Some pets like to sit on windowsills to gaze out over the garden or will jump up at windows when visitors arrive. Some pets are home during the day whilst their human companions are at work so need to have blinds to keep the environment cool during the summer.
Our pet’s behaviours, needs and safety should to be considered when installing a blind in a home with pets. We always want to reduce any risk of entanglement for the pet to prevent stress or injury to the animal. We also want to reduce the risk of breakage of the blind as it can be expensive to routinely have to replace your window coverings if you have boisterous pet.
Here is some general guidance to help you making your blind selection but do always take into consideration your specific animal’s personality, habits and requirements and get expert advice for your particular type/breed of pet if they have specific needs.
Birds
Birds can like sitting on window sills to gaze out. They enjoy perching on things and also chewing on things. We would advise a roller blind. This could be made in a wipeable PVC material and can be lowered to offer privacy but kept off the windowsill so that your bird can still use it as a perch.
Another option if you have UPVC double glazed windows is perfect fit roller blinds which keep the windowsill clear.
Dogs
If you have a dog that jumps up at a particular window we would advise against any type of venetian blind at that window as these will easily be damaged and your dog could get entangled in the slats and cords. If you do have venetians then consider keeping them raised out of the way when you are not home if your dog jumps up at the window in your absence.
Other blind options for you to consider are;
- PVC vertical blinds as these do not have stabilising chains across the bottom of the slats so your dog will not get caught up in them.
- Roller blinds as you can partially lower and leave a gap at the bottom for your dog to still see out of
- Roman blinds as you can partially lower and leave a gap at the bottom for your dog to still see out of
- Perfect fit roller blinds, for those with UPVC double glazed windows, as this keeps the windowsill free and the edges of the blind protected by the perfect fit frames.
Cats
Cats go where they like and many of them enjoy sunbathing and gazing out over their domain! Therefore, we recommend blinds that keep the window sill clear and can be partially lowered to allow your cat a view out. The ranges to consider are Roller blinds, Roman blinds or Perfect fit roller blinds, for those with UPVC double glazed windows.
Fish
Fish tanks can get overgrown with algae if they get too much sunlight we would therefore recommend a blind that blocks excess light if your tank is near the window. A blind that is made of a waterproof material may also be helpful to prevent blinds getting ruined during water changes. We would recommend a blackout roller in a PVC fabric.
In general we would advise you to opt for something robust and wipeable. This is especially helpful if you are introducing a new pet into the home and you are unsure how they will behave around your windows and window coverings.
If your home has south facing windows and your home gets very hot during the day when you may not be home to open windows and get a breeze going then you should look at blinds with solar reflective coatings to reduce as much of the sun’s heat getting through as possible so your pets stays comfortable during your absence. Many of our pleated and honeycomb blinds have these coatings to help keep your rooms cooler so these may be an option to consider. If possible during hot days leave your pet in the coolest room in the home or allow them access to more than one room so they can find the most comfortable spot to relax in.