{"id":131961,"date":"2022-04-29T13:50:43","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T17:50:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/?p=131961"},"modified":"2022-04-29T16:29:24","modified_gmt":"2022-04-29T20:29:24","slug":"indoor-spaces-for-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/indoor-spaces-for-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating Indoor Spaces for Your Family Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"

You love your furry friends, and you want to create the best possible <\/span>indoor spaces <\/span>for them. You are not alone; <\/span>pet<\/span>-care spending now accounts for more than $75 billion every year. Design teams are taking notice. They are crafting adorable pieces and building extraordinary <\/span>spaces<\/span> to ensure that your <\/span>pet<\/span> is happy and healthy, and you can learn from them. Want to upgrade your home\u2019s <\/span>pet<\/span>-friendly zone? Read on as we offer some of our favorite tips for creating cozy <\/span>indoor<\/span> spaces <\/span>for your family <\/span>pets<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Select the Best Flooring<\/b><\/p>\n

While your <\/span>pets<\/span> may roam throughout your apartment, condo, or house, you may still want to give them a designated zone. This <\/span>indoor<\/span> space <\/span>will be a place for their beds and toys. It will be a safe place for them to retire to when your home quiets for the night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Creating <\/span>indoor<\/span> spaces<\/span> for your family <\/span>pets<\/span> does not require a huge investment, although if you do have the budget for some remodeling, there are changes you could make that will help keep the <\/span>pet<\/span> zone clean and welcoming. Ceramic tile is durable and stain-resistant, so if you already have ceramic tile flooring in a particular area of the house, it could be the best place for your <\/span>pet\u2019s<\/span> indoor<\/span> space<\/span>. Hardwood floors can be easily cleaned, but they might show scratches from long nails on larger dogs, and your <\/span>pet<\/span> may be prone to skidding. If you already have hardwood floors or your heart is set on adding them, consider putting down mats, including the anti-fatigue mats that work wonders in the kitchen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Avoid Carpeting<\/b><\/p>\n

Many apartments and condos already have carpeting, which can be snagged by <\/span>pet<\/span> toenails (potentially hurting your <\/span>pet<\/span> and damaging the carpeting). Low-pile is your best bet if you have some say in the d\u00e9cor, but if not, think about creating your <\/span>indoor<\/span> pet<\/span> space<\/span> in the kitchen. Otherwise, you may want to put down carpet squares or washable runners over the existing carpet to aid in clean-up and to make your <\/span>pet<\/span> more comfortable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Take Advantage of Existing <\/b>Indoor Spaces<\/b><\/p>\n

Do you have a large unused crawl <\/span>space <\/span>in your condo? Do you have an attic that is woefully under-used? Do you have a basement or family room that is begging for attention? All of these areas have the potential to be much-loved <\/span>indoor<\/span> spaces<\/span> for your family <\/span>pets<\/span>. If your crawl <\/span>space<\/span> is contained and drywalled, this can be the perfect kitty hideaway or impromptu doggie den provided there is enough <\/span>space<\/span> for beds (especially this practical and cushiony moving blanket <\/span>pet<\/span> bed that is earning raves at <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a>). It\u2019s even better if there is enough room for scratching posts or treat-releasing toys. Just be sure to remove the crawlspace door so that your <\/span>pet<\/span> doesn\u2019t feel trapped.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Family rooms and finished attics give you even more options when it comes to creating an <\/span>indoor<\/span> playroom for your <\/span>pets<\/span>. If you have anxious <\/span>pets<\/span>, it\u2019s a place where you can turn on a tv or computer to play engaging programming \u2013 you\u2019ll be amazed at how much is available specifically for your furry pals. Interactive cameras allow you to not only keep an eye on your <\/span>pet<\/span> when you are working, but they often give you the ability to talk to them while you are away. And depending on the dimensions, you might even be able to place litter boxes or pee pads in a designated corner that won\u2019t significantly reduce their room to play.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Try Some DIY<\/b><\/p>\n

Is <\/span>space<\/span> a premium in your studio apartment or tiny home? <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a> recommends a DIY project that transforms an old side table (or even kitchen table) into an <\/span>indoor<\/span> doghouse. The top can still act as a useful surface, but the unused area below can become functional in a few moderately simple steps. The idea was suggested to the <\/span>Magazine<\/span><\/a> by Kara Whitten of <\/span>A Kailo Chic Life<\/span><\/i>. If you have the tools at home, all you need is birch plywood, glue, decorative wallpaper (or paint), and finishing nails. If you don\u2019t have the tools, you may be able to get your local hardware store to pre-cut the side wood pieces and create a more streamlined entry. For details on how to put this adorable <\/span>indoor<\/span> doghouse together, visit <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Install a Catio<\/b><\/p>\n

Catios are becoming increasingly popular for renters and owners alike. While many are built as patio enclosures with ramps, bridges, perches, and <\/span>pet<\/span>-safe flowerbeds, interior designs take into account your home\u2019s accessible <\/span>space<\/span> and make the most of it. This is true whether you live in a three-bedroom home or a fully mobile tiny house. Editors over at <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a> love the multi-level mazes that offer stimulation and opportunities for cats to exercise. How do you create your own catio <\/span>space<\/span>? <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a> advises: \u201cPre-made catios can be purchased online, or you can order catio designs and build the enclosures yourself with a handy checklist.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Indulge with <\/b>Pet<\/b> Beds<\/b><\/p>\n

Your family <\/span>pets<\/span> deserve the coziest beds possible. Whether you are introducing a new animal into the home or hoping to upgrade your <\/span>space<\/span>, designers are having a great time creating soft, unique beds that will prompt endless purrs and wagging tails. For small areas, your family\u2019s favorite feline will love the cozy cave from Uncommon Goods even more than the editors at <\/span>Southern Living<\/span><\/i><\/a>.\u00a0And the Mid-Century Modern vibes are strong with the Sauder Natural Sphere Cat Tree from Kohls that is turning heads at <\/span>Real Simple<\/span><\/i><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does your pup demand the finer things in life? You\u2019ll both love the Wentworth Tufted Dog Sofa from Frontgate. <\/span>Real Simple<\/span><\/i><\/a> reveals: \u201cIt comes in four color options and features a robust wooden frame that holds up to 80 pounds of pup. Choose from stain-resistant micro-velvet or a faux leather finish.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0If your eye leans toward multi-functional furniture, you won\u2019t be able to resist the Lula Entryway Dog Bed from Joss & Main. <\/span>Real Simple<\/span><\/i><\/a> raves about its cushiony practicality: \u201cNot only does it offer a cozy spot for Max to lounge, but it also features convenient storage. It\u2019s got multiple hooks perfect for storing keys, leashes, and jackets, as well as a lower drawer for miscellaneous <\/span>pet<\/span> supplies.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider the Little Things<\/b><\/p>\n

Finally, little things can make a significant difference to your <\/span>pet\u2019s<\/span> indoor spaces<\/span>. For example, <\/span>Rachael Ray In Season<\/span><\/i><\/a> recommends helping older <\/span>pets<\/span> by investing in \u201ca step to help them onto furniture.\u201d\u00a0For cats, scratching is one of their methods of communication. To save your furniture and make your cats happier, Lynn Bahr, veterinarian and founder of cat toy company Dezi & Roo, tells the <\/span>Magazine<\/span><\/a> that the best plan is to add a scratching post in every room. Bahr advises: \u201cGo for a variety of posts\u2014vertical, horizontal, cardboard, sisal, loofah. A nice mix of shapes and textures will keep your cat happiest (and your sofa safer).\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"