Doggone purrfect pet-friendly home improvements

Both dogs and cats can cause a lot of wear and tear on floors and furniture. Whether you're touring a home or redecorating, look for materials that can resist damage. For floors, you'll want tough, scratch-resistant options such as tile, textured concrete or luxury vinyl. And especially if you have an older pet, look for a special bonus: heated floors in selected areas like the kitchen, bathroom or entryway.

For furniture and drapes, look for fabrics that are easy to clean, and choose colors that help camouflage minor stains. Avoid exposed wood on furniture that cats may scratch and puppies may chew. And on walls, use satin or semi-gloss paint so you can easily wipe off dirt.

Designing special spaces for your pet can make them more comfortable and add convenience for you. You'll find a host of ideas online, ranging from low-cost to more extensive and costlier options.

If you're looking for a new home, assess how much space you'll have available to customize. Common spaces might be the mudroom, the laundry room, a closet or a corner of the kitchen. Also, consider your daily routines and how a dedicated space might make things easier. Then use your imagination to design something great!

No one likes tripping over food and water bowls, so consider ways to locate these where they won't be underfoot. A pull-out drawer or a shelf under a cabinet can work well — just be sure your pet can reach it. Adding storage for food right near the feeding station can make feeding even easier.

If your pet needs its own bed, there are lots of ways to create a cozy space. You can try a pet bed that pulls out from underneath your bed, or one that fits into a lower cabinet drawer. Or create a cozy pet cave in a cabinet, a closet, or that unused space under the stairs. Some people even make their dog crate part of the furniture, with a built-in crate under a counter or kitchen island.

If you have the space, installing a pet shower in your mudroom or laundry room can keep the mess out of your own bathroom. If you can't afford it or don't have room, try adding storage right by the door for leashes, paw wipes and other essentials for quick cleanups after being outside.

And speaking of clean, there's no need for your cat's litter box to be out in plain view. Enclosing it in a cabinet with an opening so the cat can get in and out will both hide the box and prevent litter from being scattered over the floor.

Dogs need room to run, so if you have a yard, your dog will appreciate a safe, fenced area outside. Be sure to include a water dish as well as an awning, doghouse or other place to relax and get shelter from sun or rain. For some dogs, an obstacle course can be just the thing to help them use up extra energy. And if you'd like to let your dog come and go as he pleases, check out smart pet doors that open in response to a collar tag or microchip, so you can be sure your dog will be the only one using it.

If you have an indoor cat who likes to climb, you don't have to settle for a commercial cat tower. Design a climbing path using floating shelves covered with carpet to satisfy your cat's need to get up high. Just be sure the shelves are close enough so the cat can get from one to the other easily. You can also build your own climbing and scratching posts in colors that harmonize with your room. Plus, if your window sills aren't very deep, consider adding a padded shelf so your cat can enjoy a snooze in the sun.

Whether you're up for a major project or just looking to make inexpensive improvements, there are lots of ways to make your home more comfortable for you and your pets. Here's hoping for many years of pet-friendly living!