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· Three quarters of pet owners say it’s important kitchen space caters for pets at home, according to new research from home improvement retailer, Wickes 

· 28% of pet owners consider fur on the floor and furniture to be one of the main design concerns  

Three quarters of pet owners (74%) say it’s important for their kitchen to cater for their animals and that they would even change their kitchen design to make their furry friends more comfortable.  

That’s according to new research¹ from home improvement retailer, Wickes, whose design consultants report an increase in demand for pet-friendly kitchen designs. 

With just under a third (28%) of pet owners considering fur on the floor and furniture to be one of the main concerns when designing their home, popular requests are now reported to include special flooring and surfaces to avoid animals slipping and claw or scratch marks, lighting to hide discarded pet hair and induction oven hobs which cool quicker to avoid burnt paws.  

Other requests include planning an entirely new kitchen around an existing cat flap, designer feeding stations created within kitchen islands and dog showers in adjoining utility rooms.  

These are just some of the trends in the new Wickes Great Kitchen report, which reveals that one in five (20%) pet owners would change the design of their kitchen to make their pet more comfortable, with under 35s most likely to make these changes. 

Tracy Genever, Head of Welfare Standards, Education and Support Services at national pet charity Blue Cross, said: “Our pets are part of the family so it’s important to consider how the space will work for you and your four-legged companion when designing your dream kitchen so you can all enjoy the space together safely all year round.” 

Blue Cross share its top 5 kitchen design hacks for pet parents: 

· Nonslip floors – whether they’re an older pet or an energetic puppy, wooden and tiled floors are often slippy, so investing in nonslip floor such as vinyl will protect precious paws and avoid pets from slipping.   

· Stove knobs and hobs – simple yet effective safety knobs can be added to cookers to stop pets from accidentally turning them on when jumping about in the kitchen. Or for when cats prowl over surfaces while owners’ eyes aren’t looking, quick cooling induction hobs are a safe way to avoid burnt paws. 

· Pet proof bins – save their stomachs, and a whole lot of mess, with a pet proof bin. Activated by movement, sensor bins will stop furry friends from lifting the lid. Alternatively installing a bin within a kitchen cupboard will mean paws are kept well away. 

· Safety gates – with lots of movement and temptation during food prep and meal times, dogs can easily become agitated. Keeping pets in other rooms or installing baby gates will help avoid unwanted behaviour.

· Conditioner – a common pet hate is pet fur, so wiping doors and surfaces with a fabric conditioner water solution will help to repel pesky pet hair. Be sure to also consider cabinet colour and style when designing around a pet. Slab doors will be easier to wipe down, while shades opposite in colour to any pet’s hair will help to mask any stray strands. 

The Wickes Great Kitchen Report delves into a deep analysis of how the nation uses its kitchens and the all-important factors affecting modern design choices.  

50 years ago, pets were expected to live outside of the home spending nights in gardens or outdoor kennels², but as more pets are welcomed into homes and treated as one of the family, the report has found that Brits are increasingly designing their home around their pets. 

There are more than 10 million dogs, 11 million cats and a million rabbits in British homes³ and with more than 40 ranges and 200 cabinet options in the Wickes Bespoke Kitchens Collection, alongside kitchens for under £4,000 in the Wickes Lifestyle Kitchens Collection, the retailer is equipped to handle even the most unique kitchen installations.  

Mandy Minichiello, Head of Marketing, Kitchens, Bathrooms from Wickes said:  

“Kitchens have always been considered one of the most important rooms in a house, and homeowners are increasingly looking for designs tailored to their lifestyle – and Britain’s millions of pet lovers are no exception. 

“From cats to dogs, we are used to offering tailored solutions to accommodate different animals. One customer even requested a new fish tank built into a doorway area to create a home for their fish. 

“At Wickes, we are able to offer unique solutions to ensure your pets are comfortable. From feeding stations and cat flaps within kitchen units, extra draw and cupboard space to store pet food, through to additional space around islands and wall space to hang leads. Our Design Consultants can help to create a kitchen that works for all family members.”  

Wickes Great Kitchen Report is available at wickes.co.uk.

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