Photo by Ilona Krijgsman via Pixabay
Whether you have a cat, dog, reptile, bird, or another animal, these critters are members of the family. But with cramped spaces and home layouts that aren’t very focused on the comfort and safety of your animals, you may need to make some modifications to make your home more animal-friendly. And given how your critters spend more time at home than you do, they deserve a high level of comfort. Whether you’re building a new home or you want to remodel, there are some DIY projects focused around upgrades for your animals’s needs. Keep reading to learn a few tips for how to create an animal haven in your home.
Space to Roam
Adventure is in the blood of our animals. From finding prey to reproduction instincts, they are meant to roam and explore. But with today’s means of living that include apartments and homes with small yards, sometimes exploration can be limited for our furry friends. If possible, try to create space in your yard for your animals to run around and play. If this space is limited, then be sure to take them to the park frequently. This will keep them happy and feeling their best.
Private Area
Just like humans, most animals need a private area where they can relax and unwind. If your animals bed is located near the kitchen, living room, or in other areas that see a lot of traffic, that can be very stressful for your animals, and they might not get the rest they need. That being said, try your best to find an area in your home that is away from the chaos and place their bedding there. Although some animals love to be in the middle of the action, this area can give them a safe, stress-free place where they can relax.
Observe Them
In order to find the perfect location in your home to create a safe and comfortable area for your animal, it's important to observe them. Over time, animals will usually find the areas of the home that are most comfortable to them, and they may sleep there and constantly spend time in that location. These are the areas where you should place their beds, toys or any other items that will make them more comfortable.
Make Things Safe
Whenever you area cohabitating with an animal, you should always make sure the environment is safe. However, not many people realize everything that needs to be done in this regard. Whether you have a young pup or an older cat, you should:
- Always make sure the thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature. You don’t want it too cold or too hot.
- Remove trash cans, place them under the sink or purchase a touch-free model to ensure your pet can’t access the trash.
- Store cleaning materials and food out of reach of your pets.
- Hide or tape down electrical cords, which can be quite tempting to chew for pets.
- Put away shoes, toys and any other items that your pets may play with or chew.
Build A Special Area
Animals frequently enjoy closed-in spaces. Especially if you have a puppy or young kitten, these spaces can also limit any chewing or destruction to your home and furniture. While a crate is a possibility, it's best to design an area where they have a little more space. In fact, this is an easy DIY project. Remember when you made forts as a kid? Now you can relive those memories by building one for your favorite animal! You could move couches, tables, chairs, or any other pieces of furniture to create a closed-in space for your furry friends. In this area, be sure to add pet bowls with food and water, and don't forget about their toys! You may also want to lay down some blankets or bedding, so they can stay comfortable. This can create a safe pet haven, and this DIY project costs nothing!
Build A Hideaway
If you have a small animal at home such as a puppy or kitten, or even a rabbit, then it is very simple to create the perfect hideaway for them. Remember those old moving boxes you have tucked away in the garage? Well those can be easily be used as a pet hideaway! Be sure to fold out the boxes, tape down the sides, then cut out holes, so they can enter and exit as they please. You might also want to place some blankets inside the hideaway, so they stay comfortable! For added space and creativity, you can also connect boxes together to make a larger pet haven. To design a more permanent option, you can easily make one out of wood. These hideaways can ensure your animal stays safe, happy and comfortable!
By focusing on the tips outlined in this blog, your beloved animal will love your home even more than you do!