How to Pet-Proof Your New Manhattan Apartment?
Finding an apartment in a pet-friendly building in Manhattan can be challenging. So, if you managed to find one, you are lucky. Whether you own or rent, protecting your home from damage is important, and this includes damage caused by your furry family member. That is important because any damage can reduce property value or cause you to lose your deposit. Here are some tips on how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment.
Tips on how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment
Anyone that has had a puppy or kitten knows that pets are very similar to toddlers. They are very curious and love to explore any new place. Unfortunately, just like toddlers, they can also be unintentionally destructive. It is natural to scratch all surfaces and chew on various items. Not to mention that pets can also be pretty clumsy, like toddlers. A dog might accidentally break things with its tail, while a cat might break something while jumping on furnishings. At the same time, they can also get injured in the process. So, here are some tips on how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment.
Choose the right flooring
If you own a pet, flooring is the first thing you should address in your new Manhattan apartment. You need floors that won't scratch, stain or retain odors, so you must analyze your options and decide which would work best. Here are some of your best options:
● Laminate floors are one of the best solutions for pet owners because they are easy to clean and water resistant. Plus, even if they scratch, it’s not that noticeable. However, they can become slippery when wet, which can be uncomfortable and dangerous for your pets. Therefore, make sure you keep them dry while your pet is around.
● Vinyl floors are efficient since they can withstand clawing and are easy to clean. Furthermore, one of the best parts about this material is its quietness. That means it will reduce clawing and jumping noises. But once again, you must keep them dry. Otherwise, they can lift and produce mildew.
● Carpets are a great solution, particularly for tenants. Since you cannot redo the entire flooring in your rented apartment, you can at least protect it. One of the most significant advantages of carpets is that they are much more comfortable for you and your pet. However, the downside is that they quickly absorb fluids, thus retaining odors and staining.
● You can invest in a waterproof carpet if you’re worried about frequent peeing incidents. Of course, this is not as soft and comfy as a traditional carpet, but it’s practical in cases like this.
Carpets help protect your floors and are more comfortable for your pet and yourself.
Pet-proof your furniture
Both cats and dogs love sofas and comfy chairs. The problem is that they cover them in pet hair and sometimes even potty stains. Not to mention that cats enjoy scratching your furniture. So, how can you protect your furnishings? Firstly, make sure that you groom and brush your pets regularly. Do not forget to trim their nails as well. Secondly, use lots of washable blankets and slipcovers. Thirdly, spread lots of scratching posts or chew toys around the house to provide an alternative for your pets.
Remove fragile items from your new Manhattan apartment
If you have valuable and fragile furnishings and home accessories, removing them from your apartment might be the best option. Because accidents happen, no matter how many safety precautions you take. So, you should consider renting some storage to ensure the safety of your belonging. Plus, you never have enough storage space when you live in an apartment. So, if your home is getting smaller by the day and you can never find what you need, that’s a clear sign that you need some extra storage.
Protect your pets from electricity
Electrical wires and cables are hazardous. On the one hand, they represent a tripping hazard for your pets. Because, just like toddlers, when pets get excited, they don’t pay attention to these things. On the other hand, they love chewing on and playing with everything that isn’t a toy, so they risk getting electrocuted. Therefore, you should use floor cord covers or hide wires and cables behind baseboards.
Hide or remove anything that might be toxic
We all love decorating our apartments with plants because they brighten up the place, look great, and can increase oxygen levels. However, our furry friends also enjoy chewing on them. The problem is that many indoor plants are toxic for pets. So, you should do some thorough research before buying plants. Of course, if you have a dog, you can also solve this problem by positioning the plants out of reach. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work for cats since they are good climbers.
Make sure you decorate your new Manhattan apartment with indoor plants that are not toxic for pets.
Moreover, it’s not just plants that you have to worry about. Cleaning products are just as toxic for animals as they are for humans. So, you should keep them under lock and key. Furthermore, you should hide away food as well. Anything left out in the open can become a target for your pets. And it’s not just that they will gain some weight, but some human food can harm pets. Therefore, if your Manhattan apartment has ample storage space, you should use it.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, pet-proofing isn’t all that different from child-proofing. When it comes to how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment, you have to consider the safety of your pet and your belongings. However, be advised that no matter how many safety measures you take, accidents can still occur.