10 Tips for a Cat or Dog Friendly Home

10 Tips for a Cat or Dog Friendly Home

Is a new four-legged friend about to join your family? That’s great! But every pet parent will tell you that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to averting damages to your property. And there is no better solution than giving them a safe and comfy space all their own. 

 

Here are 10 ideas to inspire you when setting up a cozy corner for your pet—perfectly adapted to their likes and needs—to properly welcome this new arrival to your home.

1- Safety First

As a safety precaution, place certain household items (such as cleaning products) that might be dangerous out of the reach of your cat or dog—at least for a short while—until they have learned the rules. 

2- A Quiet Sleeping Area

Place their bed, pillow or blanket far away from direct heat sources and your home’s most active zones so that they can sleep quietly and undisturbed. 

3- Away from Breakables

Puppies love to chew on wood—not just shoes! Avoid placing their bed next to wooden furniture or in a room with lots of elaborate trimming and moulding. In this way, you can prevent upset tummies and a spoiled decor!

4- A Scratching Post

Whether young or old, cats that haven’t been declawed need somewhere they can scratch and trim their nails to their hearts’ content. This is essential to all felines’ wellbeing. Buy a scratching post if you want to preserve your couches. 

5- A Variety of Toys

A small stash of easily accessible toys (in a basket, for example) is indispensable for a young fur ball that needs to expend all that excess energy daily. Moreover, older animals may have become attached to a certain toy or plushy. Never throw away their treasured plaything. 

6- A Stylish “Cookie” Jar

Embellish your pet’s area with a decorative airtight container filled with treats. As long as it has a secure lid and they can’t “serve themselves” by easily knocking it open, leaving the jar in their nook should not be a problem.

7- Out of Reach of Toxic Plants

Certain indoor plants are toxic to pets, who may have a tendency to chew on snout-level leaves. If you don’t know the names of the plants you own, move them to a secure spot, out of reach of their little paws. 

8- A Grooming Basket

Have a few baskets in your pet’s nook where you can keep their animal care products (brush, clipper, toothbrush). Ideally, they should be stored in a closed cabinet where your cat or dog—and any children—can’t get to them, but still be close at hand to make grooming sessions convenient for you.

9- A Separate Zone for Every Pet

Adopting a second animal will require a few extra measures to avoid problems. Make sure your first pet has a quiet spot all their own they can retreat to and from which they can observe and familiarize themselves with their new roommate. They must not feel like they are being displaced.

10 – Easy Access to Food and Water

There is no reason why you can’t have a trendy food and water bowl for your pet in their personal area. This will ensure that they can always access these critical resources and will limit possible spills to this specific location.

To conclude our 10 tips for a cat or dog friendly home, never think that a new pet means sacrificing your home’s look. You will find a wide range of products in stores for cats and dogs that have been expressly designed to complement your decor. Some local artisans even make custom wooden houses or contemporary food bowls in the colours of your choice. Happy shopping!

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.