Cats…dogs… your preference doesn’t matter. Anyone who has a pet knows that they bring endless amounts of happiness into your life.
But have you taken the time to return the favor?
Moving to a new apartment can be a stressful experience for you best friend. It takes time for an animal to get adjusted to a new home, so it’s up to you to make it a smooth and safe transition.
Make your recent move easier on your pet with these 7 secrets to make your apartment more pet friendly.
1. Keep Dangerous Items Out of Their Way
Pets can be curious, especially when they’re in an unfamiliar environment. Think about how you inspected every nook and cranny before you decided to sign your lease. Your pets are going to want to do the same thing. So it’s crucial that you make sure hazardous materials and dangerous items are out of their reach.
Expect your pets to inspect every room, closet, and cabinet. But before you let them loose in your new place, make sure it’s safe. All liquids, detergents, and cleaning supplies should be in a locked cabinet or a high, out of reach place. Don’t give your curious kitty the option to chew on laundry pods. Don’t allow your pup the chance to sniff or drink the kitchen bleach. Ensure that chemicals of all types are safe, secured, and inaccessible.
If all the hazardous materials are safe from reach, you can enjoy some peace of mind. You can’t watch your pet every minute of every day. At some point, you’ll need to leave your pet alone. Do yourself (and your pet) a favor by making sure they have a safe environment.
2. Consider Purchasing a Crate
If your dog or cat tends to get into trouble when you’re away, consider purchasing a crate.
Some people think it’s cruel to keep a pet confined to a crate for hours on end. But in reality, crating your pet when you’re not at home is an effective way to keep your pet safe. Yes, it will protect your apartment from damage that your pet might do. But more importantly, it prevents your pets from accidentally causing harm to themselves.
Crate size does matter. If you decide to buy a crate, make sure you choose the correct size. Use this helpful guide from to help you select the perfect crate for your furry friend. If you have a dog, a crate is a great way to reduce messy accidents on your floors and carpets. Just make sure you put plenty of food and water inside the crate! Cat owners rarely use crates, but they can be a successful tool for basic kitty training.
3. Stick to a Routine
If you have moved to a new apartment or recently adopted a new four-legged friend, routine is key! Keep your pet on a consistent schedule and create a strict routine to help them get adjusted to their new home.
Feed, walk, and play with them at the same time each day. Consistent potty breaks, daily play periods, and scheduled feedings are essential. Pets that are well-exercised, well-fed, and well-cared for are a lot less likely to cause trouble.
4. Barricade Balcony Spaces if Needed
If your new place has a balcony, take the necessary steps to make it safe. Balconies may be a beautiful addition to an apartment, but they can be a danger for pets.
If you don’t mind your pet checking out the balcony, make sure you monitor them or keep them on a leash while outside. If you don’t want them on the balcony at all, figure out a way to block it and prevent access.
5. Give Them Their Own Space
Think about how important it is to have your own bedroom…your own closet…your own bath. Isn’t is likely that our pets feel the exact same way?
By giving your pet his/her own space in your apartment, it will make them feel safe. It will also prevent them from investigating places they shouldn’t be in.
Create a designated space inside your apartment for your pet. This space should include their favorite toys, a cozy bed, and a water source. If you have a cat, this area can include their litter box and food bowl. If you have a dog, consider adding an indoor puppy pad (if you want your pet to take bathroom breaks indoors).
6. Avoid Expensive Rugs & Keep Breakable Items Out of Reach
Accidents are bound to happen. No matter how well-trained your pet is, potty mistakes and hair ball cough-ups will happen.
Save yourself some money and heartache and don’t buy an expensive rug. It doesn’t matter if you have wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwood floors and area rugs. Pets always seem to be attracted to those areas that are the hardest to clean.
If your pet has an accident on a $300+ rug, stress is bound to follow. If your pet destroys a $40 or $50 rug, it will be a lot easier to replace. At the same time, make sure to keep valuable possessions and breakable items out of reach.
If your pet smashes a $20 vase from Target, you’ll likely be able to live to with the loss. But if they break an irreplaceable family heirloom, it’s going to hurt.
7. Choose Stain-Resistant Fabrics
When it’s time to buy bedding, upholstered furniture, and rugs, look for items that repel stains. Stain-resistant fabrics are easy to clean and easy to maintain. If your pet has an accident – and they probably will – a stain-resistant textile will make cleaning a breeze.
Providing a safe and healthy environment is the best way to show love and adoration for your pet. Keep your furry little friend in mind when shopping for furniture and decor.
Make sure that hazardous items are far out of reach. Barricade balconies if you don’t want them to venture outside. Consider buying a crate if you spend long hours out of the home. And, most importantly, create and stick to a routine.
Whether you’re moving to a new apartment or upgrading your current one, keep your pets’ needs in mind. Having a happy and healthy pet will give you peace of mind and set the tone for a stress-free home.
Author Bio:
Chestnut Portland is a quiet community of one, two and three bedroom townhomes in Portland and Scarborough, Maine. Chestnut Portland is perfect for anyone looking for easy access to town, as well as a little fresh air and breathing room.
