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Pets and the RV

Sez_Hoo_
Explorer
Explorer
HELP needed~advice...we are having issues with the screen material separating from the spline when our cat pushes against it. Any suggestions? We are getting ready to purchase pet resistant screen material that is tear proof to eliminate the issue of screen tears (our dog insists on shredding the screen door screening in an attempt to get out to us) NO, beating him is not an option so please don't suggest it! Investing in a roll of this material is pointless if the screen keeps separating from the spline giving them a clear escape route. Anyone have to address this issue? Have a solution? Much appreciated.
Steven
USCG EMC Ret.
Lilly Pi
1998 Country Coach Intrigue
2000 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
30 REPLIES 30

kalynzoo
Explorer
Explorer
We purchased a screen protector at Camping World. It looks very much like the pictures posted by others, however, it has a slide that permits it to be sized for the small doors on RVs. Four screws made it easy to install. It is secure enough that it fits our original purpose, to keep the grandkids from pushing out the screen. It works for the dog too.
Happy Trails.

Homer1
Explorer
Explorer
Thse pet Grill will solve your problem. However a dose of training will keep the whimpering dog and cat yowling in check.

dakonthemountai
Explorer
Explorer
Sez Hoo! wrote:
Thanks for all the wonderful tips! We have tried plexi glass, he pawed at it until it cracked thus allowing him to get at the screen AGAIN! Training was our first thought as well except he only does it when we are away from the motorhome, he can see us but we are not always watching him. Time...suppose we could train in time (I've always heard you can't teach an old dog new tricks...this holds true for DH!!!!) I like the pet grill but DH insists it obstructs his view.
Think I will start with replacing our screens with pet proof screening and possibly push the issue of the pet grill.
Thank you all again for your advice and suggestions!


You also have to remember that cats climb. If you put the metal shield there there are holes just the perfect size for a cat to climb up.... to the screen on TOP! OYE! When I full timed my cat would do the same thing so I had to give up on leaving just the screen door closed. Then I put her on a harness and had her out with me most of the time. As she aged she gave up the climbing and mostly just slept inside.

Dak
2018 GMC Denali "Extreme" and 23' EVO 2050T Travel Trailer
Escapee member #224325-Since 1992

bighatnohorse
Explorer II
Explorer II
Our cats used to shred the screen door on our patio.
I made and placed a wood framed grill in front of the screen.
When they pulled on the grill, it fell on them - it only happened once and they were cured.

You might want to fabricate something similar that would fall on the cat when he goes at the screen.
They are very smart and usually only need one lesson.
2021 Arctic Fox 1150
'15 F350 6.7 diesel dually long bed
Eagle Cap Owners
โ€œThe best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity."
-Yeats

brirene
Explorer
Explorer
Maybe too easy, but is the spline seated in the groove correctly? You probably know there is a specialized tool for that purpose, and insuring correct seating really increases the strength. Fwiw.
Jayco Designer 30 RKS Medallion pkg, Trail Air pin
'05 F350 6.0 PSD CC 4x4 DRW LB B&W Companion, Edge Insight

โ€œCertainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." Miriam Beard

Sez_Hoo_
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks for all the wonderful tips! We have tried plexi glass, he pawed at it until it cracked thus allowing him to get at the screen AGAIN! Training was our first thought as well except he only does it when we are away from the motorhome, he can see us but we are not always watching him. Time...suppose we could train in time (I've always heard you can't teach an old dog new tricks...this holds true for DH!!!!) I like the pet grill but DH insists it obstructs his view.
Think I will start with replacing our screens with pet proof screening and possibly push the issue of the pet grill.
Thank you all again for your advice and suggestions!
Steven
USCG EMC Ret.
Lilly Pi
1998 Country Coach Intrigue
2000 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Explorer
I cured my cat of screens by waiting patiently with a full bucket of water on the other side until she tried to climb the screen. She never forgot getting hit by that tidal wave and never touched a screen again.

For obvious reasons, this training method is tidiest if one's on the INSIDE of the rig with the bucket.
" Not every mind that wanders is lost. " With apologies to J.R.R. Tolkien

BobR
Explorer
Explorer
Thats_Ok wrote:
We travel with four dawgs.
Haven't had problems with attempts to escape.

We have thought about a 36" x 33" pet grill similar to below:


Around 40 bucks available at a large retail home improvement center.
Comes in white, gray and black.


I had a dog who would jump through a screen door to be with us. This was the solution. Also, Home Depot sells a heavy dog screen along with new spline material. You may want to try this approach first.

TucsonJim
Explorer II
Explorer II
In the past, I've cut a piece of Plexiglass (flourescent light cover) to size and screwed it over the screen door frame. It worked great.
2016 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel SRW 4x4
2017 Grand Design Reflection 297RSTS
2013 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel SRW 4x4 (Destroyed by fire - 8/29/16)
2014 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS (Destroyed by fire - 8/29/16)

Campfire_Time
Explorer
Explorer
I'd also advocate training. For the cat, bitter apple works wonders in training them to stay off of things you don't want them on or in.
Chuck D.
โ€œAdventure is just bad planning.โ€ - Roald Amundsen
2013 Jayco X20E Hybrid
2016 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab Z71 LTZ2
2008 GMC Sierra SLE1 Crew Cab Z71 (traded)

Johno02
Explorer
Explorer
A piece of plexiglass will probably be your best solution. Best solution is training. We have a pet-guard frame that will keep dogs from going through the screen, and plexiglass keeps AC in and Cold out as needed. However, the dogs in our rig know better than to scratch on the screens. Looking out and barking at us, yes, but don't push on the door. Most of the time, they just look out. while seeming to think how much better they are inside where it is cool and no bugs.
Noel and Betty Johnson (and Harry)

2005 GulfStream Ultra Supreme, 1 Old grouch, 1 wonderful wife, and two silly poodles.

dodgerdog
Explorer
Explorer
I was going to say that Lowes and Home Depot have the screen Protectors you can attach over your screen door to keep the dog or cat from tearing up the nylon screen... Its usually over by the pet doors... They come in differnt sizes... You might be able to use one of those.... They call them a pet grill

Pet Grill

Mike C.

deleted-2
Explorer
Explorer
We travel with four dawgs.
Haven't had problems with attempts to escape.

We have thought about a 36" x 33" pet grill similar to below:


Around 40 bucks available at a large retail home improvement center.
Comes in white, gray and black.

dbbls
Explorer
Explorer
I was able to fit a piece of Plexiglas in front of our screen.
2011 F-350 CC Lariat 4X4 Dually Diesel
2012 Big Country 3450TS 5th Wheel

WyoTraveler
Explorer
Explorer
How about training the dog? Beating doesn't help but training would.