Britain has always been a nation of animal lovers but lockdown has seen pets take an even more important role in our lives.
With strict restrictions preventing people mixing with those from other households, many Brits have welcomed a cat, dog or other furry friend into their home for companionship. Saturday, February 20 is Love Your Pet Day, a date in the calendar aimed at showing the animals in your life just how much you appreciate them.
But how do you give your pet a fantastic life without letting them completely take over your home?
Animals need mental stimulation just like we do so it is a good idea to buy a selection of toys to keep them entertained. Don’t give them everything at once or they will become overwhelmed so choose a few items and put the rest away. Then after a few weeks, swap their toys around to keep things interesting. If you have large items and you don’t have a shed or garage to keep them in, you might want to consider renting some storage space. A small self-storage unit means you can invest in pet toys and equipment without worrying that they will take up too much space at home. If you have any seasonal equipment like outdoor rabbit runs or garden toys which won’t be used in winter, put them into storage until you’re ready to use them again.
When you get a new pet, prepare your home to protect both your new addition and your property. Go through your home and think about what your pet will be able to get to, paying particular attention to things on the floor or on lower levels. Tidy away anything you wouldn’t want your pet getting their paws onto or move things out of their reach. If you have a house rabbit, tuck away any wires as they may be tempted to chew through them. Add child-proof latches to cupboards, particularly any that may contain harmful substances like household cleaning products. Check your garden is secure if your pet will be allowed to run about outside.
If you can, stock up on the essential items you know your pet will need so you won’t run out. Bulk buying things like dried food, treats, sawdust and hay can help you save money, especially if you take advantage of special offers. If you don’t have anywhere in your home to store large bags of pet supplies, you could use self-storage to keep them safe until you need them.
There may be some areas of your home you’d rather your pet didn’t go in. That’s fine but make sure you set clear and consistent boundaries and stick to them. If you don’t want your dog or cat in your bedroom then keep the door closed and remove them if they go inside. You could also consider baby gates if you want to make upstairs or certain rooms off-limits, although these won’t work for cats who will simply jump over. Don’t confuse your pet by letting them into certain rooms some days and not on others. Remember to give your pet their own space too. Set up an area of your home they can really make their own and add a comfortable bed and some of their things so they know that space belongs to them. You might pick a room where you’re happy to give your cat free rein or you could set up a crate for your dog where he can go when he wants some time to himself.
