At least one-third of Italians has a pet, as confirmed by the Eurispes 2017 Italy Report, showing that more than 60% of families have a dog, while the remaining 40% prefers to have a cat around the house. If we look at social media, especially Instagram, the virtual world reverses the results of the real world, with #cat being one of the favourite hashtags, mentioned more than 5 million times, by far exceeding #dog, which lags behind with ‘just’ over 3 million mentions.

There are panoplies of funny images and pics of our wonderful pets doing their acrobatics and venturing out into the garden or around the house, wrapped in blankets or while jumping on cushions or opening doors. People and animals have enjoyed companionship from time immemorial, a friendship that marked a life together, with such an exclusive character that our cat or dog has actually become part of the family.

In terms of practical life, this means making sure that they can find room for themselves within the house, feel welcomed and suitably looked after whilst still having their own personal space.

A house with a garden

Of course, ideally our furry friends would have a way of going outside, a garden where they can run around and… cause some damage every now and again! Eating a bit of grass helps them digest and they can enjoy the smell of nature, relax under the shade of a plant. A garden allows them to exercise on a more regular basis and have a more active and enjoyable way of interacting with their owner. However, it may become a hazard if it is not closed and fenced off properly because also our pets perceive the call of other animals and sometimes their instinct leads them away, with the risk of getting lost.

A flat

Life in a flat is a bit more limited and dogs, especially large ones, need to learn to live by their owner’s rules. Training them properly as puppies might be useful, especially for dogs with a more lively and energetic character. Cats are a completely different kettle of fish. Often more sly and sleepier, once they have defined their own spaces, you’re done. However, bear in mind that our kitties often need to sharpen their nails so keep a dedicated toy around the house where they can sharpen their ‘claws’ or you can say goodbye to curtains and sofas.

Surfaces

Regardless of the kind of house you live in, floors are an additional aspect you need to consider. We recommend choosing durable materials that are easy to clean like SM Marble. Compared to other materials like parquet, they are also extremely resistant to scratches thanks to the natural hardness of marble. Plus, surfaces with a polished finish are non-porous, which means that they are more resistant to liquids and cannot be stained… and when there’s a puppy living in a flat you never know what might happen! A marble floor is easier to clean.

Sleeping arrangements?

Even if there are people who like to devote an actual room to their pet, often this is not possible and, above all, not necessary. Our furry friends adapt to us, as we adapt to them. Whether it is a dog or a cat, all it needs is its own bed, according to its size and at the same time snug enough so that it always feels protected and safe. It is best to put it in a secluded spot of the house for better rest. If their bed is in the garden, we always recommend a sheltered place under a portico or a canopy and it should always be able to keep a constant temperature, even when the weather is very cold.

As many know, living with a pet means having a more beautiful and rewarding life. Having children grow up with a pet means offering them an enriching experience in terms of values, because a dog or a cat brings out our more human side and offers us their unconditional love every day.