At this point in the year, summer vacations are ending, and the weather is getting cooler. The time for inside activities is coming, and you may live alone. Are you considering pet adoption? Read on to learn how to keep your apartment safe from damage.
What kind of pet?
Depending on the size of your apartment, the type of pet you get will change. Bigger apartments welcome larger and more energetic animals like big dogs or cats. Smaller apartments are great for cats and smaller dogs. If you are considering a tank animal like fish or reptiles, the size of your apartment may dictate what species you can get. Iguanas, for example, can grow from 18 inches to 6 feet as they grow up. The tanks they use when they are small can be about 20 gallons, but when they mature, that tank will need to be about the size of a small room. Unless you plan on upsizing in the future or are willing to give that much space to an iguana, a cat, dog, or fish would be ideal. We love all animals and have a dog park.
Furniture
It is vital to prepare your furniture for animals outside of a tank, like cats and dogs. How well your animal is trained and what age they are will determine how much preparation is needed. For puppies and untrained cats, putting cardboard or furniture protectors like plastic covers on the legs of all couches, armchairs, and beds will keep your furniture safe from chewing and scratching. Some animals do experience anxiety as they become accustomed to their new home and may have accidents. The
design of your home does not need to change with pets. However, a minimalist style will reduce how much you need to clean.
Flooring
Both cats and dogs have nails that can scratch hardwood floors. If your apartment is carpeted, simply housetrain your pet and always make sure they can communicate when they need to use the bathroom or their litter box is full. Proper maintenance of a litter box will save you a lot of time and money, considering how temperamental some cats can be. Storing their litter box in an open closet or bathroom with hard floorings like tile or wood will make it easier to clean up if litter falls out of the box. Cleaning your apartment should not feel like the end of the world with a pet. Enjoy your new family member!