Living with a pet is a privilege, but also a challenge - especially if you share limited space. When your dog has more toys than you have shoes, your cat is organising an obstacle run at night and your plants are fighting for their lives after yet another “tail attack” - you know you're in a house with a claw.�
How do you organise your space so that it lives well for both you and your four-pawed housemates? Here are some tried-and-tested inspirations and tips.�
1. A space that works - not just for people
Your flat is not a showroom, but a functional space where all household members need to feel comfortable - including those who don't wear slippers.
For your dog, it's a good idea to set aside a comfortable resting place - with a bed that doesn't slip off the floor and is easy to wash. Avoid high-traffic areas - the hallway by the front door may not be the best choice if your dog is easily distracted.
Your cat needs height. A shelf, a scratching post, a windowsill with a cushion - anything that allows him to watch the world from above will be like a VIP balcony for him. If you don't have room for large structures, a single shelf in a strategic location will suffice.
2. Plants vs. tail
Plants can suffer quite a bit in the company of pets - but it can be reconciled. Just choose ones that are safe for pets, such as ferns, pilea or arrowroot.
Plants that are dangerous for pets include:
- dieffenbachia,
- monstera,
- philodendrons,
- zamioculcas,
- horsetails,
- aloes,
- hoja.
These are just some of the dangerous species. Before deciding on a pet, it's worth looking at a more detailed list and checking that you don't happen to have any of these plants.
A good trick to negate damage is to suspend plants or place them on higher shelves - out of tail or claw reach. And if your cat likes to dig in the soil, use decorative pebbles to discourage digging.
3. Tidiness with predictable mess
Let's not kid ourselves - in a house with a dog or cat, there will always be some sand from paws, fur or scattered toys. But that doesn't mean chaos has to reign.
Invest in aesthetically pleasing containers for your pet's accessories - leash, toys, poop bags, food supply. This will keep everything close at hand but not in plain sight.
It's also a good idea to keep a broom or hoover near the entrance area, especially if a trail of paws is left behind after every walk.
4. Aesthetics can be pet-friendly too
You don't have to give up on nice interiors. Choose fabrics that are dirt-resistant and easy to clean - such as microfibre covers, synthetic velour or outdoor fabrics. When it comes to carpets, look for those with short pile - not only are they easier to vacuum, they're also harder to bury a toy or... something you don't want to find
And if you're after style yet practicality - metal, wood or plastic furniture will be more resilient than those with a fine finish.
5. Think like an animal - and like a human
Animals, like humans, need rituals and a sense of security. Maintain a consistent structure in your home: a fixed place for bowls, a routine for walks, a quiet area for resting, but remember yourself too. Home is meant to be for you too. Create micro-zones: a place for coffee, reading, plants. These don't have to be big changes, just a table, a comfortable light and a curtain to hide the after-hours lair.
At LifeSpot, we understand the needs of today's tenants - including those on four paws. Our flats are fully furnished, available in a variety of sizes and locations, and above all - pet-friendly.
A home with the claw = a home with character
