CREATING A

By Gail Mayhugh

We all want to be comfortable in our homes, including our pets. Who doesn’t want a special someplace to feel comfy and cozy. My two are always in my office. Maggie lays right under my chair, which is so sweet, but I know she’s also looking for a quick belly rub. Here are some ideas to give your pets a cozy hangout of their own.

Build them a nook for cat naps. If you have a staircase, you most likely have wasted space under the stairs. Open it up and make it into a little hideaway for them. There’s also all different furniture pieces out there now, I’m sure you can find something that fits right into your décor.

If your pup’s crate is in the central part of the house where they like to nap, you can have a top made from a material that works with your décor. It turns it into a functional and nice-looking piece of furniture.

If your dog is used to sleeping in a crate, consider placing another one in a quiet corner. Crates are their private sanctuary, a safe and happy place. You can also create a cave-like bed to curl up in. Placing it by natural light allows your dog to lie down and enjoy the sunlight in comfort.

Even with their furry coats, sometimes they want a warm place to cuddle up in. If they like to be toasty warm, especially the small little ones, check into a selfwarming bed pad. There are ones that are electricity free. The bed pad has a layer of insulating fiber batting and mylar, which reflects body heat to create a warm sleep surface for pups and kitties alike to curl up in cozy comfort.

Wherever you find the space for a pet nook, fill it with plush materials that can be easily washed and often. Microfiber is a great choice. It’s easy to maintain, and the hair comes off with a lint brush. Crypton is also a super stain, water, and bacteriaresistant fabric. Water runs right off the material, so cleaning is a breeze.

My girls have always liked regular bed pillows and throws. I’ve bought fancy pet beds, and on a rare occasion, Maya will lay on them, but Maggie has no part of it. But then again, she is a bit of a couch potato at night.

Gail Mayhugh supports animal rescues and shelters through her non-profit, www.SeniorsToTheRescue.org.

Dedicated To Saving Our Community Cats!

4155 N Rancho Drive #150 Las Vegas, NV 89130 (702) 629-6351 OPEN

Rescued Treasures Cat Program is the main focus of PALnv and has been serving our community cats since 2019

We offer sponsorship opportunities, gift items for you, your best friend, and your pets, free WiFi, complimentary beverages and snacks, fun events, and best of all adoptable cats and kittens!!

to 6pm! We also have added birthday parties, business, club meetings, and special events! Check out our Events Calendar for upcoming events.

We have kittens here at Rescued Treasures Cat Café for adoption! We are adopting by appointment only at the café. Call 702-629-6351 for more information.

Pawsitively Seniors is designed for low-income seniors whose quality of life would be enhanced as a result of the many positive effects of pet ownership. By matching senior or special needs cats with senior people this program is a mutual benefit for all.

• Free food and litter delivered on a regular schedule, if needed • Free medical care from a program approved veterinarian, including prescribed medication • Free transportation to and from a participating Vet • Monthly visits from PALnv to check on the cat and senior

Low-income seniors are defined as 60 and over with an income of $1,800 per month or less.

Senior cats are defined as 8 years and older, who have been spayed/neutered and are current on vaccinations with general good health. Special needs cats are those who have manageable behavioral or medical issues.

Contact our Pawsitively Seniors representative at 702-629-6351 and she will make an appointment with you to visit your home and help you fill out the paperwork.