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For these homeowners, when Melanie and Bruce first put their names down for their particular HDB unit, their fur children weren’t in the equation.
Fast-forward years later, and two years into living in their 5-room BTO, and now, they never want to leave home because of their two pugs: Brie and Chip (the youngest is only eight months old).
During an interview, we learned that a lot of their furniture, as well as layout choices, were made pre-pets. But this decision has posed a few hurdles, but they’ve come up with ways around them. One bedroom is even now the Pugs’ room.
For any pet owners dealing with the same problems, here’s how to turn your crib into a pet-friendly abode, where all members are happy! These include tips and ideas on how to pet-proof your existing home, as well as a few nifty ideas to consider in the initial home renovation design phase.
Dog-Proofing Tips
Stick to low sofas
Especially if you have a dog breed with short legs. A lower sofa makes it easier for them to join you on the couch.
Luka Low Sofa
Easy to clean tiles or vinyl flooring
For dog owners with bigger paws can relate: the bigger the dog, the bigger the prints! Install tiles or vinyl flooring that is easy to maintain. Dogs always carry dirt post-walkies. Another tip is to keep a dog towel near the front door to wipe down their paws before entering the house.
Secure bins away from reach
Did you know that a dog’s scent is its most powerful attribute? They can smell and clock in food a mile away! Make sure your bins are tucked and hidden away, far from reach, and secured with a fastened lid. Building a pull-out bin drawer in the kitchen looks aesthetically pleasing, too.
Cat-proofing Tips
On-the-ground sofas and beds
Sofas and beds without legs mean cats cannot crawl beneath them, or their toys aren’t constantly stuck under the couch.
Cat flaps
Install cat flaps for easy access in and out of home.
Avoid wooden floors
Scratching surfaces is like second nature to cats. Wood not only scratches easily, but the marks are super obvious.
Declutter with a wall-mounted bed
Keep a room clutter-free by installing a wall-mounted bed. Or buy a two-in-one gym/sleeper. After all, cats love to climb.
10 Ways to Make a Home Pet-Friendly
1. Custom build storage units, TV consoles, kitchen drawers, and cupboards where you can safely tuck away wires.
2. Customise a dedicated pet sleeping station, equipped with their bed, favourite blanket and toys. Small apartment? Get creative! You can create a sleep station beneath tables or a kitchen island.
Brooklyn® Deep Sleep Throw
3. Invest in sofa covers. There are even sofa protectors with special scratch fabric for cats. Or, opt for darker materials that show less mess.
4. If you’re dead-set on a carpet, choose one that is easy to clean, water-resistant or wool-free.
5. Create a dedicated recreational area for your pets. Keep a toy box for your dogs filled with their favourite stuffed animals or balls. For cats, get them a cat tree climber or jungle gym to play on. Animals require stimulation. You can even save by DIYing a cat bookshelf jungle gym.
6. Install a pet-wash station in your home, whether it’s in a bathroom or service yard. Mini showers are great for dogs. Larger sinks work well with cats.
7. Invest in a pet organiser, or add a retractable shelf on the ground level for your pet’s food bowls. This keeps the kitchen or feeding area mess-free, and food bowls are hidden away (except for the water bowl) until meal time.
8. If your home has a balcony, block it off or ensure it’s 100% protected from your animals slipping through any cracks.
9. Get clued up on food ingredients that are super harmful and toxic to animals. For example, xylitol (a sweetener/sugar alternative) is highly dangerous for dogs and can result in death. Raisins are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Rhubarb is toxic to rabbits.
10. Plant parents: know which indoor plants are toxic to pets, and avoid them in your home at all costs.
So, there you have it. The 10 ways to ensure your home is pet-friendly, along with ideas to consider if you’re about to embark on your home renovation journey and you’re a pet owner.