Awesome life hacks by ANGRY ORANGE
Minimalism and pets. Do they really mix?
by Jessica Britt
Minimalism, simplicity, decluttering, unfussiness- they all seem to be overused terms in our society lately. Are those trends? Are those fads? One thing is sure: more and more people are embracing a new simplistic lifestyle.
I admit that I’ve always enjoyed the thought of living with fewer things and with more passion, joy, and peace of mind. I strongly believe that eliminating physical things has helped me to stay focused and on track with what I needed to accomplish for myself.
I know that having less stuff to worry about or to waste time with eventually made me more productive and that’s why I decided to eliminate part of the external distractions. Decluttering and organizing my space made me look at what I do with my spare time and how much of it has been spent acquiring stuff I never use. Getting rid of useless stuff has made me realize that I now spend less time cleaning the house, or searching for things.
Nevertheless, I don’t consider myself a minimalist. I think of myself as being an organized and clutter-free person.
Minimalism is different for everyone and it doesn’t necessarily mean living in a tiny house, or getting rid of everything you own, as some might think. For me, it means keeping around only the things I really need and love (yes, I’m a sentimental person, so I still keep some old photos of my grandma and my first baseball glove).
However, ever since I brought home my little ball of fur, I’ve started buying more and more things for her. But were they all really necessary? No. Was my pet excited about all that stuff? Definitely not.
I remember this time when I bought an amazing merino wool cat bed, only to discover my cat preferred the cardboard box it came in. And my shoeboxes.
Source: Unsplash
Some people might think that you can’t keep a tidy home or live a minimalist life if you have pets. But it’s actually possible.
Pets are naturally simple. In fact, they are already minimalists and require little stuff to be happy than we do. They don’t need 2 baskets full of toys, 5 colorful water bowls, 3 mix&match collars, or fancy merino wool beds. No need to worry, though. My cat still has a decent amount of stuff: food & water bowl, litter box, a few toys, and a scratching pad. Actually, I bought the scratching pad because it gave me the peace of mind that my furniture and curtains are safe, but I am pretty sure my cat would have been happy without it.
So if you’re thinking about embracing minimalism and you’re afraid you won’t be able to do it because of your pet, think again. Keep in mind that pets don’t need much. Show them love, shelter them, feed them proper food and they’ll be more than happy and grateful. In fact, all your pet needs for a healthy and happy life are a few items that will most likely fit in a drawer:
1. Food and water. Make sure you purchase quality food for your furry friend. Poor quality pet food can cause increased shedding, gassiness, vomiting, or even obesity. As for the food and water bowls, you can choose dishes made of stainless steel. These are a great investment because they’re long-lasting, easy to clean, and dry and they’re usually inexpensive.
2. Proper grooming equipment and supplies. It’s important to establish a regular grooming schedule for your furry friend. Luckily, they only need a few things: a set of quality brushes and comb (or a grooming glove), a good pet shampoo, nail grinders, or clippers. And pretty much that’s it. Easy-peasy, right?
3. Leash and collar. If you are a dog owner, you already know that walks are an important part of your pet’s routine. And I’m quite sure you know that on the street and other public places, it’s safer to keep them leashed. Always invest in a high-quality leash. If you’re looking for a durable, flexible and safe leash, pick one made of leather. A leather leash is less likely to slip through your hands when your dog pulls and they are much more comfortable to hold.
4. A few toys to keep them entertained. Toys help fight boredom when you have to leave your pet alone and prevent them from becoming anxious. Therefore, playing with toys is an essential part of ensuring the well-being of your pet.
5. A carrier. A good-quality carrier not only ensures your pet safety while travelling, but it also gives him a comfortable and a reassuring place to stay during the trip.
6. Litter box. If you’re a cat owner, a proper litter box is a must. Choosing the right one can significantly improve the quality of life for you and your feline friend. Select a litter box that is big enough for your cat to fit in comfortably, even though it takes more space in your house or results in spending more money. However, it is an investment worth making, because if your cat will feel comfortable in the litter tray, they will use it regularly and you won’t have to worry about “accidents” around the house.
In case you were wondering if you can live a minimalist life with pets, the answer is a wholehearted yes. They need so little and give back so much!
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