Living with a Dog or Cat – How to Prepare Your Home for a Pet?

30.05.2025

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Living with a Dog or Cat – How to Prepare Your Home for a Pet?

For many of us, animals are full-fledged family members. More and more people dream of adopting a dog or cat, treating this decision as an important step in building a complete, loving home. And rightly so – the presence of a pet brings joy, teaches responsibility, and improves well-being and quality of life.

In our homes with gardens, creating a comfortable, safe, and pet-friendly space is pure pleasure. If you're planning to welcome a furry companion – here’s how to prepare your home.

A home with a garden is a space to live and play

Animals, especially dogs, need exercise and space. A home with a garden is an ideal environment to provide them with daily activity and freedom without having to walk along crowded sidewalks or concrete courtyards.

In the garden, a dog can play between walks, and a cat can safely lounge in the sun. Make sure your fence is secure to prevent escapes while still offering freedom and safety. Ensure there are no sharp objects or toxic plants (e.g., lilies of the valley) in the garden. Also, pay attention to the space beneath the fence – dogs tend to dig. Reinforcing the bottom part is a good idea to avoid surprises.

When it comes to cats, opinions vary – some people keep them indoors only, while others allow them to roam freely. If you live in a quiet area like Osiedle Słoneczne or Zielono Mi, away from busy streets, your cat may be safe outdoors. It all depends on their personality – some cats stay close, others wander off on less safe adventures.

If you choose to let your cat outside, consider a subcutaneous microchip, a collar with an ID tag, or a GPS tracker. These simple measures can help in case they go missing and give you peace of mind.

A pet-friendly interior you share together

Your pet will spend a lot of time at home with you – so make sure the interior is comfortable and safe for them too. Here are some practical tips.

Create a dedicated rest area – a bed in a quiet corner, away from noise and traffic. Cats love heights – installing shelves they can jump on to observe from above is a great idea.

Animals, especially cats, quickly adapt to places and routines. That’s why it’s worth deciding early on where the bed, litter box, or bowls will go. Frequently changing their location can confuse your pet and cause stress – especially for cats, who are sensitive to changes in their surroundings.

The litter box works best in the bathroom, toilet, or a quiet hallway corner – away from noisy appliances like washers or dryers. A loud environment may discourage a cat from using it. Remember that litter tends to scatter, so place the box on a mat and clean the area regularly. If the litter box is in the bathroom, keep the door ajar so the cat always has access.

When designing a pet-friendly home, go for practical materials. Avoid long-pile rugs and delicate upholstery – they are harder to clean and easy for cats to damage with their claws. Leather furniture can be scratched, so fabrics that resist snags are a better choice. Your cat should have a sturdy scratching post, ideally placed in a favorite spot – near their bed, so they can use it right after waking up.

Ensure the safety of your plants – some, like lilies, aloe, or ivy, are toxic to cats. A good alternative is planting oats or grass in a pot – cats eat them to cleanse their stomachs of hair (vomiting grass is a natural process). Also remember to secure cables – especially with young or curious pets around.

After-walk grooming

If you have a dog, daily walks are a duty – but also a great pleasure if you live near a forest, field, or walking path. Modern suburban neighborhoods offer access to such areas – safe and green, where dogs can play freely and you can relax and breathe fresh air.

It’s also worth creating a paw-cleaning area – a spot in the hallway near the entrance where you can easily wipe your pet’s paws and fur after a walk. All you need is a paw mat, a towel (microfiber works best), a water container or spray bottle. A rubber doormat that’s easy to clean also works well.

First days in the new home

Both dogs and cats need time to settle into a new home. It’s important to introduce them gradually:

- Give them space. Don’t force yourself on them – let them explore and meet people at their own pace.
- Establish routines. Regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions provide a sense of security.
- Don’t leave them alone for too long. At first, avoid long absences – your pet needs your presence and support to adapt.

You don’t need to be perfectly prepared – what matters most is being present, attentive, and ready for life together. Pets quickly learn the rules and adapt to your home’s rhythm, but they need patience, affection, and understanding.

Remember, energy, jumping on furniture, sniffing, and exploring every corner are natural parts of the adaptation process. Your pet has its own personality and needs to explore the home before feeling comfortable. The more time, patience, and attention you give, the sooner they’ll become an integral part of your daily life.

Looking for a pet-friendly home?

Our suburban neighborhoods are designed with families in mind – including those with four-legged members. If you dream of a home with a garden where your dog can run freely and your cat can bask in the sun – check out our developments and choose a place where your whole family will be happy.