Homeowners are frequently faced with remodeling their homes in order to accommodate all of their needs. When pets are involved, creative strategies are often required to ensure your home’s space is being used as effectively as possible while keeping the animals safe and comfortable. The kitchen, in particular, is one of the rooms that can be modified to fit your needs.
Feeding Station
Perhaps the most important part of a kitchen for your pet, the feeding station should be arranged in an out-of-the-way spot where your pet will be safe from harm. If possible, choose a corner of the room that gets little human foot traffic to prevent your dog or cat from getting stepped on while trying to eat. Pull out food and water bowls as well as treat storage can be built into your kitchen cabinetry.
Under-the-Island Bed
If you want your pet to spend as much time in the kitchen as you do, you might be interested in designing a bedding area that fits inside of the kitchen island. Just make sure that at least two of the sides are open so that your dog or cat does not feel claustrophobic.
Gated Spaces
Depending on the length and shape of your kitchen, you might want to hire a carpenter to build in one or more gates into the room’s design. Ideally, the gates should slide into a hidden space, such as an area found between two floor cabinets or a doorway wall.
Pet-Friendly Flooring
Vinyl has long been a popular choice for homeowners with pets. It is easy to clean and resistant to scratches. If your kitchen floor doesn’t have vinyl flooring and you aren’t ready to replace it, you might want to consider lining your pet’s corner with a small section of vinyl flooring to enable easy cleanup.
Secured Trash Receptacles
Many pets are naturally curious, so you’ll want to secure your trash and recycling receptacles by placing them inside waste and recycling bin cabinetry or making sure the lids are secure. Doing so protects your pet from getting into scraps or discarded items that might harm them.
As one of the most used rooms in the house, the kitchen is sure to be frequented by your pet on a daily basis. Taking the time to incorporate a few pet-friendly measures is a good way to make sure that your dog or cat is comfortable and safe at all times. Even if you can’t accomplish everything that you would like, making a few modifications to the room’s design could make a huge difference in your pet’s happiness. Contact us today and our team will help you design the kitchen of your and your pet’s dreams.
