story 002_living with fluffy friends

18.11.2023

living with fluffy friends

Whenever we design a living space, we always consider each family member’s habits, aiming to meet their needs as fully as possible, and family members, without a doubt, shall include cats, dogs, or other animals, as they are not just pets but part of the family. Therefore, their needs deserve equal attention.

I spent some time living in the countryside as a child. Back then, almost every household had cats, and they were usually allowed to roam freely. To cater to their curious natures, many families would make a small opening in their kitchen, roughly 200mm wide by 300mm high, allowing their feline friends to come and go as they pleased. This was my first glimpse into house designs optimised for our animal companies. Today, specialised pet doors are commonplace, and there is an abundance of pet beds, furniture, and other supplies available everywhere. But we are looking to take things a step further by designing living spaces that seamlessly integrate the routines and needs of our beloved furry family members.

One of the biggest challenges we face is that our fluffy friends cannot communicate in human language, so we must become keen observers of their habits. In our home, we have three cats, each with its unique personality and habits. For instance, our eldest, Arthur, is more 'solitary' - a bit of a loner. He treasures his quiet time in his favourite spot, away from disturbances. In contrast, his younger brothers, Morpheus and Haka, are full of energy, often playfully brawling with each other or nudging Arthur for some attention. While they occasionally nap together, each cat still has its cherished personal space.

In addition to accommodating their daily habits, we also need to prioritize home safety. In Hong Kong, where most residences are in high-rise buildings, safety nets on windows are a common sight, preventing playful cats from accidentally jumping out. However, this is less common in the UK, perhaps due to different housing designs and pet ownership habits. British homes tend to be lower, and many pet owners may not think to install such safety features. Some of our friends who have moved here from Hong Kong have inquired about safety nets, but unfortunately, these products aren’t readily available in the local market.

As we evolve, so too do our living environments and the relationships we share with our fluffy friends. Gone are the days when cats were primarily valued for their ability to chase away mice, or when dogs served solely as hunters or guards. Today, our beloved fluffy friends fulfill roles beyond that of mere pets - they are cherished family members who share our lives. This evolution of our relationship calls for us to rethink how we plan our living spaces. It’s not enough to simply grab a pet bed, a scratching post, or a cat tree. We need to consider where our fluffy friends prefer to lounge, the optimal placement for their litter boxes, and how our furniture can enhance their playtime.

Incorporating our fluffy companions’ needs into our home design is not just a trend; it’s a way to foster a harmonious and joyful living environment for everyone. We shall embrace this challenge and create spaces that celebrate the bond we share with our fluffy friends.

living with fluffy friends

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