Why Pets Are a Leading Cause of TV Screen Scratches And How to Stop It for Good
If you have pets, your TV is more at risk than you think.
Whether it’s a cat pawing at running animals on the screen, a dog jumping during “zoomies,” or excited pets crashing into furniture during play, pets are responsible for thousands of scratched and broken TVs every single year.
The problem?
Most owners don’t realise screens are incredibly fragile.
Modern TVs have ultra-thin panels that scratch instantly and internal damage can cost £300–£700 or even more to repair.
In this guide, The TV Screen Protector breaks down exactly why pets scratch TV screens, why these scratches are permanent, and what actually prevents pet damage long-term.
Why Pets Damage TV Screens
Pets don’t mean to cause damage but their natural instincts, excitement, and energy make TVs one of the most vulnerable items in the home.
Here are the top behaviours that lead to scratches, cracks, and internal screen damage:
1. Pets React Instinctively to Movement on the Screen
Cats chase prey. Dogs respond to fast motion.
TVs are full of:
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Birds
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Insects
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Running animals
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Bright objects
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Flashing lights
This triggers instinctive swiping, pawing, jumping, and pouncing directly onto the screen.
2. Cats Swipe at Screens With Claws Out
Even a gentle tap can leave:
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Fine scratches
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Surface lines
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Permanent dull spots
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Drag marks
These marks cannot be repaired or polished out.
Cats typically swipe at:
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Shadows
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Bright lights
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Laser-pointer movement
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People or animals on screen
3. Dogs Jump During High-Energy Moments
Zoomies + a big TV = disaster.
Dogs often:
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Jump at the TV
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Bounce off the screen
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Slide into the unit
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Swing their tails into the display
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Knock over stands or damage cables
A single high-speed collision can destroy a screen instantly.
4. Pets Try to Go Behind the TV
This is especially common in cats.
Behind the TV pets can:
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Pull cables
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Knock the TV down
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Dislodge ports
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Tipp furniture
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Scratch vents and plastic panels
This often leads to both screen damage and safety hazards.
5. Messy Paws, Nose Prints, and Oils Cause Long-Term Damage
Even without claws, pets cause:
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Smudges
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Saliva spots
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Paw grease
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Oils that degrade anti-reflective coatings
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Dirt buildup in panel edges
These marks can permanently affect clarity and brightness over time.
Why Pet Scratches Are Permanent (And So Expensive)
Modern TVs use extremely thin, fragile display layers often less than 1mm thick.
A single scratch or pressure point can:
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Distort the image
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Cause dead pixels
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Create black patches
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Spread internal cracks
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Void manufacturer warranties
No cleaning method can remove scratches.
No repair shop can “fix” the screen surface.
Most of the time, the only solution is a full screen replacement, which often costs more than buying a new TV.
This is why prevention is essential.
What DOESN’T Work (But Most People Try)
These methods fail almost immediately:
❌ Citrus sprays
❌ Noise deterrents
❌ Double-sided tape
❌ “Training” your pet
❌ Keeping the TV higher
❌ Playing a different channel
❌ Cloth covers (pets pull these off immediately)
Pets lose interest for a day… then go right back to hitting the screen.
The only long-term fix is physical protection.
The Only Real Solution: A High-Quality TV Screen Protector
A screen protector from The TV Screen Protector is the only reliable and proven way to shield your TV from pet damage.
Here’s why:
✔ Stops Claw Scratches
Protects the fragile display from direct contact.
✔ Absorbs Impact
Prevents cracks from paws, jumps, and collisions.
✔ Protects From Smudges & Nose Prints
Acts as a cleanable barrier.
✔ Safe for All Pets
No chemicals, no deterrents, no training required.
✔ Looks Clear & Invisible
Doesn’t affect picture quality when you choose the right model.
Which Protector Should Pet Owners Choose?
The TV Screen Protector offers three strong pet-friendly options:
1. Standard Clear
Great for general pet households
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Stops scratches
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Prevents smudges
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Great clarity
2. Anti-Glare
Best for cats triggered by reflections
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Reduces light flashes
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Cuts down movement-trigger responses
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Protects and improves viewing in bright rooms
3. Ultima Clear (Best for pets)
Maximum strength pet protection
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Thickest impact absorption
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Highly scratch-resistant
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Best for large dogs, athletic cats, or chaotic homes
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Virtually invisible clarity
For homes with active dogs or playful cats, Ultima Clear is the #1 recommended option.
Extra Steps to Protect Your TV From Pets
A protector is essential, but here are a few bonus ways to create total protection:
1. Wall-Mount the TV
Reduces tip-over risks.
Still pair it with a protector pets can jump high.
2. Hide or Cover Cables
Stops cats from chewing or dogs pulling cords.
3. Block Access Behind the TV
Use decorative panels, trunking, or furniture.
4. Provide Better Entertainment
Give your pets alternatives:
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Scratching posts
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Climbing trees
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Interactive toys
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Window perches
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Play sessions before TV time
This reduces screen-focused behaviour.
Why Pets Are One of the Top Causes of Broken TVs in the UK
Pets and TVs don’t mix and as screens get thinner, the risk goes up.
Cats and dogs cause more accidental screen damage than:
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Toddlers
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Adults
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Moving furniture
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Cleaning accidents
Yet most pet owners wait until after the damage happens to protect their TV.
The smart solution is to protect before the first swipe, jump, or zoomie.
Final Thoughts: Pets Don’t Change… But Your TV Protection Can
You can’t stop your cat from swiping.
You can’t stop your dog from zoomies.
You can stop them from destroying your TV.
A high-quality protector from The TV Screen Protector is the simplest, most effective, and most affordable way to prevent scratches, cracks, and expensive repairs.
Protect your TV now before your pet makes the first move.
