Pets will be annoying yet loving pets. It’s in their nature to chew, scratch, shed and have accidents. Watch your furry friends to learn their behaviours. Note items or areas they’re attracted to. This lets you pet-proof problem zones.
Dogs may chew shoes, kids’ toys or wood furniture. Cats are likely to claw upholstered chairs or drapes. Pets also track in dirt and mud from outside. Knowing their habits helps target proofing and training.
Choose Tough Materials
When selecting furnishings and finishes, durability is key. Look for easy-to-clean, non-toxic items that can withstand pet play. Steer clear of delicate fabrics and carpets in high-traffic areas.
For flooring, choose hardwoods over soft woods. Scratches and staining are less visible on oak or bamboo compared to pine or cedar. Tile and high-quality vinyl plank flooring are other good options that resist water and odours.
Leather and microfiber make great pet-friendly upholstery. Leather’s tough surface can handle scratches. Microfiber fabric is soft but durable and repels pet hair.
Be selective with rugs. Tightly woven wool or synthetic blends resist stains and fraying. Avoid delicate silk or hand-knotted rugs, which are easily destroyed. Visit thrift shops to find inexpensive rugs to test your pet’s habits first.
Finding Affordable Options
Pet-proofing can get pricey. Loan options like guarantor loans for bad credit offer access to funds that may be harder to obtain from mainstream lenders.
A guarantor loan uses someone with good credit to back your application. This “guarantor” agrees to repay if you default, broadening loan access for those with poor credit histories.
Research lenders that offer clear terms. Borrow only what you reasonably need for home upgrades. Make payments on time to avoid fees and interest charges. Use wisely; these loans provide temporary funds without putting your guarantor at undue risk.
Give Pets Their Own Special Spots
Our furry friends need designated areas for eating, playing, and sleeping. Blending these essential pet spots into your home’s décor takes planning. Choose attractive bowls, beds, and toys that match your style. Add safe greens to give areas life without endangering curious paws and mouths. With some creativity, you can have pet zones that are functional yet fashionable.
Rather than leaving food bowls randomly around, create defined feeding areas. Choose a corner of the kitchen, laundry room, or mudroom. Elevated bowls keep pets from gulping too quickly. Pick ceramic, stainless steel, or bamboo to coordinate with your kitchenware.
For water, use lidded stainless steel buckets to prevent spills. Affix them to the wall at your pet’s height for easy access. Add a small rug underneath for any drips after lapping.
Play Areas
Pets need room to play safely. Designate corners of rooms or hallways for this purpose. Use floor vinyl that resembles wood or tile but withstands scratches and stains. Washable throw rugs under toys contain mess.
Rotate toys in a toy box to keep things interesting. Pick toys in colours that pop against floors for visibility. Sturdy ropes, crinkle balls, and chews satisfy chewing urges while complementing room colours.
Sleep Spots
Give pets their own comfortable sleeping space, like a crate, bed, or cat perch. Place it in a low-traffic area for peace and quiet.
For dogs, raise crates off cold floors with a stand and coordinated crate pad. Or pick a cushioned bed with removable, washable covers in patterns that blend with room décor.
For cats, place carpeted perches near sunny windows for birdwatching. Opt for sisal scratching posts over the carpet to match natural fibre décor.
Pet-Safe Plants
Adding greens brightens rooms and improves air quality. But make sure plants are pet safe, as many are toxic if chewed or swallowed. Choose hardy varieties that tolerate curious paws.
Pet-friendly options include spider plants, pothos, bamboo palms, prayer plants, air plants, and parsley. Keep toxic plants like lilies and azaleas completely out of paws’ reach.
Research before bringing any new plants home. Place shelving and hanging pots strategically to keep greens away from pets. With planning, you can safely add natural beauty.
With designated areas for your pets’ needs, you can have an organised, eye-pleasing home that makes everyone happy.
Protect Decor
Pets can accidentally harm furnishings and decor. But you can limit the damage. Train pets on good chewing and clawing habits. Use barriers to protect your stuff. Get professional help for tough behaviours. It takes effort but is worth it for pet and home harmony.
Teach Good Chewing
Dogs need to chew but can learn what’s off-limits. Give okay chew toys when you catch them on furniture. Praise when they switch to the right thing.
Spray bitter stuff on furniture to stop nibbling. Let dry overnight and reapply weekly. Place upside-down carpet spikes under furniture legs to block access.
Stop Bad Clawing
Cats naturally want to claw, but you can teach them where. Put posts and cardboard by furniture to redirect claws there. Praise Kitty for using those instead of the couch.
Trim nails a lot to reduce scratches on stuff. Use removable covers on furniture when away. Sticky paws deterrent also stops clawing.
Getting Expert Assistance
See the vet, trainer or behaviourist for damage that doesn’t get better with training. They can fix underlying issues causing bad chewing, lunging or litter problems. With patience and help, pets learn home manners.
Paying for Pet-Proofing
Protecting your place costs money. Guarantor loans give borrowing options to people with credit challenges. Someone with good credit co-signs to assure approval.
Do research around lenders offering options like guarantor loans for bad credit with clear terms. Only borrow what you really need for pet supplies or furniture fixes. Make payments on time to avoid fees. Used wisely, these loans provide funds to protect your home.
With some planning and training, pets and furnishings can coexist harmoniously.
Conclusion
Pets liven up a house. But their natural habits can damage décor and furnishings. Chewing, clawing, shedding, and accidents come with the territory of having furry friends.
When picking flooring, furniture and finishes, durability is key. Hardwoods and tile better withstand pet play versus softwoods and carpeting. Leather and microfiber make great pet-friendly upholstery – easy to clean and hard to scratch.
Be choosy about rugs. Tightly woven synthetic or wool blends resist stains and stand up to use. Avoid delicate silk or handmade rugs, which fray easily. Test cheaper rugs first to observe how your pets interact.
