If you have (or are soon to have) a fur child, I know you want nothing but the best for them. Here are some ways to enhance your home that apply to nearly any paw-rent.

For new-to-you pets:

Getting a new pet is so exciting! No matter what kind of pet you bring home, there are a few universal tips to make their move-in easier.

• Bring the new furr-iend home when you’ll be at home for at least a few days in a row (like the weekend). Having you around as they settle in can help them feel more comfortable while allowing you to monitor their behaviour and catch any issues right away.
• Keep the new pet in a small, quiet area at first. Once they’re comfortable, you can introduce them to new areas of your home. Be sure to include their bed, toys, and food in this area, at least to start, so they have a safe space to build confidence and get comfortable in their new home.
• Create a routine, especially for dogs and cats. They love the predictability of eating at the same time every day, consistent sleeping hours, etc.
• If you have an anxious or territorial pet, consider calming products like Feliway to soften the drastic change in their living situation. And be patient!

For babies:

Adopting a kitten or puppy (or any baby animal) has a whole different set of challenges! A few keys to success:

• Baby-proof your home. Secure anything that could be poisonous, put breakables away, and keep the area as clutter-free as possible. Young animals can be curious, clumsy, and full of energy, and you can’t keep eyes on them 24/7.
• Train them early and often. If there are areas you don’t want them on, calmly redirect them to an appropriate spot and reward good behaviour. Consistency will go a long way. Leash training is another thing to start early for cats, dogs, or any other furry friend you plan to take out of the home with you.
• Tire them out. Keeping young animals physically busy with walks, toys, and other playing will help wear them out and ensure they don’t expend extra energy going wild when you’re sleeping or out of the home.
• Spend time together. Making sure they are comfortable around you and know your voice will help them build confidence and listen when you make a request of them.

For cats:

Cats can act aloof, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t constantly taking notes and supervising your every move. Here’s how to ensure a happy feline friend:

• Cats love to be up high. Anything you can do to make that happen safely is a great addition to your home. Some ideas are tall cat trees, a cat bed on top of a tall dresser, or cat shelves installed high up on the wall.
• Cats also love to watch the outdoor happenings. Consider a suction-cup window hammock, chairs or cat-friendly seating near windows, or even an enclosed outdoor catio.
• They are picky about their water. It’s ideal to keep it away from their food, and to offer more than one source. Moving water keeps cats interested in drinking, so a cat fountain is a great way to keep your furry friend hydrated.

For dogs:

Dogs vary a lot from breed to breed, but there are some things that any canine care provider can introduce to keep them content:

• Offer mealtime enrichment like a food puzzle, a hide-and-seek feeder, a snuffle mat or a rolling puzzle feeder. This helps them stay mentally alert and slows down their eating.
• Help them with personal hygiene. Regular nail trims can help prevent overgrown nails that may cause discomfort or make walking more difficult. Brushing them will keep mats and tangles at bay, giving them a healthy coat.
• Show some love. They look to you for positive reinforcement, approval and comfort. Whether it’s pets, hugs, treats or belly rubs, be sure to show your dog you care.

For senior pets:

A senior cat or dog needs special accommodations.

• As pets age, they may develop arthritis or experience reduced mobility, making it harder to jump and climb like they used to. For cats and small dogs, try out pet stairs to help them access higher areas they love (like the bed or a windowsill).
• Add ergonomic feeding stations to make them more comfortable. Or, implement a timed feeder to help you monitor their food intake. Noting any weight changes can be critical to spotting illness. Talk to your veterinarian about whether an age-appropriate or senior-specific diet would be beneficial. Be sure to keep an eye on their water intake, too.
• Implement a brushing routine in your home. Have a comfy bed and their favourite brush in a specific place in your home, and brush them at the same time each day. Regular brushing not only helps keep their coat healthy, but also helps you notice any skin issues, lumps, infections, or other concerns. Plus, you’ll be strengthening your bond with your lovely pet.

Hopefully, you found a few pet-centered home improvement ideas here, no matter your cat or dog’s age. If you have a different kind of furry friend, drop me a line and tell me what animal you share your home with!