Designing a Pet-Friendly Home

Whether you are looking at homes for sale, already renting an apartment, or moving to a rental house, here's a comprehensive guide to pet-proofing your home, covering everything from furniture choices fit for your established dog to safety measures and grooming practices for your new kitten.

For cats, provide standard carpet covered posts with no levels, or multiple levels with scratching posts, suggests Barbara Nyke from Barbara Nyke Interiors & Design. She also shared that for an economical alternative, you can make your own using twine wrapped around a post nailed down to a 12 x 12 covered plyboard.

My Bullitt loves his recycled cardboard scratching board. When it's all scratched out, it goes into the blue bin!

Barbara also recommends investing in a feeder. Automatic pet feeders are perfect for both cat and dog kibble and come with a range of awesome features such as a variety of styles, different price points, and a common type are machines that dispense specified amounts of food - while other styles use multiple slots that you fill with food. In addition, some feeders can be programmed for several feedings per day.

These feeders may have cameras, two-way audio, and other smart features. If an automatic pet feeder sounds like the perfect addition to your pet routine, we'd love to help you find the best fit.

If you need some extra assistance maintaining the health of your pet, smart technology has many viable options to consider.

Designer Barbara Nyke's philosophy is simple: well-planned interiors with beautifully-appointed finishes will make your heart sing. We are a full-service interior decorating and interior design studio providing custom creative designs for busy professionals in Toronto, the GTA and Ontario cottage country.