Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1342981
ANIMAL HOUSE — Cont'd from page 102 Mudrooms and main-floor laundry rooms lend themselves naturally to pet gear and pet care. A built-in cabinet for a litter box keeps it out of sight, and it's a good idea to have a dedicated cabinet or closet with shelves and pull-outs for toys, grooming supplies, and towels. Hang hooks on the inside of the door for leashes, collars and bags so you don't have to hunt for them before walks. Several local builders have installed tiled dog showers in mudrooms for ultimate bathing ease, and Vacuflo Manitoba provides central-vacuum accessories specifically designed for grooming pets and cleaning up after them. Small retractable hoses make cleanup a snap when they're installed near kitty-litter boxes and feeding areas, and there are even brush attachments to vacuum hair and dander away during grooming sessions. SMALL RETRACTABLE HOSES MAKE CLEANUP A SNAP WHEN THEY'RE INSTALLED NEAR KITTY-LITTER BOXES. WINDOWS AND DOORS If you can include a pooch-level window in your plans, it will keep claw marks off the windowsill and satisfy the need to maintain canine vigilance. Window seats for cats can be added on to a window frame, and so can a window-accessible outdoor perch or "catio." Doggie doors can now be built with a magnetic or electronic lock that will only open with a signal from your dog's collar. So, no raccoons wandering in. EASY ADD-ONS Many extras don't require advance planning. You can dedicate a modular play wall to provide stimulating play for your cat. Horizontal panels let you hang a variety of wooden boxes and shapes that literally let her climb the walls — and then crawl into the boxes. If your cat likes to scratch, build posts that complement your decor. A bed tucked into a built-in bench or cubby makes a nice, sheltered sleeping area. For small- and medium-size pets, a freestanding house or cozy tent provides a quiet spot that can moved around as needed. POH ABOVE: VACUFLO RETRACTABLE HOSE: RIGHT: TINKER TRADING CO. TENT. 104 Parade of Homes SPRING 2021