Making the house be more pet-friendly

1. Create Pet Zones

• Comfortable Sleeping Areas: Ensure your pet has their own designated space where they can rest. This could be a cozy dog bed, cat tree, or a soft blanket in a quiet corner.
• Play Zones: Set aside an area where your pet can safely play without getting into trouble, especially if you have a lot of breakables or delicate furniture.

2. Pet-Proof Your Home

• Secure Toxic Items: Keep harmful items like cleaning supplies, electrical cords, and small objects out of reach. Pets tend to chew on things, so make sure these are safely stored.
• Pet-Friendly Furniture: Look for furniture that is easy to clean and pet-resistant. Leather, for example, is easy to wipe down and can handle wear and tear better than certain fabrics.
• Window Screens: If you have cats or adventurous dogs, ensure window screens are secure to prevent falls.

3. Use Pet-Safe Materials

• Non-toxic Plants: Some common houseplants can be toxic to pets (e.g., lilies, poinsettias). Choose pet-safe plants like spider plants, succulents, or cat grass.
• Non-toxic Cleaning Supplies: Opt for natural, pet-safe cleaning products to avoid exposing your pet to harmful chemicals.

4. Pet-Friendly Flooring

• Hardwood or Tile: These are easy to clean and more resistant to pet accidents. Carpet can be harder to clean and hold onto pet smells, but if you prefer it, consider low-pile carpets that are easier to manage.
• Rugs & Mats: Use washable rugs and mats to help protect flooring and absorb any accidents.

5. Provide Scratching & Chewing Options

• For Cats: Scratching posts or pads are a must to help them exercise their claws and avoid damaging furniture.
• For Dogs: Provide safe chew toys to keep them entertained and to protect furniture from being chewed on.

6. Pet Gates & Playpens

• If you want to keep certain rooms off-limits or need to contain a pet for safety, a pet gate or playpen can help.

7. Hide & Store Pet Toys and Food

• Having a designated area for toys, leashes, and food bowls will keep things organized and accessible. You can get stylish storage solutions that fit into your home décor, so it doesn’t feel cluttered.

8. Safety First

• Pet Doors: If you have a yard, a pet door can provide easy access for pets to go in and out. Make sure it’s safe and secure, especially if you have a small dog or curious cat.
• Fencing: Ensure that your yard is fully enclosed to prevent pets from wandering off. If you have a dog that likes to escape, you may need higher fences or special additions like an anti-dig barrier.

9. Air Fresheners and Odor Control

• Use air purifiers to help with pet odors, especially if you have indoor pets. There are also pet-specific sprays or neutralizers for carpets and furniture.

10. Provide Vertical Space for Cats

• • Cats love to climb, so consider adding shelves or cat trees for vertical space. This also gives them a safe retreat if they want some quiet time away from other pets or people.