Sharing your home with several pets is some people’s idea of heaven… but it sure takes a lot of work. Battling dirt, ensuring everyone has their own space, managing odours, etc. Pet owners must be highly organized!
Here is some useful advice on how you can create a harmonious and comfortable living environment for you and your pets.
Their Own Little Retreat
Every pet should have a separate spot where they feel safe and secure. Put beds or cozy baskets in quiet corners and place food bowls away from high-traffic zones to avoid stress during mealtimes. Play areas are likewise essential! If possible, set up a space where your four-legged friends can burn energy… without destroying the furniture!
Easy to Clean Flooring
Accidents happen, especially when several animals live together. There’s the classic hairball on the carpet (thank you kitty!), piddle puddles, food splatter on the floor and dirt from paws all over the furniture. There are many things you can do to make your life easier:
- If you’re planning a renovation, choose water-resistant, simple to clean, scratch-proof materials like ceramic tiles or vinyl.
- Protect your furniture with fabric slipcovers! They’re washable and stop your upholstery from getting all torn up.
- Select a washable paint for your walls so you can remove smudges from dirty paws and tails, for example. Better yet: buy the same type of paint used in schools! It’s more expensive but so much more grime resistant.
- Small absorbent mats under food and water bowls are the ideal solution to catch spills.
Claw-some Prevention!
As stated above, fabric slipcovers and durable materials (like ceramic tile) will reduce damage caused by sharp claws. So you’ll want to steer clear of hardwood floors! Nail caps are available in stores that allow your pets to enjoy their favourite activities (such as sharpening their claws on your nicest sofa) without tearing your belongings to shreds! However, not all cats or dogs will tolerate wearing these nail covers on their paws. Repellent sprays may also work on some animals. Try it!
Effective Storage Solutions
Your pets’ accessories can quickly clutter up your home. On cleaning day, equip yourself with bins and baskets that can hold all their stuff: toys, food, brushes, etc. Choose containers that match your decor. You could likewise install additional wall shelves to store certain toys and their medication. Hammock nets hung from the ceiling or in a corner are also a great storage solution for toys.
A Pet-Proof Home
Safeguard your pets from domestic hazards by storing household product out of their reach, avoiding toxic plants like the lily or philodendron, and installing screens (to keep ticks at bay!) and safety gates to block access to potentially dangerous rooms. Furthermore, protect your belongings from being accidentally knocked down (or intentionally pushed over—looking at you, cat!) by securing your decorative vases, plants and other objects with a purpose-designed adhesive tape sold in hardware stores. You know they deserve the same level of love and care that you would give to children!
A Strict Cleaning Routine
Hair is often a pet owner’s worst nightmare, followed by paw prints along the floor. A well-established cleaning routine will guarantee a pleasant and chaos-free household.
- If your cat sneezes frequently (and all over the place), vets offer a vaccine to deal with the problem!
- Regularly brush down your animals to prevent pet hair build-up.
- Buy a robot vacuum cleaner that will suck up all that hair in addition to eliminating paw prints as they appear. What a life saver!
- Keep a lint roller within easy reach to remove pet hair from furniture and clothes.
- Use white vinegar and baking soda for eco-friendly, odour-busting cleaning.
- Consider having your cats professionally shaved! They’ll be just as cute but won’t shed all over your house.
Quality Time and Training
Prevent conflicts between pets by carefully managing the environment. Introduce new furry friends gradually to reduce stress, spend time with each pet individually to avoid creating jealousy, and train them to respect basic rules to ensure everyone gets along peacefully.
Tips for Viewings
Are you selling your property? Consider removing your pets from the house or condo to make the visit more pleasant for potential buyers. Some may be afraid of animals, others, allergic, or even put off by their smell. Deep clean and properly air out your home before each viewing.
Living with several pets does require planning, but the joy they bring makes it worth the effort!