Taking Care of Pets in Small Living Spaces
If you are an animal lover, having a pet is one of the most enriching aspects of life – work or play, a furry friend can provide comfort and companionship to families and single homeowners alike. However, with great friends, comes great responsibilities and when it comes to buying or renting living accommodation it is vital that you consider all of your pets needs before you decide to move into a small living space.
In this article we have compiled a list of the most important things to consider when it comes to moving pets into small living spaces, so that you can make the right decision for you and your pet.
Safety
First and foremost, considering the safety of your animal is paramount to providing it with a suitable home. If you intend to let your pet roam freely about the neighbourhood then choosing accommodation away from a main road and in a quiet area is key.
Giving your pets a safe space that they can consider ‘theirs’ is equally important when dealing with a limited amount of living space. Many cats and dogs are territorial so providing them with their own room, or a crate in which they can sleep or store their toys will help them to fell safe in their new home.
Hygiene
One of the biggest problems with keeping animals in small living spaces is providing your pets with a toilet. For indoors only cats this problem is solved by providing litter trays in quiet areas of your accommodation, however, a lack of outdoors space can provide a bigger problem for dogs. The best way around this is to take your dog on frequent walks or to train your dog to tell you when it needs to go, so that you can let it out.
Food and the Heat
Another important consideration for all animals living in Malta is the kinds of food and drink that you provide for your furry pals. If you are living in a small space then maintaining a cool temperature will be difficult in the summer. Keeping your curtains closed and the windows open will help to control a cooler atmosphere for you and your animals, but you will still need a constant and ready water supply for your pets.
Additionally, it is important to consider the kind of food you want to feed your animals at this time of the year. Wet food can often become the breeding ground for flies and maggots in the summer, which once ingested by your pets could make them very ill. Feeding your animals dry food is the best solution to this problem.
Exercising and Entertainment
Boredom is the biggest kitty killer in a small space so you will have to do everything within you ability to provide your animals with enough entertainment.
For cats, providing scratching posts and giving them access to an outdoors area – however small – is the biggest help. For dogs, taking them on multiple walks and training them will help them to stay both physically and mentally agile.
It is equally important for all animals that you interact with them! Chewy bones and wind-up mice are made for this kind of interaction, so don’t hesitate to treat yourself – and your pet – to a brand new toy!
Conclusion
Keeping animals in a small living space doesn’t have to be difficult and with the correct care and consideration it can be done quite easily.
Ready to find out? Move in with your furry family today!