If you're a pet lover, chances are you want your furry friend to be able to join you in all aspects of your life - including lounging around in the living room. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to make your living room more pet-friendly. In this blog post, we will discuss four easy ways to make your living room more accommodating for pets!
What type of pet do you have?
The first step in making your living room more pet friendly is to take into account what type of pet you have. Each type of animal has different needs and preferences, so it's important to consider these when creating a space for them. For example, if you have a small dog, you may want to create a cozy nook for them with a soft bed and some toys. On the other hand, if you have a cat, you may want to create a perching spot for them on a high shelf or piece of furniture. As long as you take your pet's needs into account, you're off to a good start!
In addition, before you consider making any changes to your living room, it's important to do a quick assessment of your pet's current behavior. If your pet is already comfortable in the living room and isn't causing any damage, you may not need to make any changes at all! However, if your pet is exhibiting destructive behaviors or is generally anxious in the space, some simple changes may be needed to help them feel more at ease.
1. Choose pet-friendly furniture
When picking out new furniture for your living room, be sure to choose pieces that are easy for your pet to climb on and off of. A soft couch or chair with no sharp edges is ideal. You may also want to consider investing in a pet bed that can be stored away when not in use.
For instance, there are plenty of ottomans and coffee tables on the market that has built-in storage space - perfect for tucking away pet beds or toys! On the other hand, you can find sliding shutters available at Shuttercraft that can be used to quickly and easily close off any gaps in furniture that may be inviting to pets. Similarly, cats love to scratch furniture, so if you have a feline friend, be sure to choose materials that are resistant to scratches, like leather or faux leather.
2. Keep dangerous items out of reach
Pets can be curious creatures, and it's important to make sure they can't get into anything that could hurt them. Keep any cleaning supplies, medicines, or other dangerous items stored away in a cabinet or cupboard that your pet can't access. Namely, be sure to keep any toxic houseplants out of reach as well - many common plants are poisonous to animals. For example, aloe vera, lilies, and dieffenbachia are all poisonous to cats and dogs if ingested. If you want to keep these plants in your home, be sure to place them on a high shelf or in a room that your pet doesn't have access to.
3. Consider your flooring
If you have hardwood floors, be aware that pets can scratch them with their nails. This can be prevented by trimming your pet's nails regularly or by placing mats or rugs down in areas where they like to lounge or play.
If you have carpeted floors, be sure to vacuum regularly to prevent pet hair from building up. The carpet may also require more frequent cleaning if your pet has accidents or sheds excessively. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep a pet stain remover on hand just in case! Another option is to invest in washable rugs or throws that can easily be cleaned if they become soiled.
4. Add some pet-friendly accessories
To make your living room even more pet friendly, consider adding some accessories that your pet will enjoy. For example, you could add a cat tree or scratching post for your feline friend, or a set of steps or ramps for your dog to use to get on and off of furniture.
You could also add some toys or chew bones for your pet to play with, as well as some cozy bedding for them to snuggle up in. By adding these types of pet-friendly accessories, you're sure to make your living room even more welcoming for your furry friend!
By following the tips above, you can easily make your living room more pet-friendly in no time! Just choose furniture and flooring that are durable and easy to clean, keep dangerous items out of reach, and add some pet-friendly accessories to make the space, even more, inviting for your furry friend. With a little bit of effort, you're sure to create a living area that both you and your pet will love spending time in!