Pets are family members with their own needs and preferences. Unfortunately, their requirements do not always seem compatible with a stylish and tidy interior, especially if the owner is trying to provide his pet with everything he needs.
However, nothing is impossible. Consider how to take into account the needs of a four-legged friend and install a variety of options into the interior of the apartment.
Thinking Over Places Of Rest
Of course, a cat and even a dog can sit on the sofa in the living room or just on the floor. But responsible owners know: it is much better to equip a separate bed for the pet, on which he can be alone and relax.
For A Dog
With a dog, the situation is somewhat simpler. It is enough to determine the place where the pet most often lies down, or simply accustom him to the sunbed, and the problem is 50% solved. It remains only to choose a mattress to match the colour of the furniture or build a cozy house according to the style of the room.
There are also options for cabinet furniture, in which niches for a couch are provided. They look very organic and do not spoil the interior at all.
It is best to place your pet’s resting place away from heaters and drafts. For these purposes, a secluded corner in the hallway or living room is suitable.
For A Cat
It’s more difficult with cats. These wayward animals are unlikely to recognize a sunbed as their only resting place, so a different approach is needed in this case. The cat needs to be given opportunities. For example, a purr will favorably treat a game complex where you can lie down and sharpen your claws, will be happy to climb high shelves and sit on the windowsill.
All this will have to be foreseen, and taking into account the temperament of the pet. For example:
- If the cat likes to sit on the windowsill, you should just free up some space on it so that the flower pots do not end up on the floor.
- There is a need to observe from a height can be satisfied with the help of decorative shelves and a ladder made, for example, from a tree branch.
- It is better to place the scratching post in the most inconspicuous place and treat it with a special compound.
Additional devices for cats should be selected very carefully and taking into account the design of the rest of the interior. And, by the way, this is the main mistake of many cat owners, who for some reason are sure: anyway, it will not be possible to fit a cat slide into the interior, so why not choose an element in a bright cage or a cheerful stripe? Yes, you will definitely never be able to organically incorporate a pink and blue flowered play area into the design of the room.
But for a cat, colour does not matter, functionality is more important. Therefore, you can choose a game complex based on the interior features, in the colour of walls or furniture without harm to the pet. Then the subject will become less visible. And no cat paws and other attention-grabbing elements! For the same reason, it is better to abandon the floor options of the standard configuration, upholstered in “fur”.
You can do the exact opposite: use cat play areas as a decorative element. For example, complexes made of natural materials can become an organic addition to an Eco-style interior, and different-sized shelves on the wall can make the atmosphere more dynamic.
By the way, now manufacturers take into account the needs of pet owners and offer a variety of furniture to relax. This option will be in place in a small apartment.
Place For Feeding
It is most convenient to organize a place for feeding a pet in the kitchen, in the corridor or on a heated balcony. To protect the flooring, it is advisable to use a special mat in this place, which will prevent the bowls from slipping and protect the surface from splashes and pieces of food.
It is best if the feeding place is not in the aisle and, if possible, hidden from prying eyes. So the bowls will not spoil the interior of the kitchen, and it will be easier for the pet to eat.
Another original and very practical solution is to equip built-in drawers with bowls in the kitchen set. This is usually what owners of dogs of large breeds do if the kitchen area is small.
Pet Hygiene
If most dog breeds require a daily walk outside, then for a cat it is simply necessary to provide a place for the toilet. However, this element rarely becomes an interior decoration of the hallway, bathroom or kitchen. Especially if we are talking about an ordinary low tray: the filler scatters from it, and the appearance of such a device drives one into despondency.
It is better to immediately foresee additional costs and purchase a toilet-house. Its design can be so attractive that your guests may not even immediately guess that this is a latrine. In addition, this option will keep the floor clean and even protect the apartment from unpleasant odors.
There is another way out: place the cat tray inside the furniture. It could be a pedestal, locker or just a place under the shelf. Furniture can be equipped with a manhole or just keep the door ajar.
We Protect The Apartment From Destruction
Much attention in a house with an animal should be given to finishing materials. For example, wet cleaning here may be required more often, which means that the floor covering must meet certain requirements: be wear-resistant and easily tolerate the effects of water and detergents.
However, there are other requirements dictated by the safety of a pet: the coating should not slip and be too cold.
Therefore, the best option would be non-slip tile options, subject to the presence of underfloor heating or a high-class resistance laminate.
Careful attention should be paid to the selection of upholstery for furniture. Wool in any case will settle on it, which can reduce the maintenance of order to zero.
It is worth giving preference to upholstery made of fabric with a special coating that prevents the formation of puffs, stains and tears. It is also not advisable to choose monophonic options and products of a very light or dark colour. It is better if the upholstery has an unobtrusive colourful pattern. Pollution on such a coating will be less noticeable. Rough leather, jacquard or chenille are the best options for upholstery in a house with animals.
If you would like to see carpets in the apartment, give preference to options with a short pile. It will be easier to take care of such products.
As for wall decoration, it will be more practical to use paint, wall panels or other sufficiently durable material. For the safety of wallpaper in an apartment with a pet, you will have to worry more. As a last resort, use the canvas only at the top of the wall. It is also worth remembering that a cat or dog will not mind playing with a variety of objects that are left unattended. Therefore, it is desirable that the house has enough closed storage systems in which you can store shoes, books or fragile items.