Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Home

Every pet owner knows the ups and downs of chewing, scratching and the occasional “accident”. While it may be impossible to eliminate these issues completely, there are many things you can do to protect your home and furniture from potential damage. 

1. Protect your floors.

Whether it’s hardwood, tile or carpet, your floor is no place for pets to relieve themselves. Do your best to minimize the damage and subsequent cleanup with absorbent pads in places where accidents have happened. Be sure to invest in a quality carpet and upholstery cleaner that eliminates odor and uses enzymes to erase all traces that can lead to repeat offenses. 

2. Give your cat something to scratch.

If your feisty feline can’t keep its claws off the couch, give them something better to dig into. Scratching posts offer a safe alternative to your favorite chair. To help your kitty make the transition, place the scratching post near their favorite naughty scratching spot. And be willing to try different types of posts (horizontal, vertical, climbing frames and perches, rope or corrugated cardboard, etc.) to find the one your cat likes best.

3. Make scratching a sticky situation.

 

Double-sided tape can be your best friend if your cat is shredding your furniture. Felines don’t like their paws sticking, and will seek out other, more hospitable places to scratch—like that nice new post you got them!

4. Make chewing unappealing.

 

Chewing is a natural instinct, but you don’t want your pup to turn your furniture, shoes or baseboards into chew toys. One of the best deterrents is to make the item they love to chew yucky. You can buy bitter sprays that are designed to prevent chewing or try Tabasco or another hot sauce. A spicy jolt may be all it takes to make Fido seek out more suitable chewing options.

5. Try a baby gate.

 

Sometimes keeping your pet away from certain areas is the best way to protect your home and furnishings. Baby gates are a convenient solution because they can easily be removed and called up for service as needed. If your pup gets up to trouble in specific places whenever you leave them home alone, use a gate to cut off their access. During holidays or other special occasions, a gate is the perfect way to protect decorations and displays.