Requirements for Cat-Proofing a Room Divider

First, let's examine what you'll need to keep your cat out of a room or space.

• Height - Cats are jumpers, and some can jump extremely high. You may have seen the cup jumping videos in which a cat jumps ever-higher stacks of cups. Consider the many high places you've found your cat. A normal pet gate or baby gate usually won't cut it.
• Stability - Your cat will probably try to push or climb the barrier, so it needs to be stable and, usually, somewhat heavy.
• Claw-Resistance - What cats can't get through, they might claw. Not all cats sharpen their claws on furniture, but if yours does, be prepared.
• Human-Accessible - If you still want to access the cat-proofed space, be sure to plan for door functionality as well.

Book Cases on Furniture Pads

The first DIY option is to place sliding pads on the bottom of a heavy bookcase. Bookcases are tall enough to stop most jumping and climbing cats, especially if it fits into an archway so your cat can't go over. Gel wheels and glider pads make it possible for a human to nudge open this cat proof room divider, but cats won't be able to push it open.

Note: If you use wheels instead, make sure your cat can't slip under.

Tall Pet Gates

They make especially tall pet gates for pets that jump. These are usually double the height of a normal pet or baby gate and are often called "extra tall pet gates" or "cat pet gates" in online listings. These pet gates can essentially add an extra door to your apartment without any permanent installations. They are also barred instead of solid, so you can see your furry friend on the other side if you want to keep an eye on them during cat-proofed activities.

Reinforced Cat Screen Door

If your cat is small, you may be able to mount a reinforced cat screen door. This is a special type of room divider for cats that you can place in a doorway. The "reinforced" detail is because the screen door is meant to withstand climbers, from kittens to medium-sized adult cats. Cat screen doors are particularly useful if your cats can climb and lock-pick most other types of barriers. The screen door is designed to fit in any doorway or standard sized archway and you may be able to find reinforced screens to fit larger spaces with a built-in door in the center for humans.

Office Dividers

Another option is office dividers, often used to build cubicles or separate an open-plan office space. These tend to be weighted and low to the ground, available at various heights. Some are also fabric-covered and may be claw-resistant for cats that like to sharpen their claws on obstacles. Office dividers are designed to be modular and movable, but also sturdy enough to stay in place when bumped or pushed.

Expanding Lattice Door

An expanding lattice door is another interesting option. An indoor expanding lattice can provide an attractive decoration piece between rooms while also stopping your cat from exploring where they shouldn't. Just make sure the lattice is dense enough and low enough to the ground to keep your cat from slipping through.

Adapt to Your Apartment and Cats

The right cat proof room divider solution will depend on two important factors: The design of your apartment and the behavior of your cats. Plan for taller dividers if your cats are great jumpers, and sturdier dividers if your cats are climbers. Carefully consider latches if your cats are puzzle-solvers and door-openers. You will also need a divider that fits the exact space you need to make unavailable, whether you're sectioning off an open floor plan or blocking a specific doorway.

Pet-Friendly Apartments in Little Rock

The first step in building a pet-proof home environment for your cat is to find a pet-friendly apartment. In Little Rock, your furry companion is welcome at The Berkley Apartments, a pet-friendly apartment community. Our team will also gladly help you devise the right room divider solution that can both contain your cats and aligns with apartment design. Contact us to explore availabilities and pet policies.