A study of UK homeowners found that just under three-quarters of pet lovers feel that it’s important to design their kitchens to cater for their furry friends.
The research – which was undertaken by retailer Wickes as part of its Wickes Great Kitchen report – also found that one-in-five of those polled also reported considering changing their current kitchen design to make pets more comfortable in the space.
Some of the elements that pet owners are looking to change or implement include anti-slip or scratch resistant flooring and surfaces, quick-cooling induction hobs to minimise accidental burns, incorporating feeding stations into kitchen islands, and adding dog showers to an adjoining utility room.
Many are also looking to incorporate lighting which hides discarded pet hair, with 28% of pet owners considering fur on the floor and furniture to be one of their key concerns when designing a home.
Mandy Minichiello, Wickes’ head of marketing for kitchens and bathrooms, 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.”
The research had a sample size of over 2,000 homeowners, and the report can be read in full here.