Design & Decor

How to Pet-Proof Your Home

Story Highlights
  • Furniture
  • Distraction
  • Territory
  • Hygiene
  • Valuables

Getting a new pet is an exciting new experience!

It can also be a very big challenge, especially for first-time pet owners. Animals do not naturally understand right and wrong in human terms and sometimes your living space can suffer as a result of this.

On rainy days, sitting in front of the television or reading a book by the fireplace with your furry friend in your lap is a wonderful way to relax.

Not so much so when said friend tracks dirt onto your carpet and shakes itself off, spraying your sanctuary with mud. For this reason, it is best to keep dogs inside during and after wet weather and having a towel at hand near the backdoor.

Cats being cats, you need not worry. They spend too much time cleaning themselves to even look at a puddle.

Furniture

Both cats and dogs can be a menace to furniture in their own way. Training a dog through verbal and physical methods to keep them off couches or beds can be easy, but cats respond differently.

Please read up on cat training and in the meantime, invest in some luxurious throws and get your cat a scratch post. Having its nails removed will only cause far worse behavioural issues in the long run.

Luckily, they are fairly easy to distract away from leather and wood alike with a toy or even a balled-up piece of paper.

Distraction

Chew toys can also help avoid damage to anything of value. Interestingly, this counts for cats as well, though they will be more random about what toys they choose to this end.

The reason why young animals chew things has to do with both dental development and as a way for them to explore their tactile environment.

Ensure that there is nothing harmful and nothing small that you don’t want to lose in this way.

Territory

The marking of territory is an instinctive action for all male animals but can sometimes get out of hand, and no one wants it on their favourite curtains.

Vets will be able to recommend sprays that discourage animals from doing this. Once a pet has been neutered, this behaviour should be drastically reduced if not halted altogether, and your upholstery will be safe.

Hygiene

Keeping your home clean, fresh and inviting means potty training your animals properly!

Outside is always best, but if you live in an apartment or your house doesn’t have a garden, the best thing for a dog is a quick routine walk a few times a day.

Cats usually learn from their mothers how to use a litter box or go outside. Having a sandy area in your garden, surrounded by flowers, is one option.

For indoor cats, try finding an easy DIY or upcycling project that hides their litter box while still giving them access to it. A footrest, an end table… Anything that suits your home and style.

Valuables

If you have valuables or breakables on display, some adjustments might have to take place to keep them safe.

After all, low-standing ornaments can easily be knocked down by a wagging tail or small tables bumped over and items on shelves might just prove interesting enough for kitty to want to play with.

Said items may have to be moved to an off-bounds room or moved into a display case with glass screens or doors.

Closing thoughts

With a bit of attention, it is possible to harmoniously share your abode with a four-legged friend.

Do a walk-through to ensure the environment is safe for them and that you will not suffer any damages by introducing them into it, and with a little love and a little patience, your house will feel even more like a home.

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