Can a Cat (and their litterbox) Peacefully Co-Exist in a Condo?

It is said that "dog's have owners, and cats have staff!"....now as a dog "caretaker" I can't speak being on any cat's payroll, but I do know that my dogs could pull their weight a little more around the house!  When bringing home a new pet or your pet is getting older and is having a harder time getting around, taking a good look at your home & making some easy design modifications can be made.

Multi-functional furniture is essential when designing for your pet.  An attractive leash holder by the door can hold leashes as well as a towel to dry off muddy paws.  Storage bins can hold toys, extra blankets, bed covers and sweaters.   Electrical wires need to be kept out of reach and plastic safety plugs should be placed on outlets to prevent the adventurous from getting electrocuted.  When choosing live plants, stay away from ivies, philodendrons and dieffenbachia, as they can be harmful if ingested.  Pantries or a Baker’s rack in the mudroom or back hallway can serve as a pet center-everything is in one place and easily accessible). Kennels or beds should be kept in a draft-free area out of the way of main traffic flow in the house.  A pet needs to have some peace and quiet too! 

There are times and situations where you must confine your pet while you are away.  Crates and kennels can also offer your pet it’s “own place” and are portable when traveling with your pet.  However, the traditional wire mesh or plastic dog crates look out of place in most design schemes.  Post Modern Pets offers some unique crates (and other products) for the chic, sophisticated pet owner.  Their Haus Dog Crate offers your dog a safe and comfortable enclosure and doubles as an attractive side table!  Post Modern Pets also states that this crate can be used for cats, rabbits and other small pets, as well, to incorporate them into the social structure of their human family.  The Haus Crate comes in 2 sizes (studio and loft) and in 2 color schemes (orange/charcoal and green/mocha).  If you don’t want to part with the $300+ for the Haus Crate, you can be “creative” in disguising your current wire or plastic crate.  A piece of plywood placed over the top of a wire mesh crate and then covered with coordinating fabric can hide the crate, create a “cave” for the pet and also offer another horizontal surface in smaller spaces and can even double as a table.  Crates are also available in hardwood and rattan.  Prices start at $129.99 in Doctors Foster & Smith catalog.  Don’t forget your crate accessories!  Now you can get orthopedic foam pads for extra comfort, which also help to trap and eliminate odors.



Continue reading on Examiner.com: Can a Cat (and their litterbox) Peacefully Co-Exist in a Condo? - Milwaukee designer furniture | Examiner.com