Our pets need a loving home, lots of yummy food, and lots of cuddles.
But, owning a pet comes with lots of responsibilities, too. If your pets get bored or neglected, they can act out by scratching up the furniture or messing up your home.
So, how can create the ideal home environment for your felines and canines for the sake of their mental and physical well-being?
From nifty gadgets to DIY shelves, here are a few ways to keep your pets happy and entertained at home.
Table of Contents
1. Give them access to all the water they need
Just like us, the health of our pets isn’t limited to just a balanced diet, but also a clean source of water.
PETKIT Eversweet pet water dispenser is a smart water dispenser that will provide your pets with a clean source of water that is safe to drink.
Silent while operating, it has 3 layers of filter to remove both unpleasant odour as well as harmful ions in the water.
Since pets typically drink lesser water during the night, the PETKIT Eversweet water dispenser has a special sensor that can detect day and night to use energy more efficiently.
When not in use, or when the water level is too low, it will automatically power down for both energy-saving and safety reasons (this helps to avoid the burning of the pump).
It’s also super lightweight (weighing less than 1.5 KG), compact, and easy to clean. The unique design also helps to filter pet’s hair and other harmful residue, allowing your pets to drink with comfort.
PETKIT water dispenser – RMB289 (RM177)
2. A way to let off steam
Have you heard of dog zoomies? It’s when they run and jump around uncontrollably to release pent up energy. So make sure they have plenty of outdoor time to play and run.
Cats need play, too. It’s a cat’s natural tendency to climb and scratch. While this is beneficial for the physical and emotional health of the cat, unfortunately, this leaves you with plenty of damaged furniture and upholstery.
Denying them that natural tendency, or trimming their claws, can have an adverse effect on your cat’s health, not to mention it will jeopardise your relationship between the both of you.
You could install scratching posts near your couch, or put a few carpets around to protect your furniture. But, carpets and scratching posts may clash with your interior design.
With PETKIT cat scratcher, not only will you have a compact accessory that allows your felines to redirect their natural behavior, but this accessory also provides a place for your cats to rest.
To keep them busy, this cat scratcher also comes with one green catnip ball and one orange bell ball. Place them inside the play track and your cat will have loads of fun chasing and pushing it around.
Should the accessories become worn out, don’t worry, because you can easily remove them and replace them.
PETKIT cat scratcher – RMB189 (RM115)
3. A balanced diet
If you’re wondering why your pet is getting more obese by the day, it’s probably down to the amount of food you’re feeding it because let’s face it, you probably just pour out a handful of pet food without knowing whether it’s the right quantity.
The PETKIT smart digital anti-bacteria feeding bowl helps ensure that you’re feeding your pet the correct amount of food. It features a weighing scale that accurately helps you weigh the correct amount of food.
All you need is to do is to download and install the petkit app, input the relevant details, and the app will track your pet’s consumption. It will also offer suggestions to help improve its diet.
The waterproof outer shell comes with 5 different designs, and also has anti-microbial properties to prevent bad bacteria buildup, such as E. coli.
Best of all, there’s no need to put the bowl close to a power socket, or recharge it because the digital bowl runs on AAA batteries.
Petkit smart anti-bacterial pet bowl – RMB99 (RM60)
4. Easy to clean surfaces
One thing that all homeowners should consider when you have pets at home (especially if you have cats) is the material of your sofa. While a leather sofa makes it easier for you to clean, it can be expensive.
On the other hand, a fabric sofa can be more pet-proof simply because your cats won’t easily rip them, and you can also easily clean them with soap and water if it’s dirty.
Lin’s wood carpentry fabric sofa is an L-shaped fabric sofa that is both stylish and comfortable. The fabrics are made from strong pet-proof fabrics that can withstand the claws of your cat, while the materials are also washable.
The modern design of this sofa also makes it an aesthetic fit in your living room, while there is also a pouch at the side for you to store anything from magazines and newspapers, to documents and tablets. The extra space at the centre of the sofa means you don’t have to scramble to look for your tv remote and it’s also a convenient place to place your mugs.
Fabric sofa – RMB7098 (RM4353)
5. Shelves for cat to climb
While your cat at home might be a domesticated cat, it still has its wild instincts to climb on a high platforms to stare down and observe. So installing shelves or a walkway will allow your cat to explore, climb, sleep, and jump around to keep them busy.
Consider installing at strategic spots so that you cat can climb up and down easily without hurting themselves, while it’s also important to install them properly so that they are sturdy enough to support the weight of the cat.
You can always consider recycling your unwanted materials laying around your house if you want to save money, or cover the shelves with carpet to help shield the material from damage.
6. A room with a view
Just because your pets are cooped up at home doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a view to the outside world.
A comfortable bay window seat is the perfect area for your pets to lounge around or bask in the sunbeam. It’s also the perfect place for you to curl up with a good book, with your pet in your lap. Add soft cushions and pillows to make the place even cosier.
A bay window doesn’t have to be complicated. Buy a long bench and add cushions on top, or if you’re want to have it built-in, hire a carpenter in Malaysia who can build it for you.
7. A way to move about the house
Unless if you leave all the doors in your house open at all times, your cat and dog will have a difficult time navigating from one room to another. Having a tunnel between rooms will help them to move around easier without meowing or barking every time they want to move out or enter a specific room, which is really handy especially when they don’t have to wake you in the midst of your sleep.
To create this cute tunnel, ask a handyman to make the necessary modifications to your doors.
8. A place to rest
You may want your pets in the house, but not sleep in your bedroom. If you live in a double-storey house, you can modify the area under your stairs to make it as a special space for your dog.
Customise the interior of the room accordingly to make it more welcoming. Adding soft blankets and changing the lighting will make the area cosier, while you can also decorate the room to inject a more posh vibe.
9. A way to stay close to you
If your dog sleeps in the same room with you, the floor and carpet are probably not a cosy place to sleep. But if you don’t want its fur all over your bed, a slide-out dog bed will give them their own personal and comfortable sleeping space.
10. Protection from the sun and rain
Show that you love your little smooshy cat with this umbrella by Paradise. It features a cute cat design and a titanium frame that’s strong enough to protect you and your pets from the blazing afternoon sun, or from heavy downpours. Choose from 9 different designs that will make you stylish outdoors rain or shine!
Paradise umbrella – RMB39.99 (RM25)
Want these items in your home?
While some of the items in this list will need the help of a local contractor to build and install, many of them can be purchased at TMall.com. TMall is one of the largest e-commerce sites featuring both Chinese and international brands!
From now until 28 Jan 2018, grab your RMB88 (RM54) Ang Pau and then claim it when you spend RMB666 (RM408) on your next purchase.
You can also grab a RMB18 (RM11) Ang Pau and use it when you spend RMB88 (RM54) in TMall’s “Grab the Ang Pau” promotion! Exclusive for Malaysia customers, with free shipping on flash sale items. See all the featured deals from T-Mall
