Design a pet-friendly kitchen

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so it’s no surprise pets want to spend time there, too. Make your cooking space an inviting spot for all the family, including four-legged friends.

LAYOUT Design a floorplan that is easy to navigate and safe for your pet. Add a doggy door if needed to ensure flexibility.

UNDERFOOT

Lay flooring such as vinyl, or ceramic or porcelain tiles, that is resistant to scratches and damage caused by sharp claws. It should also be comfortable and safe for your pets to walk on. When picking out your kitchen rug, be aware materials such as silk or velvet attract pet hair, so consider natural fibre rugs such as sisal or seagrass. If you prefer to go with carpet, opt for nearly indestructible Crypton fabrics made of cotton, polyester and rayon which are also resistant to smells and muddy paws.

EATS, TREATS AND DRINKS

Add a meal station – including a stand that holds their food and water bowls – out of the main traffic-flow zone. How about an automatic pet water fountain or a pet feeding drawer in a cabinet which you can roll shut when it’s not in use?

STORE TO ORDER

A garbage or recycling pull-out drawer can be used to store pet food.

COSY CORNER Create a ‘comfort zone’ for your pet, such as a cosy sleeping area away from foot traffic. Consider a built-in bed under a standalone table or cat-walk shelves on the walls of your kitchen.

SAFETY FIRST Vacuum and wipe down your kitchen regularly, and keep cleaning and washing supplies, medicines, insect repellents and sharp items out of paw’s reach.

PUPS LOVE BEING IN THE KITCHEN – EASY ACCESS TO SCRAPS!