window screen security (and cats) August 30, 2009, 10:34:45 am Yahoo Message Number: 105370I've searched the archives, but couldn't find an answer. If you open any of the sliding windows the screen is easily slide open as well and there doesn't seem to be any built-in way to secure them. This is of concern because of our cats. Has anyone come up with a solution for this?Thanks, Richard
Re: window screen security (and cats) Reply #1 – August 30, 2009, 10:47:48 am Yahoo Message Number: 105372Richard, I can think of a few ways, without going out and looking at my LD . . . The screen slides within a channel, so you could block that channel to prevent the screen from sliding open. It might also be possible to place a clip on the edge of the channel. Could use some self stick Velcro, putting tabs on the screen and the frame at the edge (end) of the window. Then put a piece of Velcro across the tabs to lock the screen shut.etc.bumper Yonder Feline Free but miss my golden retrievers.
Re: window screen security (and cats) Reply #2 – August 30, 2009, 10:49:30 am Yahoo Message Number: 105373My own cat has never tried to open the screens, but I know that cats can be remarkably clever about such things, so an ounce of prevention may be a good idea if you suspect your cats of hatching escape plans. ;-) Just off the top of my head, it looks as if it would be pretty easy to mount a 1/2" or 3/4" 'L' bracket to the inside of the window frame, roughly in the middle of the window, in such a way that one leg blocked the screen from sliding.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: window screen security (and cats) Reply #3 – August 30, 2009, 02:59:44 pm Yahoo Message Number: 105382QuoteI've searched the archives, but couldn't find an answer. If you open any of the sliding windows the screen is easily slide open as well and there doesn't seem to be any built-in way to secure them. This is of concern because of our cats. Has anyone come up with a solution for this? I just added a photo album called 'cat-proofing', and put in pics of our solutions.Steve
Re: window screen security (and cats) Reply #4 – August 30, 2009, 04:17:34 pm Yahoo Message Number: 105386QuoteI just added a photo album called 'cat-proofing', and put in pics of our solutions.Steve Hi Steve, Where did you find the barrel catch (for lack of a better term) on the screen door?? I've got an older rig that needs a better latch for the screen. I've had grandkids and dogs fall out due to the roller latch I've had for 10 years, and a spring loaded J hook is a pain!!ThanksLisa and Blue
Re: window screen security (and cats) Reply #5 – August 30, 2009, 04:56:39 pm Yahoo Message Number: 105389wrote: I just added a photo album called 'cat-proofing', and put in pics of our solutions. --- Just a comment on "cat containment"...some cats will be deterred from escape by "locks" on the window screens and screen door (Steve apparently has mellow cats!), but some cats can and will shred the screen itself to get out; fiberglass screening is not particularly strong, and a determined cat can claw and rip a hole through a screen pretty quickly. I guess one just has to know the "I'm outta here" potential of one's cats and take whatever measures are necessary, e.g., pet screen, to keep them safely inside the motorhome. YMMV.Joan
Re: window screen security (and cats) Reply #6 – August 30, 2009, 04:58:36 pm Yahoo Message Number: 105390QuoteWhere did you find the barrel catch (for lack of a better term) on the screen door?? I've got an older rig that needs a better latch for the screen. I've had grandkids and dogs fall out due to the roller latch I've had for 10 years, and a spring loaded J hook is a pain!! At a guess, I'd say Home Depot, or possibly OSH. It turns out to be flimsier than I'd like, in that it has to be used with care to avoid popping apart. It does keep the screen closed fine for our cats, but the door itself is not that sturdy. Were a large dog or small child to fall against it, it would likely damage the door if it is latched this way.Steve
Re: window screen security (and cats) Reply #7 – August 30, 2009, 08:48:05 pm Yahoo Message Number: 105401On Aug 30, 2009, at 4:56 PM, jctaylor1941 wrote: Quote... some cats can and will shred the screen itself to get out; fiberglass screening is not particularly strong, and a determined cat can claw and rip a hole through a screen pretty quickly. I have a studly 16-pounder that can smell the outdoors as soon as a window is cracked and is *right there.* But contrary to popular opinion, cats can be trained; Sambo has given up on windows as escape routes and now just prays I forget to "roll" the cab window up.Window screen hold 'em: cheap, simple, ugly, but it works: an 18" strip of clear 3M package tape. When applied half on the screen, half on the frame, screen is "locked" into place. The side door escape route is still vulnerable. So thanks Steve, for the lock idea -- something even I could probably do!!Lorna Christiansburg, VA
Re: window screen security (and cats) Reply #8 – August 30, 2009, 09:07:50 pm Yahoo Message Number: 105403Quote Richard, I can think of a few ways, without going out and looking at my LD . . . The screen slides within a channel, so you could block that channel to prevent the screen from sliding open. Maybe something like a welding rod or a heavy gauge wire? The channels are very narrow.Quote It might also be possible to place a clip on the edge of the channel. Tried this, but no success. The lip on the channels is just too small.QuoteCould use some self stick Velcro, putting tabs on the screen and the frame at the edge (end) of the window. Then put a piece of Velcro across the tabs to lock the screen shut. I think you've hit on a great idea here. Heading to the store for velcro to give this a try. Thanks bumper!Richard
Re: window screen security (and cats) Reply #9 – August 30, 2009, 09:14:07 pm Yahoo Message Number: 105404Quote My own cat has never tried to open the screens, but I know that cats can be remarkably clever about such things, so an ounce of prevention may be a good idea if you suspect your cats of hatching escape plans. ;-) Instead of cat, think house leopard :^) One of our cats (Yang) can open any lever operated door. We had to purchase globe type door knobs for any door we didn't want her to open. She's never met a screen she hasn't climbed, so we'll be replacing all of the interior screens with Pet Screen. In 10 years of use she's not made the tiniest impact on those screens. Great stuff.RichardQuoteJust off the top of my head, it looks as if it would be pretty easy to mount a 1/2" or 3/4" 'L' bracket to the inside of the window frame, roughly in the middle of the window, in such a way that one leg blocked the screen from sliding.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/