The Truth About Cats and Dogs – Our Survey Results Are In!
Australian cat and dog owners open up about their furry friends in the latest Houzz survey
Many of us love our pets like they’re family and obviously believe they only deserve the best. The latest Houzz survey asked 10,000 pet owners in 11 different countries around the world how they cater to their pets in their homes. The results are in, and they prove that we own some very pampered pets indeed. But as any pet owner will tell you, they’re definitely worth it – some of the benefits of being a pet owner include 86% of people saying their pet makes them happy, and 74% saying that having them around helps reduce levels of stress.
Sometimes though, a simple play or sleeping area just doesn’t cut it. Many of us will instead make pet-friendly renovations to our homes, to make sure our dogs and cats are comfortable in their own space.
“In the last few years, Australians have begun to really incorporate their family pets into everyday living,” says Dr. Carolyn Di Palma of Burwood Road Veterinary Clinic. “This could explain some of the high results of pet-related upgrades to homes.”
Australians and Italians were most likely to have made upgrades to their homes for their pets in the last two years. This could mean anything from upgrading furniture to completely reconfiguring a room layout, or even landscaping.
“In the last few years, Australians have begun to really incorporate their family pets into everyday living,” says Dr. Carolyn Di Palma of Burwood Road Veterinary Clinic. “This could explain some of the high results of pet-related upgrades to homes.”
Australians and Italians were most likely to have made upgrades to their homes for their pets in the last two years. This could mean anything from upgrading furniture to completely reconfiguring a room layout, or even landscaping.
Who rules the roost?
More than half of dog and cat owners say that the rulership of the house is split between them and their pet (59%). Only 6% admit that their pet is actually in charge.
More than half of dog and cat owners say that the rulership of the house is split between them and their pet (59%). Only 6% admit that their pet is actually in charge.
While the bedroom may be a humans-only zone, other parts of the house don’t have quite the same restrictions. The majority of Australians in our survey were happy to let their pets up on their furniture.
In the US, cats are dominating the home, with 78% of cat owners allowing their furry friends free rein on the furniture. “When visiting other countries, it seems that they have already embraced pet-friendly living, dining and shared public transport use,” says Di Palma.
In the US, cats are dominating the home, with 78% of cat owners allowing their furry friends free rein on the furniture. “When visiting other countries, it seems that they have already embraced pet-friendly living, dining and shared public transport use,” says Di Palma.
Hair is the biggest pet peeve
As much as we love our dogs and cats, none of us are likely to say we love the strands and tufts of hair our animals shed, seemingly with every step. 70% of pet owners say it’s the top challenge of having animals share their space at home. The second biggest problem is pets tracking dirt into the house, followed lastly by their bad smells.
As much as we love our dogs and cats, none of us are likely to say we love the strands and tufts of hair our animals shed, seemingly with every step. 70% of pet owners say it’s the top challenge of having animals share their space at home. The second biggest problem is pets tracking dirt into the house, followed lastly by their bad smells.
Dogs cost more than cats
It sometimes seems as though your pets’ needs are burning a hole in your wallet, as they go through endless amounts of food, toys and beds.
According to the Houzz pet survey, dogs are costing pet owners considerably more than cats. 27% of dog owners spent over $1000 on pet items for the home in the last two years, versus only 16% of cat owners who spent the same amount.
Beds were the most popular pet items bought in the last two years, closely followed by food and water dishes.
TELL US
What did you find most surprising in this survey? Let us know in the Comments section.
MORE
30 Pawfully Cute Dogs Lapping Up the Aussie Sun
Doggy Decor: 10 Ways to Make Your Dog Feel Like Part of the Family
Pet Ready: So You’re Planning to Get a Cat?
It sometimes seems as though your pets’ needs are burning a hole in your wallet, as they go through endless amounts of food, toys and beds.
According to the Houzz pet survey, dogs are costing pet owners considerably more than cats. 27% of dog owners spent over $1000 on pet items for the home in the last two years, versus only 16% of cat owners who spent the same amount.
Beds were the most popular pet items bought in the last two years, closely followed by food and water dishes.
TELL US
What did you find most surprising in this survey? Let us know in the Comments section.
MORE
30 Pawfully Cute Dogs Lapping Up the Aussie Sun
Doggy Decor: 10 Ways to Make Your Dog Feel Like Part of the Family
Pet Ready: So You’re Planning to Get a Cat?
Nearly half of the pet owners surveyed across Australia have dedicated areas in their homes for their dogs or cats. This includes 61% of respondents who have a special area for beds and seating for their pets, 37% who have special dining areas and 23% who have animal play structures included in their decor.