Last updated on July 22nd, 2021
Owning a pet is like having a baby. They mean the world to you. But having a pet also means you have to plan ahead of their arrival into your home. From ensuring that your pet has a dedicated space to sleep, to moving breakable items away from their reach, there are plenty of to-do’s that you need to keep in mind. Here are eight ways to make your home pet-friendly.
1. Give them a dedicated sleeping spot
Pets, whether dogs or cats have one thing in common － they love to sleep in a cozy and comfortable space. And that place often happens to be your bed. Even though you may love to have your fur-baby sleeping next to you, pet fur can lead to allergic reactions. So, it is always better to have a separate bed for your pet.
Opt for a bed with washable fabric, so that you can toss the slipcover into the washing machine, when dirty. Or, you can also think of creating a pet den in a cozy corner (for example: under the bed) of the house. Both cats and dogs do very well in closed-in spaces. Plus, this way, the pet bed won’t hamper the decor of your room.
2. Keep their toys in baskets
One of the key factors of pet-proofing your home is by keeping all your essentials like slippers, socks, and even your favorite cashmere out of your pet’s reach. Pets, especially when they’re young, like to chew or scratch. Instead, lure your pet by stashing their chewy toys in a box.
3. Move breakables away
One whip of your dog’s tail over the coffee table and your favorite glass vase turns into nothing but shards! Be on the safe side by moving all your glass pieces and fancy collectibles to a room that your pet doesn’t have access to. We suggest you take your pet’s agility into consideration while putting away the breakables. Cats are infamous for leaping to heights. So, it’s always better to keep all the breakables away from your pet’s reach.
4. Switch to organic cleaners
Here’s something really important for all pet owners: When you use store-bought cleaners to disinfect the floor, your pet’s body might be getting exposed to many harmful chemicals, since they love lounging about on the floors! We suggest, use organic cleaner, or, even better, stir up a DIY cleaner by adding vinegar to water. Also, don’t forget to keep all the cleaning items away from your furry friend’s reach!
5. Skip the carpet
Furnishing elements like carpets and throws collect pet hairs and bacteria. Hence, it is always better to give such furnishing items a miss and go for a plain floor look. However, if you wish not to compromise on the decor of your home, then think of putting resources into anti-slip and easy to clean rugs.
6. Cut the cords
Another important point to take care of: Abstain from using drapes and blinds with long tassels and cords. Also, ensure the electrical cords are not dangling free, and the sockets are sealed. Pets, especially cats find things like these pretty interesting and might end up getting hurt while playing with them.
7. Pet-proof your furniture
Make sure your furniture is protected from sharp claws, over-excited muddy paws, and tons of drool. Pet’s are living breathing things after all. And playful as heck!
8. Safety-check your house
We all know, being a pet parent is a tough task! But with a little bit of caution and a few safety habits, you can make your home safe for your pet. And making small changes, like keeping the toilet door closed (so that little Fido doesn’t take a sip out of the toilet bowl) can go a long way.
