The majority of pet owners view their pets as an extension of the family and wish to accommodate them as much as possible.
After all, that’s why you’re reading this.
When you make those small but meaningful changes, you’re not only making the home more comfortable for the pet, but you’re also protecting your stuff.
Here are 9 things you can do to make your home more pet-friendly – some of them crucial, others just to spoil them!
1. Pet-Proofed Fabrics
Whether it’s a cat or dog, your pet can seriously damage the fabric of your furniture. Make sure that the material you choose is durable and consider getting a removable cover.
You want to be able to wash it every now and again, especially if you have a dog. No matter how much you wash them, dogs just have their natural smell and that’s that.
On the other hand, even though cats are much cleaner, there’s the shedding and the claws to consider.
So durable materials like microfiber, nylon, or polyester are a great choice, and you should look into adding another layer of protection with a furniture cover.
2. Their Private Entrance
This one isn’t absolutely required, but it’s good to have.
The pet door allows your furry friend to come in and out of the house whenever they need it. So, if it’s bathroom time, they can go right out.
And if they’re outside and the weather changes, they can find shelter whether you’re home to let them in or not.
3. Pet-Friendly Rugs
Rugs add warmth to a home, both aesthetic and literal and they tie the room together. You don’t have to give up on having a rug because of your pet.
Pretty much, everything that goes for furniture pet-proofing also goes for the rugs.
Prioritize durable and stain-resistant materials, but also the type of rug you can wash in the machine.
4. Safe Houseplants
Pets can be as unpredictable as little children. You never know when they may decide to snack on your houseplants.
If you’re going to keep your pet indoors for any significant amount of time, especially while you are out of the house, it’s important to remove the plants that are toxic to them.
Boston Fern, Bamboo Palm, Orchid, Peperonia, and Calathea are a few that are safe for pets.
The plants you should avoid or keep really out of reach are Lilies, Philodendron, Aloe Vera, Sago Palm, and Peace Lily.
5. Elevate Your Decor
Well, in this case, when I say elevate, I mean literally.
Make sure to place any sensitive decor high and out of your pet’s reach.
6. Scrubbable Paint
Unless you wish to replace your smooth walls with tiles or PVC panels, look for wall paint that’s marked as ‘washable’ or ‘scrubbable’.
It’s also a good idea for your furniture.
Any mess your pet makes can be easily cleaned off without removing the paint itself.
It’s also a good idea to apply the right finish to your walls, just to be sure.
7. Luxury Pet Bed
While I adore my cat, Soot, I don’t really like him sleeping in my bed – or any pet for that matter.
If you prefer your pets off the bed as well, then creating them on their own is a must.
The above picture shows us an awesome way to keep your pet close, and have you both feel safe, while also allowing for private space and clean sheets.
8. A Space Just For Them
If you can, it would be good to use one of the secondary rooms in your home as your pet’s main indoor space.
Though cats and especially dogs can be clingy at times, they also enjoy having their own peace and quiet.
A laundry room could work as a great all-in-one pet space, where they can eat, nap, play, and have their baths.
9. Include Them In Your Home’s Decor
Did you know that pets often find comfort in plush toys that resemble them?
While incorporating this kind of decor in your home may just be a way of expressing how much you love your pet, it’s great to know that they actually appreciate it.
It’s not at all unusual for a cat or dog to get really attached to a plushie that looks familiar to them.