Whether it’s muddy pawprints on the carpet, scratched sofa corners or mysterious smells lingering in the hallway, pet ownership comes with its fair share of domestic dilemmas. A study by Petplan reveals just how much of an impact our four-legged companions have on our homes – and how owners are adapting to keep both their interiors and animals happy.
In a survey of over 1,100 UK cat and dog owners, 41% admitted to replacing household items due to pet damage – with many doing so as often as twice a year. Carpets and rugs top the list of the most commonly replaced items, and 52% say pet hair is their biggest cleaning headache.
When it comes to keeping homes fresh and clean, many owners are turning to gentler, pet-safe solutions.
Cleaning expert Nancy Emery explains:
“There are lots of cleaning products available in supermarkets which are designed to combat stains and odours from pets. But if you prefer a more natural solution, you can always use the trusted combination of baking soda and vinegar. These are non-toxic cleaners that can help deodorise, clean and remove stains.
“Sprinkling baking soda on stains and odours and leaving for an hour or two to give time for the moisture to be absorbed really does the trick. A quick hoover up after and you should notice a difference. Similarly, a solution of vinegar and water can be used to clean surfaces and help to neutralise any odours.”
Nicky Trevorrow, Behaviour Manager at Cats Protection, provides insights into managing pet behaviour: “Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats, but it can wreak havoc on your sofa if your cat is not given an appropriate outlet for their scratching,” explains Nicky Trevorrow, Behaviour Manager at Cats Protection.
“Stop your cat from scratching furniture by making the area less appealing. Wash previously scratched spots with laundry liquid or disinfectant to remove their scent. Then cover the area with materials cats dislike, like foil, polythene, sandpaper, or decorator’s flooring protection film. Providing suitable scratching posts in areas where your cat is scratching (for example, next to sofas) as well as close to where they sleep (as they tend to scratch when they first wake up) and near entry and exit points (for scratch marking) and rewarding them for using those instead of furniture can make a big difference.”
Similarly, Nick Jones, Petplan Pet Expert and dog behaviourist, advises:
“Chewing is especially common in dogs, particularly puppies, as they explore the world or soothe teething discomfort. The key is to offer plenty of chew-safe toys and rotate them regularly to keep your dog engaged. If chewing becomes a problem, it can be a sign they need more mental or physical stimulation, or that they may be suffering from other anxiety related conditions such as separation anxiety- an experienced behaviour specialist will be able to help you identity the reason behind excessive chewing.”
Top Tips for a Pet-Proof and Pet-Friendly Home:
– Introduce scratching posts and chew-safe toys
– Use washable covers for sofas and chairs
– Regularly groom pets to reduce hair and shedding
– Loop curtains or use tiebacks safely
– Keep litter trays clean and provide toilet breaks for puppies
– Store cleaning products, medication and vapes securely
– Avoid toxic plants and unsafe foods
With a little preparation and the right tools, homes can remain safe, stylish, and suited to the chaos that comes with pet parenthood.
Read more here: https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-insurance/pet-care-and-advice/all-you-need-to-know-about-pet-proofing-your-home.html