The 5 Best Cat Window Guards and Screens

Cats are naturally attracted to windows. They love basking in the sun, taking in all the sniffs from the outdoors, and chattering at birds off in the distance. Open windows allow for fresh air to enter your home, which is purifying, especially after you’ve been cooped up through the winter months. If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably set up a perch where your cat can enjoy the outdoors and get some good naps in.

The problem with most traditional window screens is that they’re not cat-proof. This means that when your cat’s natural hunting instinct takes over, a single lunge could push it out, scratches could render it useless, and you would be left frantically searching for your fur baby. A lost pet is a nightmare no cat owner ever wants to endure. To ensure that your cat is able to enjoy the outdoors safely from inside your home and that you’re able to enjoy fresh air, you need a solid cat window guard or screen.

There are several different types of products that you can select from depending on your needs. You may want to replace your screen altogether or just add some reinforcement to it, to make sure your cat stays on the inside and isn’t able to venture outdoors. You may also have a balcony or even a screened-in porch that you’d like to further reinforce so your cat can enjoy summer barbecues along with you.

Cats deserve to feel close to nature, but we know you want to make sure your little feline companion is always protected. Below, we highlight some of the best cat window guards and screens and give you a short summary of what makes each product great. We explain how you can choose the right cat window screen and why you absolutely need one if you have indoor cats. We break down each style with a pros and cons list and answer some of your frequently asked questions as well. You expressed interest in cat window guards and screens and we are more than happy to deliver!

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Cat Window Guards and Screens

#1 Best Overall: DocaScreen Pet Screen

Our number one pick is the DocaScreen Pet Screen. This screen is available in different sizes ranging from 72” x 96” up to 48” x 100’’. It’s designed to be tear and scratch-resistant. It’s long-lasting, made with vinyl-coated polyester material, and is a lot stronger and more elastic than traditional fiberglass screens. The 15 x 10 (per square inch) weave provides outward transparency and keeps out any outdoor bugs. It works both ways so if you have curious squirrels and raccoons in your area, they will not be able to get through this screen.

The material is anti-wrinkle and ultra-flexible, which makes it easy to install. You won’t be able to crinkle, dent, or crease it. Plus, it’s a lot easier to work with than metal screens like aluminum. Use it anywhere you’d like to keep your cat indoors and keep pests outdoors. It’s designed so that you can let in some fresh air, enjoy your summer nights, and keep your pets protected. Keep in mind that this is a thicker pet screen material than what you may be used to, so it does require that you install it with a smaller spline.

This pet screen is optimally designed so that you can block damaging sun rays, protect your home from insects, and keep extra strength protection on your windows so your indoor cat can remain securely indoors, no matter how curious or persistent she gets. Use it anywhere you need the extra protection, from windows to sliding doors and screened-in porches. You don’t have to be a contractor or experienced with installation to get this set up in your home. You do, however, get professional quality, durability, and performance at an affordable price.

One reviewer installed this screen because he has two cats that love to climb his screen door. Immediately after installation, his cats went straight to their regular activities and climbed up. At first, he was livid. He noticed that their claws had created little openings on the screen. However, within seconds, those holes slowly came back together. He describes the mesh much like the mesh wires on a tennis racket. You can spread them apart but then they just go back to their original positions. He did mention that it’s really thick and really stiff, nothing like regular screens he’s worked with before. He was able to install this with his spouse and is convinced he will never use any other type of screen again.

Some reviewers reported a variety of defects with individual rolls. We recommend that you read the reviews carefully to ensure that you understand potential issues.

Pros and Cons of DocaScreen Pet Screen

Best Overall

DocaScreen 60” x 96" Pet Proof Screen

• Available in several sizes
• Tear and scratch-resistant
• Durable vinyl-coated polyester
• Provides outward transparency and keeps insects out
• Raccoons and squirrels cannot penetrate this screen

Check Amazon

2. Best Budget-Friendly: FLYZZZ Adjustable Window Screen

The FLYZZZ Adjustable Window Screen comes in several different sizes. You can select between one pack and up to five packs per purchase. Each has a white aluminum frame and a dark gray fiberglass mesh screen. It’s compatible with different types of materials like wood, metal, or vinyl. The width is adjustable from approximately 14 to 24 inches. The beauty of this adjustable window screen is that you don’t need to use any tools or fasteners to install it. It arrives completely assembled, so all you have to do is install it and adjust the width.

The material of the mesh is high-density fiberglass which offers strength and durability while also keeping your room bright. You can let in plenty of fresh air, secure your windows, and let your kitty enjoy the outdoors from a safe distance. Before purchasing just make sure that you carefully measure your window size and the window slot size. This way, you can select the appropriate size from the available options.

You can adjust this window screen to open horizontally or vertically. One reviewer loves letting fresh air in, especially in the evenings, and never realized her need for window screens until several kittens came into her life. She lives on the first story of her apartment building and she knew she could use the help of a pet screen. She found installation easy. She just pulled them open to the length of her windows, set them behind the outer grooves on the sides of the window, and then went ahead and pulled them down to hold the new window screen in place. Just like that, problem solved!

Negative reviews were extremely varied, so we suggest that you read them to get a clear picture of potential issues.

Pros and Cons of the FLYZZZ Adjustable Window Screen

Best Budget-Friendly

FLYZZZ Adjustable Window Screen 2 Pack

• Available from 1 to 5 pieces per pack
• Features a white aluminum frame and dark grey fiberglass mesh screen
• Arrives assembled
• No tools are required for installation
• The mesh allows airflow while keeping your cat safely inside

Check Amazon

3. Best for Kittens: TOOLTRIZ Pet Proof Window Screen Replacement

TOOLTRIZ Pet Proof Window Screen Replacement is available in sizes between 39” x 100” up to 60” x 100”. It’s heavy-duty, made with thick charcoal fiberglass mesh. It’s designed to be more durable than the regular fiberglass screen mesh that you probably already have at home. The thick charcoal black mesh keeps your kitty from damaging it and also keeps outside critters from invading your home. Meanwhile, you get plenty of fresh air and there is a lot of sunshine that gets through.

Because it comes in different sizes, you can use it for different parts of your home. Select a size that fits your windows and if you have a screen door, you can also update the screens with this much thicker and more durable mesh screen. The screen is designed so that it doesn’t wrinkle easily. It’s resistant to those super tiny yet incredibly sharp claws that cats have. If your cat is a climber, you can let her climb her little heart out and trust that this pet-proof window screen can withstand her little claws and body weight.

One reviewer has a home filled with “crazy cats.” A week in and her cats have made their best attempts to get through the new mesh window screens. She says installation was easy though if you could get a second pair of hands to help you, she suggests you do that because she feels the results would be a little better and the process would take less time. She plans to replace all 12 of her windows and her one sliding door. When the original product arrived, she did notice a few creases but over the course of a week, they disappeared.

Several reviewers reported that the screen was wrinkled or creased because it didn’t come on a roll.

Pros and Cons of TOOLTRIZ Pet Proof Window Screen Replacement

Best for Kittens

Pet Proof Window Screen Replacement Kit

• Constructed from heavy-duty charcoal fiberglass mesh
• Keeps your kitten or cat safely inside
• Allows sun and air to flow through freely
• Prevents outdoor critters from getting in
• Available in a variety of sizes

Check Amazon

4. Best Eco-Friendly: Safety 1st Eco-Friendly Nature Next Bamboo Gate

The Safety 1st Eco-Friendly Nature Next Bamboo Gate can double as a window guard. It has a customizable width, much like the adjustable screen we highlighted above but it features a durable bamboo frame along with some recycled plastic panels. It’s also equipped with non-marring bumpers so that you can protect any of your woodwork from scratches and dings. Because this is pressure mounted, you don’t need any tools or special hardware to install it. Set it up in window or sliding door areas to provide additional protection whenever and wherever you need it.

It’s perfect for openings anywhere from 28″ up to 42″ wide and provides a barrier that is 24″ tall. This isn’t a conventional design, but it works so well that we had to highlight it. One reviewer used these in a doorway leading outside. She used three gates stacked on top of one another to create a safe and sturdy barrier. Her cats are able to enjoy plenty of outdoor sniffs and sounds but they remain safe behind the gates. She highly recommends these and loves that they’re portable since she can use them even when vacationing with her fur babies.

Several reviewers complained that these screens have to be uninstalled and reinstalled since they don’t open and closed.

Pros and Cons of the Safety 1st Eco-Friendly Nature Next Bamboo Gate

Best Eco-Friendly

Safety 1st Nature Next Bamboo Pet Gate

• This safety gate also functions as a window guard
• Features a durable bamboo frame with recycled plastic panels
• Bumpers protect your woodwork from being marred by the frame
• No tools or hardware are required for installation
• Because they're pressure-mounted, you can take them with you when you travel

Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Best for Maximum Visibility: PAWISE Cat Safety Net

The PAWISE Cat Safety Net is perfect for windows and balconies to make sure that your cat is always safe, especially when she’s enjoying a bit of fresh air in a high space. The netting is made with extra sturdy nylon threads, which provide your pet with maximum safety. Because the netting is larger than your typical screen, it offers high visibility and an optimal view. It’s not easy to detect, even from the outside, which means that it doesn’t affect the overall aesthetic of your home.

The material is a high-quality nylon braided rope that’s hand-tightened and provides a long service life. It comes in different sizes, and you can cut it to customize it to the space you need. Nails are included in the package, and you can affix the netting to your window or balcony with a hammer. One reviewer was looking for a product that allowed the most visibility. She used this on her balcony, noted that installation was fairly easy, and now feels relieved whenever her cats are out there enjoying the fresh air.

A couple of reviewers said that this item was missing pieces. A few reported that it was difficult to install.

Pros and Cons of the PAWISE Cat Safety Net

Best for Maximum Visibility

PAWISE Cat Safety Net

• Constructed from extra-sturdy nylon threads to ensure your cat's safety
• The netting is larger than typical screens, so it offers high visibility
• Made from hand-tightened braided nylon rope for durability
• Available in a variety of sizes and you can cut it to customize it as well
• Nails included; hammer required for installation

Check Amazon

How to Choose the Right Cat Window Guards and Screens

Sometimes, when selecting a product, you’re making a choice between manufacturers. In this case, you’re making a choice between the different types of cat window guards and screens. Below, we highlight the factors to consider when choosing the right product for your home.

Type

The type of window screen or guard that you select is dependent on your home environment. If your window has no screen or a traditional screen, then you’ll likely want a tight net that doesn’t just keep the bugs out but also stays intact, even when your cat tries to scratch at it. The minor issue with this type of screen is at the material is thicker to withstand your cat’s claws, which means less sunlight will flood into your home.

Another option you have is netting, which is perfect for use on a porch or balcony. This is much wider netting that keeps your cat in a protected space and lets a lot of sunshine through. Your cat has more visibility with this type of netting. The caveat, however, is that the spacing in the netting is big enough to let outdoor bugs fly in. Sometimes, you just need a window guard. This is a great alternative to both screens and netting, and you can move it to whichever window you may have open that day. These are typically used in conjunction with a regular screen.

Materials

The materials are also of high importance because some cats may be more drawn to biting and chewing than scratching. If this sounds like your cat, the netting may not be a great option because your cat might take to it with her teeth. If she’s able to break through, then that would render the netting obsolete. However, if your cat is more of a scratcher or doesn’t mind staying indoors, then the netting just adds a layer of protection for when your cat wants to lay out on the porch.

A window guard might be the most durable option and it’s important to consider what materials it might be made out of. Some of them are made with metal or wood. We highlighted an eco-friendly version with an aesthetic appeal. These are typically heavier options that may feel too bulky for some homes. However, materials are something you should consider.

Cost

Cost is always an important factor when deciding on any new product. We selected a wide variety of options with different price points. We even highlighted a budget-friendly option so that you have protections in place even when your wallet is feeling tighter than usual.

Why You Need a Cat-Proof Window Screen

You need a cat proof window screen because traditional window screens are designed for a specific purpose and that’s to keep bugs out. The screens are not strong enough to keep a curious cat inside. If you’ve noticed that your cat is scratching at the screen, stretching it out, and making holes, you know it’s just a matter of time before she gets through to the outside. It’s not just that cats can claw through screens either. Cats can also put pressure on your window screen and pop it out of place. This leaves them completely vulnerable to the outdoors and puts you in a high-stress position if you come home and your cat is nowhere to be found.

Screens are an attractive playground, especially for kittens. If you have kittens at home, you know they love to climb. Whether you’re making dinner and you find a little furball climbing up your pants or you look over and your kitten has made it halfway up your window or drapes, you know that they can be super mischievous — you also know that a lot can happen in very little time. Cats are curious creatures and of course, they’re tempted to go outside. The way you can protect them from predators they might encounter outdoors is to set up your home with cat-proof window guards and screens.

How to Keep Your Cat Indoors

Some cats really love their indoor lifestyle. However, other cats may be constantly looking for a way to escape to the outdoors. There are several actions you can take to keep your cat inside, aside from being ultra-careful every time you open a window or door. For example, you can use double-sided tape as a deterrent for your cat. Simply adhere it to your windowsill and when your cat attempts to jump on it, she’ll feel that awkward stickiness and refuse to be bothered with it. This is usually a relatively cheap solution but if your cat doesn’t mind a sticky paw, it may not be as effective.

Another option you have is to reinforce your existing window screens. This will at least prevent your cat from pushing the screen out of place, but it doesn’t do anything for the screen itself because your cat may still be able to scratch through it. When you’re not even sure exactly what to do, you may just opt for keeping the window closed or blocking access to the window. However, that’s no way to live. You need vitamin D from the sunlight, and you need some fresh air in your home.

Therefore, your best bet is to pick up a cat window screen or guard to make sure that you and your kitty can enjoy a taste of the outdoors without the dangers that exist, especially if you live in an area with a lot of predators. Although there is an initial investment up front, you cannot put a price on the safety of your kitty.

Pros and Cons

Cat Window Screen Replacement

Cat Window Bamboo Gate

Cat Window Safety Net