Welcome Your New Pet with Confidence

Right, so you’ve brought a new four-legged friend into your life—brilliant choice! Whether it’s a cheeky kitten who thinks your curtains are Everest, or a bouncy pup with a taste for socks and phone chargers, your home is about to become their personal playground.

Before your favourite shoes get chewed or your houseplants meet an untimely end, let’s talk pet-proofing. It’s not about turning your living room into a fortress—it’s just about making things safe, comfy, and chaos-resistant. Think of it as baby-proofing, but with more fur and slightly more unpredictable zoomies.

1. Get Down to Their Level

First tip? See the world like your pet does. That means getting down on your hands and knees and taking a good look around. Spot anything tempting? Dangling wires, low shelves, wobbly furniture? If it’s chewable, toxic, or just plain breakable—move it, secure it, or get rid of it.

2. Hide the Good Stuff (Especially the Dangerous Stuff)

• Keep cleaning supplies, meds, and chocolate (they’re toxic) locked away or up high.
• Use cupboard locks for persistent critters.
• Tuck away chargers, wires, and cables using covers or conceal them behind furniture.
• Make bins pet-proof or store them out of reach.

3. Rethink Your Houseplants

Some houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs—like lilies, aloe vera, and pothos. Replace them with pet-safe plants like spider plants, bamboo palms, or cat grass.

4. Soft Landings and Safe Spaces

Pets love a snooze spot and need a safe zone to relax. Set up a quiet area away from noisy appliances. Ensure windows have screens and balconies are secured to protect adventurous pets.

5. Shut the Gaps

Block off small spaces behind appliances, under beds, or behind sofas where pets might get stuck—or find something dangerous to chew on.

6. Think Seasonal

Holiday seasons bring extra hazards—tinsel, chocolates, candles, and spooky sounds. Keep decorations safe, food out of reach, and pet costumes comfortable (and optional).