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How to Cat Proof Your Notebook Keyboard

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Cats develop bad habits fast. One of them is to 'press your buttons', navigate the mouse pad for you, and generally lay on top of the comfy, warm notebook computer while you're trying to use it.

This sort of device is mainly for larger notebooks being used as a 'desktop' with a separate mouse/keyboard.


  1. 1
    Measure the surface area around your computer keyboard.
  2. 2
    Go to the hardware store
  3. 3
    Track down a sheet of plexiglass (plastic window pane). For a $6 project, get plexiglass, and for a $20 get 'lexan'. Home Despot sells it in almost the perfect size somewhere around their window section. It can be a little smaller than the computer, or even a little bigger than the computer, but not much smaller than the keyboard area with a half inch all around. They also sell a plastic cutter for $4, if you need one.
  4. 4
    Go to the 'hardware' section (where screws, hinges, knobs & things are) and track down sticky rubber feet. The ones I found were called '1/2" Vinyl Bumpers', but anything that is self adhesive on one side, and grippy on the other for putting on the bottom of things, and adds a little height will do fine.
  5. 5
    Lay the plastic sheet out on top of your keyboard
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    Mark wherever you'll cut or stick things with a grease pencil or dry erase marker.
  7. 7
    If necessary, due to a notebook stand or other obstruction, or to access certain controls, outline where you'll need to cut/drill convenient finger-size big holes, such as for a power button. If you'll need to cut it, don't remove the sticky plastic covering until after you've trimmed or drilled it.
  8. 8
    Support the sheet thoroughly before drilling, such as by drilling into a piece of scrap wood under the plexiglass sheet, or you'll crack it like I did with my first try. Normal wood-working drill bits and circular saws work OK, or even 'dremel' bits, though you might want a 'fine' bladed saw blade, or one made for plastic. If you have a jigsaw, get a plastic blade.
  9. 9
    Now that the cutting is done, remove the sticky plastic. You'll probably want to sand down any rough edges when you're done cutting/drilling/etc.
  10. 10
    Now bring it back and stick the rubber 'feet' on the lucite. Since it's clear, just hold it over the keyboard and stick the feet everywhere around the keyboard and mouse pad, as close as you can get them to the keyboard, but not over any keys. Make the sheet as stable as possible. You're trying to keep the cat from pushing the buttons. If the cat lays down and dislodges the sheet, buttons will probably be pressed. You can generally 'eyeball' where you will put the feet, but keep in mind that they don't usually peel off 'cleanly' if you make a mistake. Most of them can be placed for vertical accuracy by putting them where they go, then flipping it, but for horizontal accuracy around track pads or between segments of keyboard, you'll want to put something on the plastic like a bit of masking tape to show where it will go.
  11. 11
    The stand-offs also let air circulate. If there still isn't enough circulation (the notebook gets warmer than usual), take the sheet out and drill lots of air holes in it, once again, making sure it's supported (i.e. on top of a piece of scrap plywood). Lay it on a piece of newspaper to protect it from scuffs. Or use bigger spacers.

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  • It becomes a convenient place to pile things on otherwise wasted desktop space.
  • The plexiglass doesn't have to be clear. Just sturdy enough. It's tough, but a little flexible. You'll want more 'rubber feet' than just the corners.
  • It'll take paint or spray paint (you might want to sand it lightly, first) if you want to get all artsy.
  • Your typical cat (even chubby ones) won't be able to press keyboard buttons, operate the mouse, or otherwise annoy you beyond being in the way.
  • You could use some sort of hardboard or even glass, but I used plastic. It's just easier, and looks nice when you're done.


  • Don't lay the lucite directly on the notebook surface. Use the rubber stand-off 'feet'. Many notebooks circulate air through the keyboard openings, so you could potentially cook your PC.
  • DO NOT shut the notebook cover with the plastic in place. You'll break your PC.

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Categories: Laptop Maintenance and Repair

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