If you are an animal lover and an interior decorating junkie you are probably very well aware of the fact that having a pet and maintaining a clean, stylish home may not always go hand in hand. Over time we learn about our pet's needs and may have to sacrifice a few things along the way but that doesn't mean we can't have an amazing place! At the very least it is a lot of work but with a few tips and tricks having a great place is definitely feasible.
Gizmo 
The most common and problematic issue with having a cat or a dog is fur shedding. It happens all year round; no ifs, ands or buts about it. It's on our furniture, our floors and our clothes and if we don't clean it up often, it becomes engulfing not mention hazardous to our health. Fabrics on sofas, chairs and bedding often become entrenched in fur and dander can become an issue for creating or worsening allergies. Animal odour is another issue that can become a nuisance but more importantly it can make us and our house guests feel uncomfortable.
Cleo
So what do we do about our furry little friends? Please don't give them up, they just do what they do naturally through no fault of their own. We must take responsibility for our pets and the key to maintaining a clean, odour-free home rests on our shoulders. Very simply, we have to clean up after them, and often. In today's super busy world however, cleaning our home or condo is usually the last thing we have time for and the last thing we want to do. Having a pet just adds to the clean-up time but here are a few things that will help with time management:
Keep rugs to a minimum or get rid of them altogether.
Place throws or slipcovers that are easily washable over fabric sofas and bedding.
Keep pet stain remover and clean up "accidents" as quickly as possible.
Brush your pet once or twice a week (my cat needs brushing every day - she sheds like mad!)
Use a powerful vacuum cleaner that specifically works on allergen removal.
If you are currently in the process of renovating or purchasing new furniture, consider your pet when selecting fabrics and finishes.
The following points can help maintain a clean home and will cut down on your cleaning time:
Avoid wall to wall carpeting. Hardwood, laminate and non-porous tile flooring are easy to clean and highly aesthetic.
Choose leather/pleather as opposed to fabric for some or all of your upholstered furniture.
Avoid furniture that has a lot of detail or grooves that can get embedded with pet stuff.
If painting walls, choose a paint that cleans easily and has no colour rub off - Benjamin Moore Aura paint is one option. My cats are constantly rubbing their cheeks against the walls leaving a grey film. Easy to wipe walls are always appreciated!
Living with your pet/s doesn't have to be only about cleaning up after them. Pets contribute to a happy and healthy home with the love and laughter they provide everyday. A little bit of extra planning and a little bit of extra cleaning is a very small price to pay for all the wonderful little moments we share with our pets. After all they are a part of the family and they too deserve to share the space we live in!
If you have any pet stories, please share!
