We are a nation of pet lovers, and now, there’s even more of us. According to the BBC, the Pet Food Manufacturers Association reported that 3.2 million households acquired a new pet since the start of the pandemic - that’s a lot of new furry friends!
In addition, more than half of new pet parents were at the younger end, aged between 16 and 34, while 56% have children at home. Welcoming a new animal into the home is always an exciting time - but it can be an adjustment for people who have never lived with a pet before.
DON'T LEAVE OUT ANY CORDS, CABLES OR THREADS
Ever playful, cats are happy to entertain themselves around the house. Sometimes, that can mean chewing through headphone leads and charging cables though! Protect your top-of-the-range tech by keeping them tucked away, out of sight.
Balls of wool or cotton thread are always tempting too - just make sure there aren’t any needles attached - along with hair elastics, which cats will happily pounce on and destroy. Also make sure to tie up any long blind cords, so won’t be tempted to play with the ends.
PROTECT YOUR FURNITURE
Give your cat a dedicated scratching post, so it can flex its claws without destroying the upholstery. This doesn’t need to be a freestanding tree if you’re tight on space - you can buy flat scratch pads that can be attached to a wall or door, where needed.
Think about covering the sofa or armchair in a blanket or throw to protect common targets for nail sharpening, such as the arm and headrests.
BEWARE POISONOUS PLANTS
Lilies are lovely, but they can be toxic to cats, as are foxgloves. Poinsettia, a favourite at Christmas time, is likely to cause vomiting and stomach irritation if eaten, along with many common bulbs, including hyacinth, daffodils, tulips, crocus and amaryllis.
Seek immediate advice if you suspect your pet has ingested any suspect plants or flowers. On the other hand, normal grass is good for cats, so don’t be scared if you catch them having a nibble. It helps clear the digestive system from the build up of hair from grooming.
MINIMISE UNWANTED ODOURS
Cats are great, their urine, however, is not. With a strong, persistent smell that likes to linger... it can be incredibly tricky to remove from textiles and furnishings. Use an enzymatic pet cleaner to remove stubborn stains and odours, or wash with bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar.
To keep your home smelling fresh, use a natural, biodegradable litter like Natusan. Highly absorbent, it can hold seven times its own weight in liquids and has 40% better odour control than the average litter, locking in any unwanted smells.
11/08/2021 by NatuTeam