5 Quick Tricks You and Your Furry Friends Will Pawsitively Love
Looking for some quick tips to help keep your pets happy and healthy? Look no further! We’ve rounded up a few fun tricks your furry friends are sure to appreciate. Can’t get your pup to take her meds? Want to give your cat a kitty-safe cocktail? Try these today and see if they don’t just make life a little easier.
Get your cat tree hair-free.
Mittens has been using her tower a lot more, and you’ve noticed every inch is covered in hair — and it just won’t come off with the vacuum! To get it truly clean, use a window squeegee to scrape the hair away before vacuuming. The thin plastic edge of the tool will reach the base of the carpet fibers covering the tower and separate the fur from the fabric so you can get rid of it for good.
Help your pup hop in the car.
Your 100-pounder is too heavy for you to lift into the car, and when he tries to get in himself, he struggles, leaving light scratches and scuffs in the paint and on the trim. Make it easier for him to get in with this trick: Cut a 12″ square of a nonslip shelf liner, fold it in half, and lay it over the bottom of the door frame before he steps up. The material will provide enough traction for your dog to climb in with ease while preventing scratches on your car. You can even store the liner in the glove compartment to use as needed.
Make a pill go down easier.
Ugh! No matter what you do, your furry pal refuses to take his meds. You’ve had success with pet pill pockets in the past, but they can be pricey. The good news? You can make your own. To do: Mix two tablespoons of flour, one tablespoon of smooth peanut butter (avoid any with xylitol since the sweetener is toxic to pups) and one tablespoon of milk in a bowl. Then roll small pieces into 10 balls. Next, use your finger to push the pill into the ball, then toss to your pup, who will gobble down his special treat stress-free! (Note: Unused balls can be frozen for up to three months.)
Save your drain from fur clogs.
Buster gets so dirty from winter walks, and all those baths he takes can leave behind enough fur to clog your drain. An easy fix: Place a baby wipe over the drain before you run the water. The cloth will catch all of the loose fur, guaranteeing your pipes stay hair-free. And if you’re able to get your cat in for a scrub, it works for feline fur as well!
Brew up ‘Purrgundy’ right at home.
You’ve seen cat “wine” in the pet store and wondered if Whiskers might like it, but you would rather not pay $10 for a bottle in case it isn’t her thing. Why not brew some up yourself for less? To do: In a pan, bring three cups of water to a boil and add 1 cup of dry catnip. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from the stove and let cool. Next, use a cheesecloth or strainer to remove the catnip, add a drop or two of salmon oil to the mixture, and refrigerate for an hour. When ready, you can pour about two ounces of “wine” into a bowl for your sweetie to enjoy her own kitty happy hour.
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First for Women.
