Purr-fectly Decorated: Cat-Friendly Decorating Tips
September is National Happy, Healthy Cat Month, the perfect time to celebrate our feline friends and make our homes more cat-friendly without sacrificing style. Whether you're a seasoned cat owner or a new adopter, there are plenty of creative ways to blend your interior design preferences with your cat's needs. I have curated some of my favorite functional and aesthetic products for our feline family members. Pet products don’t have to be things we hide in closets or dark corners anymore, these beautifully designed products are beautiful enough to be on display full-time.
Keep reading below for some purr-fect decorating tips that will keep your home stylish and your cat happy.
12 Tips To A Cat Friendly Home
Choose Cat-Friendly Fabrics:
Cats love to scratch and knead, so it's essential to select furniture with durable, cat-friendly fabrics. Opt for materials like microfiber, and leather, as they are less likely to snag and are easier to clean. Sofas or chairs that have recessed wood or metal legs deter scratching. Avoid delicate, easily shredded fabrics to save both your furniture and your sanity. avoid tweeds, wicker, or textured upholstery that easily captures fur and catches on claws.Provide Plenty of Cozy Snoozing Spots: Let’s be honest, cats spend half their day sleeping, have a space for them in every room they frequent most. Use throw pillows with removable covers for easy cleaning
Vertical Space: Cats are natural climbers and love to perch up high. Incorporate cat shelves, wall-mounted condos, or tall cat trees into your decor. These not only provide exercise and entertainment for your cat but also add an interesting visual element to your home.
Buy Affordable Patterned Rugs: Patterned rugs can disguise all manner of stains. And there will be stains, so don’t sink a fortune into a rug that will likely be destroyed. You can find machine-washable rugs as well as very attractive rugs like the one below for less than a hundred dollars.
Stylish Cat Furniture: Modern cat furniture has come a long way in terms of design. Choose cat trees and scratching posts that complement your home's aesthetic. From sleek, minimalist designs to more rustic options, you can find cat furniture that enhances your decor while satisfying your cat's needs.
Cat-Friendly Window Treatments: Cats adore basking in the sunlight by the window. Opt for window treatments like wide windowsills or window perches. Consider using double-sided tape or sticky window films to deter cats from scratching or pawing at window coverings.
Cat-Friendly Plants: Many common houseplants can be toxic to cats if ingested. Ensure your home is adorned with cat-safe plants, such as spider plants, catnip, or cat grass, to provide a touch of nature without posing a threat to your furry friend.
Hidden Litter Boxes: Litter boxes are a necessary but not-so-pleasant aspect of cat ownership. Conceal them in decorative cabinets or built-in furniture with discreet entrances, ensuring that your cat has privacy while maintaining the aesthetics of your home. This is so dependent on your cat’s preference,
Interactive Toys and Games: Keep your cat mentally stimulated and engaged with interactive toys and puzzle feeders. Some of these toys are designed to blend seamlessly with your home decor while providing hours of entertainment for your cat.
Color match your decor to your cats: Yes, you heard me right. This might sound completely crazy but choose color schemes based on your furry friends’ fur that are forgiving of cat hair. Neutral tones like grays and browns can help camouflage shedding and are less likely to show scratches from curious paws.
Cat Proof Shelves: Many cats will knock everything off of your carefully curated bookshelves, but luckily there are loads of tricks for dealing with this. Museum wax, silly putty, and even hot glue are all solutions that can stick your belongings in place without damaging either your furniture or your decor. If you prefer a guaranteed safe space, a glass front bookshelf will keep your valuables intact.
Safety First: Finally, always prioritize your cat's safety. Ensure that any decorations or items within your cat's reach are cat-friendly and don't pose a hazard. This includes securing heavy objects, covering electrical cords, and avoiding small, swallowable items.
