Interior Design Ideas to Make Your Home More Pet-Friendly

Most people love having cats or dogs in their homes because they can be great for relieving stress and are great for children as they are growing up. We spend vast amounts of money buying and caring for our pets, and we make sacrifices to ensure that they are well looked after. As we would do when bringing a small child into our homes, we should also try to prepare an environment for our pets that is safe, fun to be in, and easy to maintain. We have looked at a few ways you can make your home pet-friendly and easy to take care of so you can get the most enjoyment from having a pet in your home.

Hardwearing Flooring

Our pets spend most of their time on the floor, and you should choose your flooring surface to allow for the heavy traffic. Select flooring that will be easy to clean, as all animals can make a mess, especially if they are young and haven’t been taught where to go to the toilet yet. Although you may take great care to clean your pet’s paws when they have been outside, you will always notice they can bring dirt into the home. Select flooring that is simple to clean by using hardwood, laminate or tile flooring. Should you want to have a carpeted floor try to fit a carpet that has a short pile as these will be easier to clean than the deep pile varieties. Purchase cheap rugs for the heaviest trafficked areas as you can wash these quickly or throw them away if they become too dirty or tired looking.

Plant Selection

Your home needs to be suitable for pets but also still be a place that you enjoy spending time in, so you may have plants or flowers to achieve that. Although many animals are not allergic to all plants, it is wise to stay on the cautious side. Research which plants you want to have in your home, as some will cause irritation or illness in cats and dogs should they decide to chew them. For example, there are a number of feline-friendly varieties you can choose for your home, which will ensure they stay safe when leaving them at home alone. Animals can be mischievous and they like to explore their surroundings and many times they will do this by sniffing or eating items they are unfamiliar with. Having plants you know are safe for your pets will give you peace of mind whenever you are away from them.

Keeping Pets Safe

Pets are curious, and as we mentioned, they will sometimes chew, lick or touch items they are unsure of. You want your animals to feel safe in their home but also still be able to have ornaments and decoration that you enjoy, too. Try to keep glass and ceramic ornaments out of reach of curious animals and away from wagging dog tails. Place any items that can easily break behind glass so you can still see them, but are out of reach of curious pets. Be wary of electric cables as these can sometimes be chewed on and you don’t want to shock or hurt your animals should they find one too tempting. Install child-friendly cable organisers and socket covers as these will keep your animals safer. If you have young children, try to keep their small toys away from your pets as they may get damaged or swallowed, which would be bad for all involved.

Pet Areas

Although you want your pet to be a part of the family you should still try to keep a special out-of-the-way area where they can stay, and where you can keep their toys and bedding. You can personalize this area with unique pet-themed decorations and accessories, such as those offered by A Maker’s Studio.

Just as we have our bedrooms and private areas where we can go to be alone or think, your animals will want the same. Look at giving them a corner where they can lie down that is away from distractions such as the television or other appliances. This gives them a little space where they can relax when they are tired or feeling under the weather. Make sure that their area is not too hot or too cold and they can get at necessities such as water, food. Make sure this is an area that is easy to clean with a vacuum and a damp cloth, as all pets will shed some fur or splash a little water around, and they need an area where they can do this without getting in trouble for doing so.

By following our advice above and understanding what your cat or dog needs, you will be giving them the best possible environment to live in. You will also give yourself less work cleaning your home, which means you will be able to spend more time with your pets as they grow. Having family pets can be one of the most fulfilling things in life, so try to make it as enjoyable as you can for you, your family and your pet.