My kitten is scratching the curtains – will it stop?

A tiny fluffy ball of fur at home brings joy - but also a real challenge for your curtains.

Many new cat owners ask: “Will this pass on its own? Will my cat grow up and stop climbing the curtains?”
The answer isn’t that simple. Some cats settle down with age, while others remain curious, jumpy, and... always eager to test their claws on fabric.

Why do cats love curtains so much?

Cats aren’t “bad” — they’re simply following their instincts.

The urge to climb. In the wild, cats hunt, observe prey from above, and escape danger by climbing trees. Even domestic kittens inherit this need. A curtain is like a “soft tree” — easy to grip and even swing on.

Movement attracts them. A hanging, gently swaying curtain looks like prey in a cat’s eyes — especially when sunlight casts shadows or a breeze makes it flutter. Cats love to stalk and “hunt” moving objects.

Boredom and excess energy. Without enough stimulation — toys, attention, climbing spots — curtains become the cat’s version of “going outside.” Climbing, jumping, and hunting are how they burn off energy.

Stress or change. Sometimes scratching is linked to stress — a new family member, a different litter box, or noisy neighbors. Climbing curtains can be a way for the cat to feel safer and regain control.

Do adult cats stop climbing curtains?

Yes - often, but not always.

Kittens are like children: curious, impatient, and full of energy. Most of them naturally calm down over time, especially if they’re played with regularly and have enough physical activity and attention.

But there are exceptions:

Some cats remain highly active their entire lives. This is especially common in breeds with strong hunting instincts (such as Bengals, Abyssinians, or Savannah cats). Others, like British Shorthairs, tend to have a more relaxed lifestyle.

If a cat doesn’t get enough playtime, she may see the curtains as her personal playground.

Cats that learned to climb early on - and were never discouraged - are more likely to continue doing it even as adults.

What does this behavior depend on?

1. Genetics and breed
Some cats inherit high energy levels and a strong urge to climb. If your cat is a mixed “street breed” or has distinct features (long legs, a lean body, muscular build), chances are they love height and movement.

2. Environment
The key question: does your cat have a proper outlet for their energy?
Do you have scratching posts at home? Are there elevated spots like shelves, windowsills, or cat trees? Do you play with your cat for at least 10-15 minutes every day?

A cat’s behavior is closely tied to how much stimulation and routine they have. Bored cats will invent their own entertainment - and unfortunately, that often means things you won’t like.

3. Training
Cats aren’t dogs, but they still learn through repetition and consequences. If scratching always gets a reaction (even a negative one), it can become a form of attention-seeking. But if you redirect them to a toy or scratching post instead, they’ll gradually learn to change the behavior.

4. Curtain fabric and how it’s hung
Thin, soft, wavy, and easily moving curtains are a cat’s dream. But heavy, stiff fabrics are less attractive. It also matters how the curtains are installed - are they floor-length and accessible, or short and hard to reach?

How to keep your curtains safe?

Here are some practical tips.

Offer alternatives:

  • A sturdy scratching post near the window.

  • A tall cat tree or wall-mounted shelves.

  • A “cat balcony” or perch on the windowsill.

Make curtains less attractive:

  • Hang them in a way that makes it hard to swing or climb.

  • Choose fabrics cats dislike - rougher or stiffer materials.

Redirect with play:

  • Use feather toys, balls, or even something simple like a bottle cap.

  • Some cats go crazy for crinkled candy wrappers.

  • Play with your cat in the evening - it helps them stay calm at night.

Try scratch-resistant curtains

This can be a stylish and practical solution, specially designed for cat households.

Buy curtains

Cat + Curtains = A Possible Friendship

While it may seem like kittens and curtains are sworn enemies, it’s often just a temporary phase — or a problem with a solution.
You don’t have to choose between a beautiful interior and a beloved pet.
What matters is understanding your cat’s behavior, offering the right alternatives, and applying smart solutions that help create a harmonious home for both humans and animals.