How to Design Your Interiors for a Cat-Friendly Home

Those of you who have or have ever had pets understand that they are members of the family. Not only do you need to take care of them, but you also have to maintain your home in a way that suits them as well as you. If you are someone who cannot think of living without a cat, there is good news. Having a pet-friendly interior that does not compromise your sense of style is easy if you know how to do it. We have already shown you how to choose pet-friendly window coverings. Now let’s talk about the interior designing process when you have a cat to consider.

Cat friendly upholstery

6 Ways to Create the ‘Purr-fect’ Cat-Friendly Interior

According to the Pet Population Report by the Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association, about 12 million households in the UK have pets.  Canada’s Pet Wellness Report, written by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), states that there are approximately 7.9 million cats in Canada alone. Historically, cats either like to dwell in bushes or trees. If you have a bush dweller, then she may not be that difficult to accommodate. But tree dwellers tend to require a lot of vertical space, which may not always be very aesthetically pleasing. So, the primary difficulty you will have is finding the right balance between what keeps your feline friend happy and what is aesthetically pleasing for the humans in your home.

So, read on if you want to create a harmonious living space for humans and felines alike.

1.   Fur-Free Upholstery

When you have pets, carefully consider the fabrics you choose for your upholstery. Make sure they are not likely to gather fur, since certain fabrics work like a magnet for pets. To that end stay away from velvet, mohair, corduroy, velour or chenille. And to withstand the test of claws, invest in quality textiles such as smooth tapestries, leathers and synthetic fibres.

2.   Durable, Clean Floors

Hard surface flooring is an absolute necessity if you have pet-occupied rooms and want to keep your floor undamaged. Laminate flooring, stone or even ceramic tiles work great as they are easy to clean and are resistant to scratches and stains. They also remain cooler during hot weather, which is great for any pets with thick or long fur.

You may ask why pet owners cannot install solid hardwood flooring? To begin with, hardwood is more susceptible to dents and scratches than laminate or concrete. The classic beauty of hardwood is unparalleled, no doubt. So, in case you still want solid wood planks, such as pine or fir, then at least protect high-traffic areas with rugs.

Pro Tip:

Trim your cat’s nails regularly and keep toys in a separate room to preserve the beauty of your living space longer.

Again, floors need to be kept clean, and to avoid the consequences of rainy, muddy days, choosing an easy to clean floor is advisable. If you still want hardwood, at least choose a much harder wood species, such as mahogany or oak.

Play zone for cats

3.   The Perfect Play Zone

Having a cat means providing it with space to play. Some cats will run riot around your whole house, especially if they are chasing each other, while others have a favourite spot they will rarely leave. In fact, it may not be directly part of your dream décor but having a nominal “play space” for your cats can provide more fun time for them and a better living space for you. This is the room we mentioned earlier in which to keep your cat toys.

4.   Spotless Kitchens

The key to having a pet-friendly interior is to keep your home as tidy as possible, although that is easier said than done. That means, no unsightly kitty bowls ruining that perfect view of your lovely kitchen. A smart way to do this is to keep the food bowls out of plain sight. Slide them under kitchen cabinetry and only bring them out during feeding time if you are not feeding them freely throughout the day. Also, keep water dishes around a corner so your furry felines have access to fresh water at all times.

5.   Fur-Free Walls

Your walls can give you quite a headache if you do not keep their texture in mind. Always remember that a highly textured wall tends to attract fur, even if your cat is not always rubbing against it. To avoid this situation, go for a satin or semi-gloss satin paint. This will not just repel fur but keep your wall clean and glowing longer.

6.   Window Treatments

Cats love to spend their day by the window, keeping an eye on the neighbourhood birds and squirrels and basking in the sunshine. Some cats also have a tendency to climb curtains. Thick curtain fabrics might not be very enjoyable for them, so keep curtain fabrics as lightweight as possible. On the other hand, if you have window blinds, always make sure to pull them up so that your little friends do not bring the blinds down accidentally.

Designing your home’s interiors is not only about having a trendy arrangement or its visual appeal. You should also be sure to create a pet-friendly space where your cats can leap and climb comfortably. Keep your cabinets and shelves relatively clean to reduce the chance for any breakage should kitty decide to climb over them. With the help of a professional interior designer, you can achieve an interesting look that will work for both you and your feline friend.