diff --git a/terminatorlib/terminal.py b/terminatorlib/terminal.py
index da49338c..4715e86c 100644
--- a/terminatorlib/terminal.py
+++ b/terminatorlib/terminal.py
@@ -1244,7 +1244,7 @@ def get_location(self, term, x, y):
 
     def grab_focus(self):
         """Steal focus for this terminal"""
-        if not self.vte.has_focus():
+        if self.vte and not self.vte.has_focus():
             self.vte.grab_focus()
 
     def ensure_visible_and_focussed(self):