What looks like a simple television or mobile phone cord to you can be interpreted in a whole different way by your pets. A dog may view that cord as the perfect tool for a game of tug of war – with the television. A cat might view that same cord as a toy to swat while a rabbit probably only sees the opportunity to chew.
Making your new house pet friendly protects both your home and your furry, scaled, and feathered friends. Invest the time now to pet proof so your pets and your home remain protected in the long term.
Here are some surefire tips for making your new house pet friendly:
Keep all wires and electrical cords out of reach.
A pet who chews through a wire or an electrical cord risks electrocution and death. Keep all wires and electrical cords out of reach – whether you hide them in cabinets or block them off with a gate. Some stores also sell tubing specifically to wrap the cords in to protect them from sharp teeth.
Opt for pet-friendly furniture.
Even if your pets aren’t allowed on the furniture, their fur or hair will, in all likelihood, find its way there. Some furniture is much easier to care for, when you have pets, than others. Microfiber, tweed, and suede all typically hide stains and are more durable than other materials.
Choose resistant floors.
Some pets can wreak havoc on carpets so, if you have a choice to the type of flooring your new home has, opt for something other than carpet. Pet experts often recommend sturdy flooring, such as laminate, tile, or wood.
Choose durable over breakable.
A gorgeous glass vase might just be the focal point of your home. But, think of it in terms of your pets. Will your dog run through the room, causing the vase to fall to the floor? Will your cat pass by the vase and knock it over with her tail? If you can, keep your breakables to a minimum and place those breakables you do have in an area not easily reached by your pets.
One of the most effective ways to determine what needs to be done to protect your home is to view your home through your pet’s eyes. Get down on your hands and knees, for example, and crawl around your home, looking for temptations for your pet, places he might squeeze into and get stuck, and items – such as cleaning supplies – that should be kept out of reach.
