4 Ways to Make Sure Your Kitchen is Pet-Friendly

by Samanth Rose

A kitchen ought to be a warm, welcoming environment where the whole family can gather and spend time together. If your family includes a beloved furry friend, then you’ll want to make sure your kitchen is accommodating to pets too.

Recent research shows that during the COVID lockdown, many families brought home new pets, so there are more homeowners than ever looking to create a kitchen space that will be welcoming for the newest member of the family.

Whether you’re in the middle of a major kitchen renovation or simply seeking a few tweaks to make your kitchen more pet-friendly, here are 4 tips that can help you create and maintain a space your pet will love:

 

1. Make Room for Your Furry Friend to Relax

The humans in your family probably come to the kitchen in order to unwind after a busy day. Whether you’re gathering for family dinner or taking time to chill with some indulgent snacks, make sure there’s room for your pet to join you.

You might want to designate a special corner of the kitchen just for your furry friend with a cushion or warm bed as well as food bowls and toys. 

Pro tip: be sure to keep any cushions or other soft fabric materials away from heat, flames, or high traffic in order to keep your pet safe and secure.

 

2. Utilize Materials that Are Easy to Clean

If you’re renovating your kitchen, make a point to choose materials for your new kitchen that will be easy to wipe down, clean, and maintain on a regular basis.

For example, it’s a good idea to use tile or laminate flooring, as this can be quickly cleaned with soapy water and a rag. 

Pro tip: if your pet sheds, it’s better to skip the broom and use a vacuum in order to collect all the pet hair. You might want to use a handheld vac to target a small area, followed by mopping to remove any paw print stains. 

 

3. Choose Darker Colors 

Are you trying to decide on colors for your kitchen? For a pet friendly kitchen, you probably want to opt for a color palette that features darker hues.

While an all-white kitchen may be classically stylish, it will also show off any stains and dirt more easily. If your pet will be joining you in the kitchen, it’s better to incorporate colors that will hide scuffs, dings, and messes. 

Pro tip: try using forest green or depp navy shades in your kitchen. Not only will these trendy, natural colors make your kitchen look vibrant and fresh, they will also make your kitchen easier to maintain with your pet around.

 

4. Plan for Enough Storage

If you own a pet, you’ll have lots of pet supplies you’ll need to store away. Make sure you plan in advance for all the kitchen storage you’ll need.

Some kitchens come connected to a mudroom or other utility space where you might logically keep all the food and other supplies you’ll need for your furry friend. However, be sure to separate all your pet goods away from human food and also common kitchen cleaning products that may be toxic to pets. 

Pro tip: Choose a dedicated cabinet or drawer so you can keep all you pet essentials in one easy-to reach spot. 

Do you need to upgrade the storage potential of your kitchen to make sure it will be more pet-friendly? Here at RTA Wood Cabinets, we can help make sure you maximize your kitchen storage with the best cabinets to serve your needs. We even offer a FREE kitchen design from one of our kitchen experts. 

Find out more by giving us a call at: 1-800-788-7575.