8 Tips for Cat-Friendly Home Decorating

Cats are fantastic pets to have at home. There is something so relaxing about stroking their fur after a hard day. They are very clean creatures and will generally not make a mess most of the time. But then again, they can also wreck some parts of your home when you’re not looking. After all, cats are famous for scratching up stuff and pushing things over just because they want to.

And when you have these adorable pets at home, decorating your house can be tricky. It needs to be both creative and strategic because you wouldn’t want your pets ruining what you worked hard for. Aside from this, you have to make sure the decorations would be safe for these little creatures but also stylish for your home. So what should you consider when decorating a cat-friendly home? Let’s find out.

1. Choose the Right Fabrics

One of the biggest hassles with owning a pet is the amount of fur they shed. It’s endless! They’re always shedding, even when they’re not doing anything. Some cats just stand up and boom, hair all over where they lay down. With this in mind, it’s important to consider what kind of fabric your furniture has. Why is it important? Because some fabrics make shedding a living nightmare. These fabrics include velvet, chenille, mohair, and corduroy. It’s smarter to go with synthetic fibers and smooth furniture so it’s easier to clean up cat hair.

You also want to avoid delicate fabrics like silk. It may look good, but the silk will lose if your cat decides to play with it with its claws. Leather may also because it’ll be reduced to shreds when cats play with it too. An idea worth exploring is using fabrics suitable outdoors on your furniture. These fabrics were made to weather the harsh environment. They can definitely take a few scratches from your fur baby. Also, consider if your fabrics are washable. Chances are, it’s gonna get dirty if your cat likes to walk around. Washable fabrics are easy to clean and maintain. You can also opt for removable covers. You can just detach it from your furniture, pop it in your laundry, and boom, you’re good to go.

Finally, choosing fabrics that match your cat’s fur can be a smart way to conceal the hair. The downside to this is you’ll always find hair in places you wish you didn’t.

2. Think About the Floors

We can all agree that cats are generally clean pets. They make sure they clean and groom themselves often. But, they may not be cleanest on rainy and muddy days. Therefore, you would want to have floors that are easy to clean. Here are some floors that would be perfect for you.

• Ceramic tile
• Stone
• Laminate flooring
• Concrete
• Brick
• Terrazzo

Avoid hardwood because it stains quickly and does require a bit of maintenance. It will also scratch and dent easily so it may not be the best option for cat owners.

3. Pamper Your Cat a Little

Pamper your cat a little by giving it its very own furniture!

Start with a bed because cats love to sleep. A calming bed is the perfect one to get your little fur baby all snuggled up for a nap. You can check out one from shops like The Meowy. Getting a bed for your cat is important because it keeps them warm while they sleep. A warm bed will help avoid arthritic joints in the future. Custom-made built-ins work well. A low-level drawer can work as a feeding bowl for your cat. When they finish eating, simply push it back into the recess.

Also, give your cat a place to climb and play on. Custom-built cat condos, climbing trees, and feline shelves are ideas worth considering. Hammocks are also excellent relaxation spots for your cat. If you’re looking for a new pet, Siberian Cats are an ideal family cat. For more information check out: How much does a siberian cat cost?

4. Opt for Inexpensive Rugs

If you have to choose between a carpet and rugs, go for the latter. Rugs are smaller in size compared to carpets so when accidents happen, it’s easier to clean. But, do not buy costly ones. Your cat will scratch, pull, and even chew on the rug. Cats will most likely find comfort in rugs because they’re fluffy and will keep them warm. Because of this, you’ll most likely find them hanging out around your rug.

If you have kids, they will also step on the rugs a lot when playing with their furry friends. Over time the rug will collect dust, fur, and all sorts of nasty dirt. When picking out a rug, look for one that is easy to wash. It should also be at a price point that allows you to dispose of it without feeling dreadful when the time comes. Seagrass or sisal mats are excellent options.  They tend to have neutral colors that will blend in with any decor aesthetic.

5. You May Want to Avoid Carpets

Furry pets and carpets do not mix very well. Carpets absorb dirt, odor, stains, vomit, and spills fast. Over time they will smell and can become a breeding ground for harmful germs and bacteria. If you have to have a carpet, avoid the wall to wall one because it’s a nightmare to get it cleaned up. Go for smaller ones that are easy to remove anytime you need to clean them. Avoid high pile carpets because they are harder to clean since they are fluffier.

6. Indoor Plants may Not Work

You may have to choose between your beloved cat and houseplants. Cats will chew on plants and unfortunately, some of them may be toxic.

Here are houseplants that you need to avoid to protect your cats:

• peace lilies
• aloe vera
• monstera deliciosa
• jade plants

If you have to have plants, take the time to do some research.  Some options like roses, baby breath, and bamboo are generally pet-friendly. Another option to consider is faux flowers. You keep your pets safe while incorporating the aesthetic of plants.

7. Think of Your Furniture and Walls

Your cat will enjoy scratching the furniture. Sisal, wicker, and rattan are fair game to your feline. Other options include chrome or metal because these are very durable. Textured walls look great, but your cat will likely use them to sharpen their claws. For walls, go for those that are easy to clean. Semi-gloss, eggshell finish or satin are the best options. Cleaning is as simple as wiping them with a damp piece of cloth. Flat finish paints are hard to clean, so keep away from them.

8. Lockup Fragile Knick-Knacks

If you like to collect knick-knacks, think about how to keep them safe. Your cat will explore every part of your house, including your shelves. Invest in lockable glass panel cabinets to display your collectibles to prevent your cat from knocking them over. Hang your paintings as opposed to placing them on a flat surface like a shelf or a table. Your cat will not be able to reach them if they’re hanging a few feet above the ground. Well, to be honest, they may still get to these paintings but at least you’ll make it hard for them to do so.

Final Thoughts

We have looked at 8 tips for cat-friendly home decorating. When shopping for decorations, keep your feline in mind. Textiles should be tough enough to handle the destructive power of their little claws. Floors and walls should be easy to clean. Buy inexpensive rugs because you may need to replace them regularly. Furniture should be sturdy and durable because cats will most likely play with them. Cats can be tricky to care for. There’s so much to consider! You need to adjust over and over again for their needs. But then, at the end of the day, we all know it’s worth it.