Devoted cat and dog owners spend over £700 a year on their furry friends – with almost half (46%) designing their homes to suit their pets, a study has found.
Some of the top interior design changes made with their animals in mind include installing a cat flap (21%), putting up a garden fence (20%), and purchasing scratch-proof furniture (11%).
Others have replaced carpets with hard floors (16%), or have strategically placed blankets around their home, to cover up any damage caused by their four-legged companions (19%).
And to protect their fur babies – and their belongings – 17% have installed baby gates, while 29% have moved delicate items higher out of reach.
The research of 2,000 adults, with a canine or feline friend, also found that 48% have a dedicated room in their home, or space in their garden, just for their pet to relax in.
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Over half of those (55%) want their pet to have their own “chill out” area, while 34% want to ensure maximum comfort, and 30% want all their possessions kept in one place. But for 18%, its sole purpose is so that their furry friend's stuff doesn’t take up space in the rest of the home.
Pet & interiors series ‘Barkitectural Digest' (PinPep)The study was commissioned by Homesense – part of the TK Maxx family – which has partnered with Kelly Brook, to launch a pet and interiors content series, “Barkitectural Digest”.
In the style of a high-end home interior magazine, Kelly and her beloved pup, Teddy, grace the pages in a luxury home, decked out with more affordable homeware and pet products to spread inspiration for other pet owners.
Kelly Brook said: “I adore Teddy. He’s family and a big part of my life, so it’s no surprise that there are elements in my home designed around him. It turns out I’m not the only one, and I am thrilled to help inspire others to design their perfect home and pet haven.”
The study also found that one in 10 (9%) have even deliberately chosen dark furnishings to disguise pet hair – although 21% admitted they are unlikely to buy items just to appease their four-legged friend, if they don’t match the interior style of their home.
But 38% don’t believe there is enough inspiration available to help stylishly decorate their home with their pet in mind, and 75% struggle to find pet products that are good quality and reasonably priced.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found owning an animal has been more expensive than expected for 41% – with insurance and food among the costs that surprised them most.
And 15% claim they spend more on their cat or dog than they do on their children, holidays, and their car – with the average owner spending £708 on their furry friend each year. As a result, 59% have had to compromise on pet products due to their cost – especially on food, toys, and beds.
But a Homesense spokesman added: “We’re a nation of animal lovers, and we believe you should never have to compromise when it comes to your pets.”
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