Family with Pets

Statistics show that there are approximately 73 million owned cats and 68 million owned dogs in the U.S., so chances are your significant other is a pet owner already. But what if you’re a cat lover and he’s a dog lover? It happens all the time, couples get married or families blend together not knowing that their pets may not approve. It’s so important for couples to keep open the lines of communication about their pet’s likes and dislikes before they tie the knot. So what do you do in this situation? Do you get rid of one pet? Or do you stick it out knowing your home is literally turning into an animal house?

When it comes to beloved pets, be open and honest with your future spouse and discuss the fact that your pets are an important part of your life before saying your “I do’s.” Most importantly, show your willingness to compromise. If you’re used to the dog or cat sleeping in your bed, and your significant other is not interested in those sleeping arrangements, don’t reject your partner’s feelings. For example, remedy the problem by purchasing a pet bed and having your pet sleep in his own bed and/or by establishing a “pet room” where your animals can have some privacy and containment from rooms that are off limits.

Another pet problem that arises can be clean up issues. One “pet peeve” is finding shedding pet hair all over the place. This can be a big turnoff, especially if your new spouse isn’t used to having a dog or cat in the house. Hair can find its way on the couch, chairs, and even in the car! The new Scotch Fur Fighter Hair Remover from 3M is a fast and easy way to tackle embedded pet hair on upholstered furniture and car seats. The Microtrap grippers use thousands of tiny rubber fingers specially designed to trap embedded pet hair and the microscopic dander that hair carries with it. The grippers gently comb fabric without damaging it to remove particles that even a vacuum cleaner leaves behind.

And, although we love are pets dearly, the sad truth is that pets leave odors. But, when you worry that your home may smell a little too much like Spot, your family dog, pick up some Febreze Air Effects Pet Odor Eliminator. This product will eliminate pet odors, leaving a light fresh scent which will be pleasant smelling to your spouse or invited guests. It also comes as a fabric refresher that can be used on furniture, curtains, carpet and pet bedding.

And, of course, there are times when you are worried about blending a dog and a cat into a harmoniously family unit. Introduce your animals into a quiet place. Experts advise to not force a meet and greet. For the first meeting, make sure the dog is leashed and the cat has an honorable exit or place to retreat. Let them get to know each other gradually, making sure to supervise all interaction. But really, if you get them acquainted slowly and increase their exposure to each other gradually, your pets most likely will live happily ever after.

So don’t let pets come between partners! Solve pet issues ahead of time so that you can give your marriage a great beginning.