climb, such as beside the window or curtains.

Make curtains less appealing

• Tie them up out of reach, or use shorter curtains.
• Replace with blinds that have no dangling cords, or secure cords with cord wraps.
• Use double-sided tape on lower curtain areas, which many cats dislike.
• Install a curtain rod that is strongly mounted.
• Block access to windows, with furniture or a gate.

Do not use essential oil sprays, since some are toxic. See essential oils and cats.

Train the kitten

1. Encourage the cat tree. Use treats, toys and catnip, if the kitten is old enough. See is catnip safe for cats.
2. Reward climbing on it. Praise and treats when the kitten climbs it. See positive reinforcement for cats.
3. Interrupt gently. When the kitten starts on the curtain, say a calm no, lift it down, place it on the cat tree and reward. Be consistent.
4. Play near the tree. Dangle wand toys on the levels.
5. Give daily play. A tired kitten climbs less. See how to play with a kitten.

Do not shout, spray water or punish. See how to stop a cat scratching carpet for related training ideas.

Furniture and shelves

• Remove breakables from shelves.
• Anchor bookcases, tall cabinets and TVs to the wall. Kittens can topple them.
• Secure plants, and check that none are toxic. See cat safe houseplants.
• Clear countertops. See how to keep a cat off kitchen counters.
• Close doors to rooms that are not safe.

Safety first

• Windows and balconies: use secure screens and netting. High-rise syndrome, falls from windows, injures many cats.
• Cords: hide or cover electrical and blind cords.
• Fireplaces and stoves: guard them.
• Appliances: check dryers, washers and drawers.
• Ceiling fans: turn off when the kitten is loose.

See kitten proofing your home and cat proofing your home.

Falling and injury

Kittens usually land on their feet, but can still be hurt. If your kitten falls from a height, check for limping, bleeding, rapid breathing, pale gums or reluctance to move. Go to a vet if you notice any. See cat emergency warning signs.

Adolescence

Climbing peaks in the adolescent stage, from about four to nine months. Provide more outlets, and be patient.

Rewarding good climbing

When your kitten chooses the cat tree, make a fuss, give a treat and play with it up there. Over weeks, the tree becomes the best place to be. Add a favorite blanket on the top perch, and put the tree near a window with a view. If you have more than one cat, provide several heights so that each can find a spot.

Renting and small spaces

In a small flat, vertical space is gold. Use wall shelves, tall slim trees and window perches. Check landlord rules before drilling. See catification ideas for small spaces.

Training in the early weeks

Kittens learn the rules of a new home within days. If curtains are off limits from the start, and the cat tree is always available and rewarding, most never form the habit. If your kitten has already climbed curtains for weeks, expect a few weeks of consistent redirection. Do not give up, and make sure everyone in the house follows the same plan.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your kitten falls from a height or seems hurt. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.