Get Organized: A Place for Your Pets' Stuff
Live in style with your cat or dog thanks to special places for their food, bed and toys
Having a pet is like having a child. OK, it's not exactly the same, but you still have to think about training, feeding, and bathing them; taking them to go to the bathroom and the doctor; and playing with them. Not to mention all of the stuff — it's amazing how quickly a pet's stuff can add up. But by purging unnecessary items and dividing things up according to activity, you can keep your pet's belongings tidy and easily accessible.
1. Set aside a place for eating. A home for your pet's food gives him a routine and helps keep potential mess confined to one area. This custom solution is great because it keeps bowls from tipping over and dry food from sliding out all over the floor.
Dog Mat
As an alternative to built-ins, look into skid-free pet bowls and a big plastic mat. Try to find a little nook where your pet can eat in peace, out of the main traffic areas.
Keep food and treats tidy by setting aside an organized spot to keep dry food fresh. This custom setup has three drawers for treats and food right above the feeding area. This is a beautiful solution to a messy problem, but a large airtight plastic container near your pet's feeding area will do the trick just fine.
Keep your pet's food right next to the feeding spot. The less you have to tote their food bag around the house, the less mess you'll create.
Keep your pet's food right next to the feeding spot. The less you have to tote their food bag around the house, the less mess you'll create.
2. Find a place for their toys and accessories. Sort through your pet supplies using basic organizational tactics. Toss what's broken or beyond repair, and donate unused toys to a friend. Torn leashes, worn-out brushes and expired medicines should be thrown away, too.
Choose a way to keep everything stored. Keep the leashes you use most frequently hanging by the door for easy access. Store toys in a bin where you usually play with your pet.
Choose a way to keep everything stored. Keep the leashes you use most frequently hanging by the door for easy access. Store toys in a bin where you usually play with your pet.
3. Give them a special sleeping spot. I don't know about you, but fur is what plagues my pet-friendly house more than anything else. It's definitely been a challenge to figure out what zones my cat should be allowed into, and how to train him to stay off our red couch. If you have the room, a great solution for this is to build-in a bed for your dog or cat. Animals love safe, snug spots like this.
Crypton Doodle Dog Bed, Persimmon, Medium
If a build-in bed isn't an option, a colorful and plush dog bed should do just the trick. Tuck it away in a quiet spot where your dog is still near you when you're in the kitchen or family room, but is out of the immediate traffic area.
Native American Teepee
A quiet sleeping spot gives your pet a safe and secure place to go if things are chaotic. My cat loves to run into his little cubby when we have people over — it lets him watch the action without being a part of it.
This modern teepee is the perfect spot for your cat to snuggle up and hide during the day. And it's such a cute design, you won't have a problem displaying it in a main area.
This modern teepee is the perfect spot for your cat to snuggle up and hide during the day. And it's such a cute design, you won't have a problem displaying it in a main area.
4. Keep track of the necessities. Keep your pet's records in one safe place. Adoption and vet files, medical papers, and everything else should be stored with the rest of your important paperwork.
Keep animal medicines, flea treatments, and bathing materials in a spot away from pets and children. Even some standard pet shampoos can be toxic, so keep them out of reach.
Keep animal medicines, flea treatments, and bathing materials in a spot away from pets and children. Even some standard pet shampoos can be toxic, so keep them out of reach.
5. Solve the litter box dilemma. For cat owners, figuring out where to put the litter box can be a logistical headache. No one wants to know what's going on in there while they're eating or watching TV. A lot of cat owners opt to put the litter box in a laundry room or a guest bathroom, where people don't spend a lot of time. Just keep in mind that it should be in a low-traffic area where your cat can be alone. Keep a broom, plastic baggies, extra litter and a scoop in there for easy cleanup.
ModKat Litter Box
While a built-in cubby for a litter box is ideal, it's not realistic for everyone. This modern litter box solution is a great way to contain the mess without having to deal with a clunky and ugly contraption. Who would've thought "attractive" and "litter box" could belong in the same sentence?
More pet ideas:
40 Fun Gifts for Your Pet-Loving Friends
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More pet ideas:
40 Fun Gifts for Your Pet-Loving Friends
5 Pet Problems Solved by Design
50 Design Loving Dogs