7 Surprising Must-Have Items for a First Time Pet Owner
Coming home with your new puppy or kitten for the first time is crazy exciting and you’ve probably already checked off every box on your new-pet shopping list. A comfy bed for them, a collar, two different types of pet food, their own bowls, a handful of toys, and a litter box if you’re a cat person. However, as the weeks of pet-parenthood go by, you’ll begin to notice other things you really need, that you never considered in the initial planning.
We’ve saved you the trouble of having to learn the hard way, and compiled a list of all the other things you’ll need as a pet owner that will make your life easier, cleaner, and more manageable with your new family member.
Contents
Lint Remover
Surprise, surprise, animals shed – and sometimes a lot. If you’re accustomed to having a pretty clean home, and clean clothes when you leave for work in the morning, this might have come as a bit of a shock. Invest in a lint remover straight off the bat so you’re not heading into the office or off to a dinner party with your black pencil skirt covered in Fido’s white fur.
Must-have Items for a First Time Pet Owner: Travel Essentials
Whether you travel long distances with your pet, or simply take them for daily walks, there are a few travel essentials you’ll need to get for them. Of course, a harness or leash is important, but consider packing them a ‘lunchbox’ with some treats as well as a collapsible water bowl for when they’re panting away in the heat. Animals get thirsty too and you don’t want your pup to get dehydrated on their walk.
Another important one is a poop bag. Yup, you know it’s your responsibility to clean up after your pooch wherever you go, so make sure you have a massive stock of bags to pick up after them and dispose of their messes.
Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Another one that will contribute to your cleanliness is a handheld vacuum cleaner. While we all love our pets, we can’t deny that hair can be a nuisance. Having a nifty handheld device on hand is great for when you have guests coming over and need to quickly clean up the sofa after your pet has been napping there.
A handheld vacuum is a useful investment even if you don’t have pets and can make it way easier to have a clean and neat home all throughout the week.
Loads of Blankets
You may have purchased a big, soft bed or even a special blanket for your new baby already, but don’t be fooled – everything you own will become theirs too. This is why if you’re particular about your cozy blankets, you might want to buy a few extras that can lay around on your sofa, bed, and living room floor, especially for your pooch or kitten. This way, you can hope (fingers crossed) that your expensive or sentimental blankets remain where they belong and don’t end up dragged along on the floor.
Air Purifier
If you or anyone in your household struggles with allergies, an air purifier will be a great investment to make. These devices pull air filled with allergens like dust and pet hair through a filter and make the air in your home cleaner and more breathable.
With one of these in your home, you’ll be far less likely to be sniffling from the presence of your furry friend.
Bandages
Especially in the early days, you’re probably going to get a little scratched up. Puppies and kittens are excitable, playful, and often don’t realize the damage they can do. Many new pet owners end up with scratches up their arms even while they’re laughing with joy. While the scratches probably won’t be worth worrying about, it’s always good to be prepared.
Be prepared for the onslaught of puppy or kitten claws digging into your skin by having some bandages and some disinfectant ointment on hand.
Must-have Items for a First Time Pet Owner: Stain Removers
It might have become apparent that pets can be messy. But that’s okay – it’s all part of why we love them so much. Accept the fact that things in your home might get a little dirty, and that’s just part of having a four-legged family member. You can, however, be prepared for mishaps by keeping a good stain remover on hand. Mud, pet food, and other unspeakable messes can hopefully be handled, cleaned up, and treated before they become a permanent part of your sofa.
