Creating A Pet-Friendly Home
Austin Rhodes and his family recently welcomed an adorable pair of kittens into their home. I’m sure he can attest to the the fact that making your home pet-friendly is not always easy and new pets do come with their own set of challenges, but it’s worth it for the love of our four legged friends. From fur and dander to scratches and spills, there are a few extra steps you’ll need to take to ensure your living space is comfortable for everyone, pets included.
Thankfully, you can easily accommodate your pet’s needs without compromising on your home’s functionality or style. Here’s a few tips to create a pet-friendly home!
Pet-Friendly Means Easy-To-Clean
Use durable and easy-to-clean fabrics. Pets can be tough on furniture, so choosing the right materials can make a big difference in minimizing the everyday wear-and-tear and keeping your living space clean. As a general rule of thumb, steer clear of fragile or delicate fabrics. This includes silk and chenille, which are stain-prone and easily damaged by claws, as well as velvet, tweed, and wool, which are magnets for pet hair and tricky to clean.
Instead, opt for durable, pet-friendly materials like faux leather, microfiber, polyester, and synthetic blends – all of which are resistant to stains and scratches as well as easy to spot clean. Another really good idea? Removable and washable covers, which make it easy to clean up.
Also, create a dedicated space for your pet. Giving your new pet their own dedicated nook is the perfect way to give it a comfortable space to call its own. To start, you’ll need to find a quiet corner of your home where your pet can nap and relax, such as an alcove or corner of your living room. Add a comfortable pet bed, maybe even one that matches the rest of your interior, and throw in your pet’s favorite blankets and toys for a personal touch.
Make sure that the other furniture pieces in the room – like the armchair or sofa – are also safe for your pet to climb onto. There’s nothing like having the perfect place to snuggle up with your furry family member all afternoon. Tip: If you’re trying to keep your pets off of your furniture, consider placing an inexpensive, easy-to-wash throw blanket or small sheepskin rug on the floor as an alternative snoozing spot. This has been a life saver for me with multiple pets!
Not All Plants Are Pet-Friendly
Choose your plants wisely! Not all materials or items are safe for pets, even if they’re safe for humans. Some common houseplants – like aloe vera, lilies, pothos, philodendron, and tulips – are poisonous to pets if ingested. Be sure to research which plants are safe for your specific kind of pet (i.e., dog, cat, etc.) before bringing any greenery back from the nursery. The same goes for food items. Chocolate, caffeine, grapes, and alcohol are all toxic to pets, so it’s important to be mindful If you have a habit of leaving snacks around the house.
Opt for non-toxic cleaners. Some conventional cleaners, like bleach may not be safe for your pet. Only use non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for use around animals, and make sure you keep the bottles in a cabinet or another enclosed area when you’re done tidying up.
Additional Tips For A Pet-Friendly Home:
To keep your pet’s claws healthy and protect your furniture from scratches, make sure you buy scratching posts and pads for your home. Place them in areas where your pets like to scratch the most, and encourage your pets to use them by laying out treats or catnip near the scratching posts.
Keep fragile items – like vases, photo frames, and decorative pieces – out of your pet’s tail-wagging zone by placing them on high shelves or in cabinets. If you have a cat that likes to jump and explore heights, it’s best to keep fragile items behind closed doors. If you want to go the extra mile, pet-proof your home by using baby gates to restrict access to certain areas, secure loose wires, pad sharp corners with soft cushioning, and use non-slip mats to prevent slipping.
Creating a pet-friendly home doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your style or comfort. It just involves a little preparation and maintenance to share your home with a furry best friend. And congratulations on sharing your home with your new pet!
16 Ways to Spoil Your Pet
Handheld Pet Massager
Who doesn’t love a massage? Including your own pet. Be sure to grab this item to completely relax your furry friend.
Nail Grinding Tool Kit
Give your pet the ultimate paw-dicure with less stress! This tool is a gentler & safer tool than a trimmer.
Dog Treat Cookbook
Our pets tend to eat the same thing every single day. Switch it up & treat them with some healthy, homemade dog treats.
Treat Dispenser
After baking your dog some homemade treats, have some fun with them. This treat dispenser will make your dog so happy.
Automatic Food Dispenser
This food dispenser guarantees your pets are fed at the same time every day. You can even see your pet via a camera & speak to them through a 2-way mic.
Water Fountain & Dispenser
Upgrade your regular water bowl to this water fountain for your pets. It keeps the water circulating & the freshest for your pets.
Multi-Level Cat Tree
This is the ultimate playhouse for your cat! It includes scratching posts, hammocks, and plenty of levels of fun.
Bedside Pet Lounge
No more sleeping on the floor for your furry friend! Upgrade to this raised bed so they are eye-level with you next to your bed.
31 Piece Cat Toy Set
Keep your kitty busy with this toy set! With 31 items for them to play with, they will not be bored.
Dog Toy Set
Get ready for a game of tug of war. This toy set has 14 different toys including pull ropes, squeaky toys and more.
Fancy Plaid Dog Swag
Who doesn’t love a pup in a cute outfit? This plaid dog outfit with hoodie is perfect for those cooler nights.
Cat Tuxedo Shirt
This unique shirt design has a super cute bowtie. It may seem formal, but it is good for any occasion because a cat is always cute dressed up.
GPS Cat Collar
This is a major upgrade to your standard collar! You can see in real-time where your cat is located should they wander from home. It is also 100% waterproof.
GPS Dog Collar
This collar shows where your pup is at all times. It also allows you to set up safe zones like the perimeter of your back yard. If they leave, it immediately alerts you.
Pet Jogger Stroller
Take your precious cargo with you when out for a walk or run with this jogger stroller. Its foldable too making it very portable.
Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at shopping@bbgi.com.
