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I love my cats fiercely, but it often feels like pet ownership is a lot like having a furry toddler, in that I spend a lot of my time going, “How did you get in there?” or “I didn’t even realize that could fit in a mouth that small.”
There are so many wonderful perks to owning a furry companion, like cuddles and cuteness, but it’s definitely something that requires work every day (and lots of constant learning). Many household items that wouldn’t even cause you to blink twice suddenly become problematic, especially when you start finding them in your pet’s poop or vice versa.
Let’s take a look at all the things you should reconsider owning if you have pets, and—if you can’t live without it—what you can get to replace them.
I certainly would NOT be putting any air fresheners, clothes fresheners on to carpets (or anywhere else) where they could damage the most sensitive organ of the dog, its nose.
1 Lilies, hydrangeas, and ferns
Most succulents are non-toxic to pets. You cant say the same about other kinds of plants, like hydrangeas and ferns.
There are many things my cats love chewing even though they know they shouldn’t, including plastic bags, bookmarks, and flowers. I love coming home to a fresh bouquet of flowers where each bud is adorned with a lovely bite mark. The flowers we purchase are pet safe, so thankfully the only inconvenience is holy leaves, but many common household plants are toxic to dogs and cats, including lilies, hydrangeas, ferns, and calla lilies.
Get this instead: A planter full of succulents You’ll want to do your research when picking up succulents, but for the most part, these plants are non-toxic to pets. Avoid aloe vera, jade, and kalanchoe, and instead pick one of the following pet-safe succulents: sempervivum, echeveria, graptoveria, or sedum.
1 A regular front door your pet can easily sneak out of
An extra door makes it extra hard for even the craftiest escape artist to dart out when youre coming or going.
Doors are literally made to keep things out, but when it comes to pets, you need several before you really start to feel secure. Indoor cats may like to creep close to the door and bolt at the first sign of light, while some puppers are happy to knock you down as soon as you enter the house (then also bolt out the open door because SQUIRREL). Thankfully I live with my partner, so when one of us needs to open a door, the other can stand guard. But you know what would be easier than needing another human present every time you are coming or going? A storm door.
Get this instead: A vinyl storm door to prevent your pooch from bolting Storm doors are the best way to prevent your favorite fluffers from sprinting out of the house. You can ensure you’ve always got one closed before entering or leaving, helping to keep your pet safe and cozy indoors. Bonus points? You can keep your main door open and screen door closed during those breezy summer days, providing your pet with a great sun spot and illusion of being outdoors (which is all they get, sorry kiddos).
VERIFY: Are air fresheners safe for pets? | KVUE
FAQ
Are Downy Unstopables safe for pets?
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