Being a crazy lady, or a crazy cat dude, does not mean you need to sacrifice style. It is possible to live with cats and also have chic home decor.

As much as some people might think, it is possible to have nice things and live with feline roommates. Having nice things and living with either children or dogs, well that’s another story. Cats, on the other hand, are made to live in style. Feline companions can actually contribute quite a bit towards making chic home decor possible, in my humble opinion.

The key is to combine your love of chic home decor and cats in one. For example, furniture that serves double-duty for humans and cats alike or really uniquely designed cat products fit the bill. Don’t believe me? Read on to be convinced that cats and chic home decor are possible for every crazy cat lover out there.

7 Home Decor Solutions for Cat Lovers

1. Cozy Cat Hideout and Scratcher

This fun scratcher and bed is a super cute way to keep both you and your kitty happy. It’s suitable for felines, but unobtrusive enough to not stick out in your living spaces.

2. Cat Table

With this cleverly designed table, cat spaces and human spaces are all in one. You know the cat is going to be on the coffee table anyway, why not make it a welcoming space?

3. Modular Cathouse

Cats love heights and us cat owners love pet furniture that doesn’t necessarily look like pet furniture. This solves both of those desires in one.

4. Retro Cat Bed/Ottoman

This multi-purpose furniture piece can be used as an ottoman, a side table, a pet bed, or all of the above. The best part is it doesn’t look like it’s a pet bed at all!

5. Cat Friendly Bookcase

This bookcase is designed with both cats and books in mind. And just maybe your cat will love it enough to not knock your books off the shelf!

6. Cat Hammock Coffee Table

While this coffee table with wicker cat hammock is quite pricing and requires shipping from Japan, you could DIY up something similar for a unique hanging out spot for your cat.

7. Mid-century Modern Cat Litter Cabinet

One of the challenges for every cat love is the litter box–especially those who live in smaller spaces. This cool cabinet stylishly solves the problem of where to hide the litter box.

Related on EcoSalon

7 Fabulous Feline Cat Art Prints for Cat Lovers
How to Build a Simple Scratch Post Your Cat Will Love
10 Fantastically Stylish Pet Beds That Match Your Decor

The post 7 Home Decor Finds Both Cats and Humans Can Get Behind appeared first on EcoSalon.

Give Fifi or Fido a cozy place to sleep without sacrificing your style with nifty pet beds.

According to Gallup, six in ten Americans have some kind of pet roommate (some of us have both). Dog or cat, it doesn’t matter, we love our pets as evidenced by the $66.75 billion that we spent on them in 2016. More than any other time in history, our pets are really living the life.

One of the most common pet accessories that we spend money on are pet beds. Our pet buddies should have all the comforts that we have after all. But, some pet beds are less than ideal for having out in your living spaces. Upgrade those gauche pet beds with something that your pet can snuggle into, but won’t play havoc with your design aesthetic. Ideally, your pet’s bed will be something that doesn’t stand out as a pet bed when when your cat or dog isn’t using it!

Check out these tres chic pet beds and get to posting some cute pet photos on Instagram!

10 Stylish Pet Beds Fit for You and Fido!

1. Basket Dog Bed

This boho style pet made from natural rattan can double as an end table, plant stand or for pet toy storage.

2. Retro Acrylic Dog Bed

For those whose tastes run a little more retro or mod, this vintage-style clear acrylic dog bed looks fit for your queen or king.

3. Modern Cat Lounger/Scratcher

Made of recycled cardboard and non-toxic corn starch glue, this modern style cat scratcher and lounger in one is easy enough to camouflage amongst the plants.

4. Eco-friendly Cat Cave

Your cat won’t be able to resist this warm, cozy, and durable cat bed made from merino wool. It’s also unobtrusive and will do nicely in a quiet corner.

5. Walnut Contemporary Cat Lounger

This contemporary kitty lounger looks like it could double as a footstool and it could work for a dog or a cat.

6. Luxury Cat Tree Bed

Visitors may wonder what this strange UFO looking object is when your cat isn’t occupying it, but what a conversion starter. Plus it looks great!

7. Classic Dog Bed

Let your pup lounge in the lap of luxury with this handmade velvet pet bed.

8. Cat Bridge

Cats like to sleep in out of the way places and a high perch is the best. Make your kitty’s dreams come true with this super cool wooden cat bridge.

9. Geometric Dog Bed

Add some geometric style with this special pet bed that is handmade from wood, plywood, fabric, cotton, wool and linen. No visitor would bat an eye at this cool-looking pet bed in the living room!

10. Chunky Knit Dog Bed

Pamper your pooch with a chunky knitted bed that would look awesome in your home no matter your decor.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

13 Perfectly Personalized Pet Portraits for Your Furry Family Members
Here’s Another Reason to Adopt a Dog
Black Cats Are In the Spotlight at This Animal Shelter

The post 10 Fantastically Stylish Pet Beds That Match Your Decor appeared first on EcoSalon.

You have images of your human family members in your home, so why not your furry family members? What you need are pet portraits!

Chances are you call a pet a member of your family. According to Gallup, 6 in 10 Americans have a pet; and among pet owners, 73% own a dog and 49% own a cat. There’s certainly a lot of rabbits, gerbils, ferrets, parrots, chickens and more that we call family members out there, too.

Pet portraits make for meaningful and thoughtful gifts. According to artist Lindsay Gilmore the majority of her customers purchase a custom portrait as a gift for a friend or loved one.

“Sometimes it’s tempting to think that creating art doesn’t hold a whole lot of meaning in the grand scheme of things,” says Gilmore. “But I often hear that my work captures the spirit of a pet, a person, a memory or a place and usually ends up bringing the recipient to tears. I absolutely love being a part of meaningful gifts that people will treasure for years to come.”

Now’s the time to start putting a plan into action to gift pet portraits to everyone on your holiday gift list–or at least the 60% that have a pet!

13 Personalized Pet Portraits

1. Fabric Pet Portraits

A detailed fabric pet portrait painted using fabric paints, sewn onto natural colored fabric and framed in a wooden embroidery hoop.

2. Pet Pillow Cover

Of course you need pillowcases that feature your pet!

3. Pillow Head

Ever wanted a disembodied pillow plush of your pet? Your wish is granted.

4. Watercolor Portrait

For those with a softer side, a watercolor portrait of your furry friend might be more to your taste.

5. Portrait Tote Bag

Show off your pet, even when she isn’t with you, with this cute tote bag.

6. Personalized Paint by Numbers Pet Portraits

These customized portraits are colorful, a little quirky, and super unique. What a great idea for a gift for a pet lover.

7. Embroidered Pet Earrings

What’s better than hand-embroidered custom pet earrings? Not much. Not much.

8. Cubist Portrait

Love this modern styled cubist portrait.

9. Custom Pet Portrait Illustration

Turn your pet family into cute illustrations!

10. Needle Felted Portrait

This is a made to order needle felted pet portrait. Can be made from a picture you supply of your sweet kitty or pup.

11. Custom Pet Silhouette

Beautiful simplicity and a wonderful way to memorialize your best friend.

12. Pet Portrait Mug

Just what you need when your pet wakes you up at 5 am to be fed.

13. Custom Pet Holiday Ornament

Another great idea for the pet lovers on your holiday list.

Related on EcoSalon

Pet Peeves in Decorating: When Design Goes to the Dogs, Leopards and Zebras
Black Cats Are In the Spotlight at This Animal Shelter
Here’s Another Reason to Adopt a Dog

The post 13 Perfectly Personalized Pet Portraits for Your Furry Family Members appeared first on EcoSalon.

A recent study revealed that dog owners, on average, walk an extra 22 minutes every day compared to non-dog owners.

The study, which was published in BMC Public Health, also discovered that the walking dog owners do is moderately paced—that’s right. Fido helps you break a sweat and gets your heart rate up.

Moderate intensity is great intensity

Moderately-paced walking may not seem like that big of a deal, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is.

Moderate walking—about 3 miles an hour—is just as effective as running at controlling myriad health issues: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, type-2 diabetes, and other common, but potentially deadly, health conditions. Also, all the extra walking can really help your ticker.

The study

The U.K. study took data from men and women in their 60s and older. Some participants were dog owners and some were not. The people in the study wore activPAL devices. The devices measured speed, distance, and other health factors. The participants wore the devices for 24-hours a day so researchers were able to truly monitor their daily activities.

While this researcher was compiled in the U.K., American researchers are taking note, too. “This is a great study,” Robert Sallis, a family physician with Kaiser Permanente in California, says.

American scientists’ interest in this study stems from America’s growing health crisis.

“The national [American] physical activity guidelines call for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, and that’s what they got in this study,” Sallis adds.

But, in contrast, a CDC analysis reveals that only about 50 percent of Americans get that much exercise every week… Yikes.

Dog love

While owning a dog may help you become healthier, which leads to a longer life, having a pet as a companion can also help relieve stress and depression.

So, young people… Get a pet. Your body and your mind will thank you once you begin to age.

Related on EcoSalon
Dogs and Sticks are Inseparable [Video]
The Loudest Dog in the World [Video]
Goofy Dog Proves Video Games Require Activity [Video]

The post Here’s Another Reason to Adopt a Dog appeared first on EcoSalon.

Because let’s be honest: whenever you put a cat, dog, or any of your pets in a Halloween costume, the result will always be cute.

Related on EcoSalon
Shelter Pets Are Life Savers [Video]
Let These Cute Pets Help You Say “Bye!” to 2015 [Video]
Goats: Just Like Your Household Pets [Video]

The post Pets Try to Look Scary, End Up Looking Cute [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.

How much do you love your pet? A lot? Enough to build him or her a mock Jurassic Park?

The cute tortoise in the video below is the proud recipient of a mock Jurassic Park playpen. The pet’s owner created it so Louie, the tortoise, could graze, swim, and chill in style. Watch the video of the pet roaming around the park below.

Related on EcoSalon

Giant Squid is Awesome Because it’s a Giant Squid [Video]

The Teenage Mutant Turtles Have NOTHING On This Glowing Turtle [Video]

Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz Fight to Save the Great Barrier Reef

The post This Cute Tortoise is Taking Over ‘Jurassic Park’ [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.

Cats typically don’t take harassment well. They hiss, swat, or run far, far away. Well, we’ve just found a video of a cat who is able to handle harassment… from a bird.

Watch as this incredibly irritated cat just sits and takes this jerk parrot’s punches.

Related on EcoSalon

Adorable Thieving Cats Steal Humans’ Pizza [Video]

23 Pawsitively Purrfect Quotes About Cats

7 Fabulous Feline Cat Art Prints for Cat Lovers

The post This Cat is So Over This Parrot’s BS [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.

Is your relationship with your pet turning your partner into a jealous boyfriend?

When a study came out last year saying one in 10 women love their pet more than there boyfriend… well, I wasn’t surprised at all. I’m also the first to admit that during my common law days my cat took top billing – especially during rough patches in the relationship.

If you’ve got a jealous boyfriend on your hands who gives the stink-eye to your pet at every turn, you’re probably making him feel like a third wheel. For most of us, we don’t even realize we’re doing it: We’re just carrying on with the relationship we’ve had with our pets all along (in other words, pre-boyfriend). But for some, there could be more going on:

“If you truly love your pet more than your partner, I suggest taking a closer look at your relationship,” says Kimberly Moffit, psychotherapist and relationship expert. “Does your partner give you the intellectual stimulation, romantic chemistry, and unconditional support your relationship needs?” If you find you’re turning to your pet for what your relationship isn’t offering, it’s probably not the right relationship.

If you’ve fallen into this rut, it’s nothing to feel bad about. There’s no relationship more uncomplicated or unconditional than that of a pet’s – they never argue with you or point out your shortcomings, and are always excited to see you. Plus, they’re adorable little balls of fluff! Even now, as my cat’s treating his kitty litter like a sandbox, I’m all, “Aw, how much cuter can he get?”

I know, I’m lame. Here’s how to make sure your beau doesn’t turn into a jealous boyfriend (or feel like the third wheel of a bizarre love triangle):

Greet your boyfriend first.
When you get home from work, greet your beau first thing. “If you give your hubby or boyfriend a peck on the lips, and then gush over your pet for five minutes straight, reverse the energy,” says relationship expert April Masini. You can always apologize to your pet later (kidding – sort of).

Include your boyfriend during time with your pet.
Take your dog for walks together, or make snuggling on the couch a family affair. Include him in your “conversations” with your pet: “Talk to your pet about how awesome your partner is, like ‘Doesn’t Jim look so handsome today, Spot?’” suggests Elizabeth Lombardo, psychologist and bestselling author of “A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness.”

Create one-on-one time.
When you and your beau are spending time together and have specifically planned a date night, give him your undivided attention – in other words, don’t talk about Frisky giving you the cold shoulder in a fancy restaurant… unless you’re a fan of dinner for one.

Make your bedroom a no pet zone.
There’s nothing worse than being distracted from your romp in the sack because your pet’s watching your performance. (There were times where I’d pull a Rachel and giggle uncontrollably, even after my cat had been kicked out of the room. Buzz. Kill.) You’re probably going to feel guilty for neglecting your pet at first, but like all habits, building new ones takes time. You’ll both get used to the transition and you’ll have a very happy boyfriend on your hands – always a plus.

Gush over your pet when it’s just the two of you.
When your beau goes out to watch the game, play poker, or takes a business trip, use these opportunities to gush over your pet as you see fit. (You know, just make sure to get it all out of your system before the boyfriend gets home.)

Has your beau ever turned into a jealous boyfriend over your pet?

Resource: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/pets/10434830/One-in-ten-women-love-their-pet-more-than-partner.html

Related on EcoSalon

30 Quotes on Building Healthy Relationships

Going All In: 7 Ways to Build Trust In a Relationship

Love and War: How to Fight Without Ruining Your Relationship

Image: Kiki Yang

The post Jealous Boyfriend Alert: This Is Why He Doesn’t Like Your Pet appeared first on EcoSalon.

If you have ever lived with both cats and dogs, you know how different they can be; and for some reason, dogs are often more afraid of cats than vice versa—especially when it comes to the comfiest places to sleep, as this video proves. Who is winning: cats or dogs? I would say the human beings who can’t help but be amused by this ongoing detente between canines and felines perfectly illustrated below, in this video where cats steal dog beds.  

Related on Ecosalon: 

This song about your period is the funny anthem we’ve all been waiting for (video)

Polar bears are amazing underwater athletes: Who knew? (video)

Cat massage as ridiculously funny as it sounds (video)

The post Cats Steal Dog Beds and Hilarity Ensues (Video) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Leaving your beloved pet(s) at home is a bummer, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Here’s how to find a pet-sitter you can rely upon.

I’ve worked as a dog-walker and pet-sitter off and on for over a decade, and as someone who’s experienced both sides of the pet-care coin, I’ve picked up some tips on what to look for in a pet-sitter. May your next trip be less stressful, for both you and your furry or feathered friend(s). Here’s how.

Growing up on a small ranch, we had a live-in caretaker, because my dad had to travel not infrequently for work (he’s a retired large animal vet and equine behaviorist, and still lectures all over the world).

Having someone who lived on the property and loved our animals almost as much as we did mitigated a lot of the anxiety incurred by leaving them at home, but it certainly didn’t eliminate it. My mom, in particular, missed her dogs and fretted over them. And as sometimes happens, a few beloved pets…expired during our travels. Accidents happen, but in a couple of instances, the passing of our pets was due to negligence, and to this day, it rankles my family.

Here’s how to ensure your pet sitter is prepared and trustworthy (as well as what you can do to give them the tools they need to do their job well):

• Ask for references, and follow up with them on the phone.
• A company that’s bonded or insured is a good sign, but it’s not a guarantee of a good sitter. Word-of-mouth and having potential pet-sitters meet at your home and interact with your pet will provide you with a much better idea of their knowledge  and skill with regard to animals.
• If your pet has special medical needs, ask your vet for a sitter referral.
• Determine beforehand exactly what you expect of your sitter. Are they planning to stay in your home, or drop by/how many times a day/for how long, or take your pet into your home?  Outline a clear schedule and put your expectactions in writing.

Image:  Sean Molin, Flickr

• Ask  what their course of action is in an emergency. Do they know the location of the nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic/have a rapport with doctors on call? Do they know the signs of an animal in distress?
• Will the sitter just perform the basics, or are they going to act as a substitute pet owner? You want someone who will not just interact with your pet, but love them up. Walks, play, socialization, cuddling, treats: All of these  (depending upon species, of course) are essential for the physical and mental well-being of your pet while you’re away.
• Do they have experience dealing with animals other than dogs and cats, if applicable?
• Don’t neglect your home: In addition to feeding pets, will the sitter also water plants, keep things tidy, scoop litterboxes, take out the trash, etc? Note that most pet-sitters who stay in a client’s home should offer these services as part of their fee.
• If your sitter is just doing daily visits, how reliable are they? Ask references if they set alarms, lock doors and windows, bring in mail, leave a porch light on, and otherwise leave your home secure. (Just remember that you’re hiring a pet-sitter, not a caretaker or maid.)
• Be sure that your sitter is willing to provide you with brief email or phone updates on your pet, but be reasonable. A 500-word daily email about Princess Fluffy’s adventures with her fishing pole toy is over-the-top. Don’t blow up your sitter’s phone or email with messages, be a “helicopter parent” or have unrealistic expectations; it’s a surefire-way to ensure you lose a reliable pet-sitter. Remember that while your pet may be your child, it’s still an animal, not a human.

Image: Alfie Goodrich, Flickr

• Leave a list of your contact information/itinerary, and emergency numbers for your sitter, as well as details on feeding instructions, etc.
• I never used contracts for clients; other sitters may present you with a formal document. If you feel better drawing up a contract yourself, however, by all means do so. This protects both parties, and ensures you’re in agreement about payment and services to be rendered.

Top image: Michael Fletcher, Flickr

Related on EcoSalon:

George Goes Green

9 Essentials for Raising a Happy, Healthy Pet

The post What To Look For In A Pet Sitter: Use This Checklist for Peace of Mind appeared first on EcoSalon.