Five ways to make your place pet friendly
Your pet is part of the family, but sometimes that’s not obvious looking at your home itself. Most of the time, homes are designed for the humans that inhabit them, not our four footed friends. If that’s something you want to change, there are actually plenty of ways you can make your home not only more enjoyable for you, but also your pets too.
Make pet furniture part of the décor
Litter boxes and kennels are major parts of having a pet, but they often get stuck in unpleasant places because they are bulky or smelly. These every day pet items can actually be built into furniture you’ll need to have anyway, so that they are more out of the way.
Kennels can be fit into dishwasher spaces, become part of the countertop, or be the bottom for a table, improving space and bringing your dog out into the family area. On the other hand, enclosing the litterbox in a cabinet will help reduce smell and get it out of view, so your pet can have a little privacy.
Take cat space vertical
You probably have a cat tree somewhere if you’re entertaining cats, but shelves, scratching posts, and cubby holes can also be added to the walls. This will give your cat more fun places to release their natural instincts, while also freeing up floor space for you.
Pet Friendly Flooring
What kind of flooring you get can also make a differce in the quality of your pet’s life. Many people get hardwood flooring thinking that it will be easier to clean up pet hair, only to discover their dogs view it as one giant ice rink.
Hardwood flooring is still a good option, but check for traction before making a big decision like this.
Get Cable Covers
Whether you have a free roaming house bunny, a cat, or a dog, all of these pets have something in common. They love chewing, and many experiment with chewing cables until they get a rude shock from it.
Chewing cables is dangerous for a number of reasons, but you can make things safer for both you and your pet by installing cable covers. These not only make your house look more organized and attractive, but will also make it harder for your animal to chew the wires.
Fence your yard or get a catio
Many owners feel bad about not allowing their pet outdoors more often, but it doesn’t have to be this way. While it is dangerous for cats to be allowed outside, a “Catio” or fenced in patio, can allow your cat to take in the sights and smells safely.
Likewise, a dog can really benefit from a fenced yard they can play ball or go potty in, without a human keeping them on leash.
Our pets are part of the family. When designing the look and feel of your home, take into account your four-footed friends so their needs are handled too.
