All cat owners know you can’t spell “homeowner” without “meow.” I know this well as a cat mom to four adorable felines, who have complete control of our household. I’ve pretty much resigned myself to a home filled with scratched furniture, fur-covered cushions, and rooms filled with random cardboard boxes and baskets because they make nice napping nooks.
I’m not alone. Many Filipinos have taken on roles as “cat moms” or “fur parents” and consider pets beloved family members.
A Social Weather Station (SWS) survey shows that in the first quarter of 2023, 64% of Filipino households have pets, with dogs (78%) and cats (50%) being the most popular. An insight study by Communications Consultancy VERO says this growing pet culture impacts housing and lifestyle choices.
Let’s look at the rise of pet-friendly developments and unique selling points for fur parents regarding home ownership. What exactly do pet parents want in a home?
Pet-friendly amenities
Pet parents actively seek living quarters, including apartments, condos, and houses with pet-friendly amenities. Dog owners, in particular, want spacious outdoor spaces to let pets roam safely. Research by Zillow and Rover shows that 84% of dog owners in the U.S. would pay more for a pet-friendly amenity in their next home, such as a doggy door, fenced-in yards or nearby pet parks.
Just take a look at the rise of pet-friendly parks like Bark Park in Eastwood, Hachi Park in Circulo Verde, Parklinks Pet Park in Pasig, Central Bark in Taguig and Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati and the popularity of car-free Sunday programs in the metro for pet parents.
Built-in pet spaces
Cats love vertical spaces. Our cats love our condo’s loft set-up with the tops of shelves preferred perches. Unfortunately, some also like climbing the fire escape, so some windowproofing is needed, especially if you live in tall buildings. Bare walls and high ceilings to put floating shelves are a plus.
Sunrooms, balconies that can be converted into catios, and bay windows that allow birdwatching are great features for cat owners. Most cats sleep between 12-16 hours a day, so you want a variety of comfortable nooks, cubbyholes, and hammocks in different rooms. Mudrooms, built-in cabinets, and under-stairs storage that can be converted into pet spaces are ideal.
Extra rooms
With more pet parents opting for remote or flexible work arrangements, having extra space at home (no matter how small) can create a more balanced lifestyle. It helps to have a separate room to keep cats, especially those who get chatty during online meetings, and unobstructed hallways to run when they get the zoomies at 3 am.
While the cats sleep in our room at night, the second bedroom/guestroom has been designated their official room. Having this extra room to put their accessories and toys has helped keep clutter in check. Lofts can also give extra space for cats to perch and play without taking up too much space.
Durable flooring
For pet owners, durable flooring like Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP), tile, or laminate is ideal since these are waterproof, scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Cats tend to cough up hairballs or throw up if they eat too much or too fast, so you’ll be cleaning tables, countertops and floors constantly. Minimal carpeting can make cleanup easier. Expect the inevitable accidents (or territorial marking) outside litterboxes.
Well-ventilated spaces
Speaking of litterboxes, cat owners need a dedicated storage space for this. The space needs to be a quiet, easily accessible and private corner of the house, away from food and water bowl. The best options include the bathroom, laundry room or enclosed balcony. The space should be well-ventilated near a window to minimize odors and be easy to clean. Odd spaces in condos near windows like under sinks or counters of balconies, unused closets, or bodegas could serve this purpose.
Pet-friendly landscaping
Common areas with well-maintained lawns, gardens, and other outdoor spaces can add to a community’s appeal. For real estate developers, this means considering what plants to use for landscaping, avoiding plants toxic to pets and providing walking paths.
Pet-friendly neighborhood
The neighborhood plays a big part in picking a home. Are there pet-friendly establishments nearby? Are there shops to get your cat’s preferred cat food and litter brands? Are there veterinary clinics? In our neighborhood, a decade ago, there were only a few vets. Now, there are are multiple clinics, a Cat Hospital and Dog Hospital, pet grooming shops, several FurBnb boarding facilities and other pet-related businesses, signifying the growing demand. There’s even a pet bakery to buy homemade pastries and host pet parties.
How the community treats strays is also an indicator of pet-friendliness, as seen in planned estates that have trap, neuter and release programs and have feeding stations for community cats.
For real estate developers, the rise in pet ownership is a huge opportunity waiting to be tapped. Adding pet-friendly features to properties could open up a whole new market for pawsome pet parents.
How can real estate developers address the needs of pet owners?
- Incorporate pet-friendly amenities inside houses and within common areas.
- Designate pet-friendly areas and outdoor spaces for pets to play and socialize, such as pet parks, fenced-in areas and designated walking paths.
- Educate residents on responsible pet ownership.
- Pick pet-friendly landscaping. Choose plants that are safe for pets.
- Integrate humane strategies into developments, such as fostering or adopting stray cats, providing food and water, and partnering with local animal welfare organizations for Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) programs.
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