Dog and Cat Decor

According to an August 2007 Business Week Magazine issue, Americans spent 41 billion on their pets annually. This figure comes as no surprise. Many people love their pets and will spare no expense when it comes to them. After all, pets are like family and we will stop at nothing when it comes to ensuring their well being. Spoiling your pet can range from spending a boatload on toys, specialty biscuits, doggie spas, grooming visits, sporty outfits, strollers, exotic cat condos, comfortable beds, a custom made food dish, and pet room dcor and furniture.

If you are ready to step it up and revamp your pet's room, there are many lovely decorative items and furniture that are available. Dogs and cats vary in their needs because as you know, cats are independent and require the use of a litter box while dogs rely on their owners to allow them outside or take them for a walk to relieve themselves.

If you don't know where to begin when it comes to decorating your dog or cat's room, here are some ideas to help you on your way:

Choose the Paint Color(s) for Fido & Friskie's Room: If you have a designated room for your pet and don't like the existing paint, a good choice is to find a color that is soothing. A great color is blue. It is considered a cool color. Blue has a calming effect and aids in sleeping. If blue doesn't feel feminine enough for your pooch or kitty, consider combining pink and blue colors in a striped pattern (or a combination of other colors). You can also add motifs via stenciling or vinyl lettering on the wall or hang wood lettering (i.e. Princess). This adds so much beauty to the room.

Add a Mural or Decorative Wallpaper: Another cute idea is to add a mural or decorative wallpaper to the walls. You can find a mural artist through a company called Find A Muralist, and together, you can come up with a fabulous wall mural design that will enhance the look of your pet's room. Wallpaper is available in many animals themes and colors. These will definitely give your pet's room the wow factor.

Furniture for Fido: Pet room furniture for your sweet Fido is available in many styles.

Beds: There are gorgeous, plush, and comfortable dog beds that are machine washable. If you prefer to contain your pet during the evening hours, an attractive den with a mahogany wooden enclosure is available. It's stylish and will look elegant in your pet's room.

Other dog beds include a sleigh bed, a canopy bed, a corner bed, dog beds shaped like a car, a dog lounge, a dog couch, donut beds, fleece beds, a dog chaise, suede beds, thermo beds, multi-colored beds, and even memory foam beds. The choices are endless.

Pet Stairs: If you prefer that your pooch sleep with you, but your bed sits up too high and your dog is small, elderly, or has orthopedic needs, then consider investing in indoor pet stairs. You can find them upholstered in carpet, faux mink, or sheep sheering, which will blend in nicely with your bedroom flooring.

Not only are these pet stairs handy for the bedroom, but you can also use them to give your dog easy access to the couch and your car. Some are sturdy enough to support up to 45 pounds and are lightweight, which makes them portable.

Armoire: Having a place to store all of those gorgeous doggie clothes is important. There's a beautifully designed armoire that is made out of solid wood that is the perfect furniture piece for storing all of your dog's clothing and fashion accessories within convenient reach. Not only is it lovely, but it's functional.

Fancy Dog House: If your dog loves to relax outdoors and he/she needs a comfortable and cozy shelter, then you may want to consider a fancy dog house. They come in different styles, such as a log house with a porch, a house painted in fun ice cream colors, a house that resembles a stable, a mansion, and a barn. If you have two dogs, you may want to consider a duplex dog house.

However, if you prefer to bring the outdoors inside, then consider a wooden indoor dog house with a bed. This is a nice way to give your dog's room an extra splash of luxury.

Having a dog house is a fabulous way to provide comfort and shade for your pooch while dressing up your outdoor space.

Furniture for Friskie: For cats, there is a multitude of comfortable cat condos sure to please the kitty. Some are bigger than others and it all depends on your kitty's needs and the amount of space you have to work with in the room. If you prefer that your kitty remain active, by giving them a combo kitty condo, they will have more room to spread out and get a lot of exercise.

Cat Condos: Finding the right cat condo involves knowing what specific purpose you want the condo to serve. You can find cat condos in the following sizes: less than 60", 61"-70", 71"-75", and 76"+.

If you have a dual purpose in mind, such as wanting your kitty to have a comfortable place to sleep and a place to play, then a bungalow cat climber, a cat gym, or a cat tree is perfect. These have enclosed spacious sleeping quarters that come in, for instance, a faux fur where your kitty can rest and a few platforms where your kitty can perch and lounge. Also, a dangling mouse and rope toy help keep your kitty engaged and active.

These condos offer your kitty plenty of climbing, hiding, and jumping opportunities. The scratching post is also an added bonus. Also, you can select from condos that have a hammock, cradle, multiple platforms and sleeping compartments, which can be used by several cats at once.

There are many different carpeted condos to choose from and they come in an assortment of colors. Also, there are cat condos that have a leopard, zebra, and purple tiger print pattern.

If you prefer a cat condo that looks more outdoorsy, perhaps consider a cat tree condo made from cedar or one that has a rustic look.

Cat Tent: If you are not interested in an elaborate cat condo and want something lightweight and portable, then this is a great alternative. Cat tents fold flat and can be easily stored. They come in different colors, sizes, shapes, and most have a hanging mouse to stimulate playtime. Most cat tents are manufactured from nylon and polyester material.

Cat Beds: Cat beds are available in different colors and shapes, with some resembling a sofa, only in a miniature version and it is the perfect place for snoozing. In some cat beds, the slipcover is machine washable and the interior material of the bed consists of fire-retardant foam. Other beds have fabric that is stain-repellant and easy to clean.

Cat Houses: There is an assortment of cat houses to choose from. They vary in color, style, and size. Some have a lounging deck above the house while others have a porch and a removable vinyl door barrier that helps keep the heat in and cold weather out in winter months. These houses provide shelter from the sun, cold, and moisture to give your kitty maximum comfort.

Litter Box Furniture: Amazingly, decorative cat litter boxes are available.

You can find them in a variety of finishes and models and you'll even be able to match your existing furniture. Furthermore, you have a choice of one door cabinets for small to medium size cats or two door cabinets for large or multiple cats.

The great thing is that you can also customize your litter box furniture piece with hand carved, stained glass doors, a tile mosaic or turquoise inlay pattern.

Another fabulous feature is that these cabinets offer two entry/exit routes. This aids in helping keep the litter box odor free while giving your kitty a sense of security knowing that an escape route is accessible. If you have fears that your cat may injure itself while jumping into and out of the litter box, then consider getting matching cat stairs that you can position next to the entry/exit of the litter box.

Also, if you are concerned about urine and odors penetrating the cabinet, then worry no more because the litter boxes are waterproofed and sealed inside and out. Clean up is simple because the front doors enable the litter pan to slide out and the cabinets contain a bag compartment where you can store your litter box scooper and other cleaning/odor repellent products. Furthermore, a wooden ledge over the pan aids in keeping litter inside the pan after your kitty relieves himself/herself. Many of these litter boxes have a shelf for storing litter and accessories.

This litter box furniture is aesthetically pleasing and looks appropriate in almost any room.

Petcessorize Fido & Friskie's Room

Wall Art: Art is another way to personalize your pet's room. You can have a professional photographer take a black and white or colored photo of your pet and place it inside a nice frame or have a canvas painting of your pet done. If that's too fancy and doesn't fit your budget, you can take your own pictures and have them enlarged. There are many beautiful frames to choose from and finding one won't be difficult.

Picture Frame(s): There are beautiful picture frames with dog or cat themes to choose from, which further enhance your photo. Some frames feature bones, paw prints, and "Bow wow" or "Meow" on the frame, just to name a few. To help complete the look of your pet's room, frame that treasured photo of your kitty or pooch in one of these decorative frames.

Wall Accessories: Some wall accessories to consider include mounting a wall shelf that has a paw print, leash, and food dish as its design. A wall shelf is ideal for keeping your pet items organized. It provides an excellent surface for storing toys, treats, and a grooming brush while the hooks are perfect for hanging a leash, harness, or doggie coat.

Other ideas include hanging a clock with a dog or a cat theme, displaying switch plate covers and outlet covers with a dog or a cat theme painted on it. The switch plate covers and outlet covers are available in a single or double switch.

Lastly, colorful wall stairs and wall cubes are something that can be mounted on the wall for your kitty. The stairs are a great way for them to get exercise and will keep them busy for hours because they love going up and down the stairs while the wall cubes offer a wonderful place for your kitty to lounge.

Lighting: Lighting is available with a dog or cat theme. This is a pretty way to dress up your pet's room while ensuring that they have proper lighting.

You may also want to consider a night light to help save on energy. Night lights are available in stained glass with a dog or cat design and others feature a dog or cat picture. This will ensure that your pet has some lighting in their room so that if they become thirsty at night or need to eat, they have a source of lighting. Furthermore, if your kitty needs to relieve himself/herself and your dog wants to move around the room, they won't stumble in the dark.

Window Treatments: Valances and curtains are available in a dog or cat pattern and they come in a variety of colors. If you prefer to opt for solid colors in curtains or valances, or other window treatments, such as, cellular shades, mini blinds, or shutters, then those will look beautiful as well. There are many colors to choose from in these window treatments and finding ones that will coordinate with the other colors in your room should not be difficult.

Also, you may want to consider blackout shades for your kitty's room since cats like the dark factor. Incorporating window treatments will definitely add so much to your pet's room and will help tie all the elements together.

Giorgina Devereaux is the creator of Decor-Medley.com, which features questions, answers, and ideas on home decor and furniture. For more information, please visit http://www.Decor-Medley.com

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