Pets

Pawsome tips to care for pets

Here are some do-it-yourself grooming and care tips, from recycling a belt to using household products to freshen pet bedding, that will make your life much easier and your pet happier.

A BICARB BED FRESHENER In between washings of your pet’s bedding, sprinkle it with bicarbonate of soda, then let it sit for about an hour. Shake off the bicarb outdoors, then vacuum up the rest. This will freshen and deodorise the bedding.

RECYCLE A BELT AS A COLLAR

Save money by making a pet collar from a small leather belt that’s no longer used. (A grosgrain belt is suitable for smaller, lightweight pets, but only if it has a binding along its length.) Cut the belt to the desired length for your little dog or cat. Place the new collar on a block of wood and poke holes in it with an awl or heavy metal skewer, then buckle it around your pet’s neck to make sure it fits comfortably. For a cat, split the collar and add in a piece of elastic so that it can slip off if she gets it caught.

SHOE BAG PET ORGANISER

A hanging shoe bag placed inside a kitchen cupboard door or in the laundry or garage can help manage all your pet clutter. Use the pockets for storing leads, toys and treats.

MAKE YOUR PET EASIER TO FIND

Glow-in-the-dark, pet-safe nail polish (available at pet shops or online) dabbed onto your cat or dog’s collar – and on claws – will make him easier to spot when he’s out after dark.

DON’T THROW AWAY AN OLD COMB

Use it as a belly scratcher for your dog or cat. Your fingernails will do the job, too, but pets seem to love the feel of a fine-toothed comb digging into their fur.