A year and a quarter ago, I believed I had adopted a dog (I’m sorry if that sounds odd but it is a long story). Anyway, it was more serendipitous than an intentional search which made it feel like it was without a doubt meant to be (aka I wasn’t trying to adopt but the most perfect angel kinda fell into my lap, literally and figuratively). So despite knowing I was going to have to give the hard sell to my landlord, I went against the “don’t put the horse before the cart” and started to pin and plan all the things I was going to need to get. It was meant to be guys! I’m talking a crate, dog pet, bowls, toys, collar, leash, the works. So I’m sure you know where I’m going with this…my landlord said no. And look, she was as nice about it as she could and I understood that you can’t bend the rules for one and then deny other tenants. You bet I think about her sweet bundle of joy often. I think it was probably the right thing to do in the end. Also, if we want to look at another silver lining out of this, is that I did a lot of research into what I would actually buy for my home…and you bet aesthetics were directly under safety on the priority scale:)
We were talking together as a group and we thought a post with the dog and cats stuff that you need, but is also attractive to look at, could be very helpful to new pet parents. (I was trying to be!) Or for those who want to update some of their pet gear.
So that’s what we have for you today, dog and cat-focused functional decor if you are in the market. No pressure if you already have things that you like that aren’t on this list because truly the options are endless and it’s all about loving your pet and home however you see fit. The first thing to consider is beds.
FYI! I categorized “dog” and “cat” sections for the beds but most of them have a bunch of other sizes so if you love a “dog bed” but have a cat, I would say it’s a safe bet that there’s a small enough option.
Dogs
Frisco Herringbone Pillow Dog & Cat Bed | Signal Dog Bed ( 2 sizes + 4 other colors) | 7″ Headrest Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed with Removable Cover (2 sizes + 3 other colors)
Let’s begin with some luxury, shall we? With their two-toned velvet pillow, the simple chicness and elegance of the first two makes me believe that your pet will start to think they’re better than everyone in a very short time. It was this look that I was interested in:) I didn’t want to make my dog feel superior, but I liked the style of my apartment. If you have a large dog and a luxury home, then the orthopedic Pillow comes in very large sizes. Fancy doesn’t have a size!
Memory Foam Striped Pet Bed | Pepper Dog Bed | Harry Barker Vintage Stripe Pet Bed (3 sizes + 2 other colors)
Stripes are a favorite here. A cabana striped top is trendy, but also timeless. WIN. I also wanted to give a few different options with stripe scale but all of them have at least one more colorful option if black and white isn’t for you. Okay, but what about the mix of black and yellow??
Dog Bed (another pattern)| Studio Ford for Commune Dog Bed (2 sizes) | Dog Bed (1 other pattern)
All of these I love so much if you like a pattern, but want something a bit softer. If you like, you can have the blue one monogrammed. Studio Ford’s is amazing, but the coolness and high quality will cost you. Brown is also soft, but playful. You could call these stripes “diet” stripes.
Vintage Faux Leather Dog Beds (4 sizes + 2 other colors) | Vintage Faux Leather Dog Beds (4 sizes + 2 other colors) | Dog Bed Basket (5 sizes)
I couldn’t leave the dog bed section without throwing in some options that would be foolproof in a neutral, organic home (or any home). The baskets made of woven material are very special. It’s amazing how well the detailing is done! If you like the look of leather, then this vintage faux-leather cozy is for you.
Cats
So look, I’ve never owned a cat and that is mostly to blame on the fact that my dad is allergic (no cats allowed growing up). I’ve yet to really want one. I just don’t think I’m chill enough for the potential furniture shredding but more importantly, I still need my dad to help with my home decor projects! In the past I used to be a pet sitter for Em and last summer I spent two-and-a half weeks taking care of three cats. You can find out more about this by clicking here. credentials. Now, let’s get to the beds!
Nate & Jeremiah Donut Pet Bed (2 sizes) | Anti Anxiety Round Fluffy Plush Faux Fur Cat Bed (3 sizes + 11 other colors) | Kip Cat Cushion (2 sizes)
Most of the cat beds I’ve seen in my friends’ homes are these little round ones and now I’m curious if they help with anxiety as the name of the blue one suggests?? The poor pumpkins! Anyway, I do prefer the look of the striped one and the white one, but I’ve seen cats love ones like the blue one so it’s something to consider. I picked that one mostly because I think it’s a nice shade of blue:)
Striped Faux Lambswool Double Layer Cat Couch Sofa Bed | Nate & Jeremiah Elevated Pet Bed (2 sizes) | Sherpa Faux Fur 3-in-1 Pet Bed (4 sizes)
Little pet couches KILL ME. These are just too cute. The striped one is one I pinned a few months ago, well before the post was scheduled. But that little rattan guy, of course, designed by Nate and Jeremiah couldn’t be sweeter. It’s cool that the white one can be transformed into three different configurations. Check it out!
Cayman Raised wooden base Pet Bed | Floof Cat Blanket
They look like chic meditation pillows/pads and that’s all I am going to say:) Ok, well one thing. The one on the left is a blanket, but I know cats love that kind of thing.
Rattan Pet Bed | Cat Bed Felt Cave
The rattan home is adorable and the felt cave would work well with many styles.
Crates
It seems like crate-training is controversial, but when I was researching, and I thought I would be adopting a dog, both my cousin and brother told me it was mandatory. And when I say they are dog people, they are DOG PEOPLE and their pups are very well-behaved and so wonderful (which took a lot of consistency and training too… obviously:))
Modern Dog Cage (6 Sizes + 5 Other Colors)| Modern Dog Crate with Sliding Door (5 sizes) | Modern Dog Cage (6 sizes + 5 other colors)
The one at the far right was the one that I planned to get. The reviews at the moment were excellent and it was my style favorite. Now I love both! Simple, modern, cool. The paneling on the final one adds a bit of flair without being too loud.
Heavy Duty Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate (6 sizes) | Open Wire Dog Pen (2 sizes)
It’s a fact that a classic has a certain appeal, so a wire pen or crate is ideal for the tiniest of pups. I’ll show you my favorite options on how to dress them up next.
Crate Covers
Nate & Jeremiah Cloth Crate Cover (5 sizes) | Linen Dog Crate Cover (8 sizes + 5 other colors) | Herringbone Fabric Crate Cover (5 sizes)
Check out these crate cover designs! This is a wonderful way to help your dog sleep and also to have something more attractive than just plain wire. I mean you don’t even have to roll down the door flaps if you just prefer the look.
Crate Pads
Nate & Jeremiah Boucle Cozy Crate Mat (5 sizes) | Pendleton Vintage Camp Lake Comfort Cushion Dog Crate Mat (5 sizes) | Nate & Jeremiah Striped Crate Mat (5 sizes)
Now, you can’t have a crate without a crate pad! Or, something cozy. I think between these three there’s something for everyone. There’s a really simple and minimal pattern, an outdoorsy graphic, and a crowd-pleasing one.
Gates
Ok, TBH, I never looked at interior gates because for some reason I didn’t think of it in the week leading up to the big “no.” However, I should have! I could not trust a puppy that was sitting next to me for the entire day to stay out of trouble in another area of my apartment.
Metal Baby Gate with Wood Pattern| Extra Wide Freestanding Wire Dog Gate | Metal Baby Gate with Wood Pattern
I would have chosen the simple one to the left. Simple, good wood tone and freestanding. I also wouldn’t want to cause any potential damage to my walls in this rental. You have the great suspension one to the right, which is for a baby technically but who cares? If you need to cover a large area, I would choose the middle option.
Deco Horizontal Lines 3-Panel Dog Gate| DIY Safety Mate Expandable Pet Gate | Deco Horizontal Lines 3-Panel Dog Gate
Here’s a more modern offering! I like the idea of using your gate as a “pop of color” opportunity like the blue one in the middle. The white ones are also very cool. If you plan to have a pet after you, you can use the baby gates (well, not the ones that stand alone).
Cat Scratchers
Colossal Curvy Clawer| Colossal Curvy Clawer | Cat Scratcher with Roller Ball
Some of the scratchers I have are fun, even though scratching is what my cat does most often. Can you handle the tangerine color? My cousin has that one and loves it…well, their cats do:)) But if that bold of a color is too much then you have the roller ball which I think would be really fun for a cat. The middle scratcher is by far the most popular. I’d almost buy it for my house. No cats required.
Modern Wall-Mounted Cat Scratcher (in 3 colors) | Wall-Mounted Cat Scratcher
How cute are these wall cuties! NO NOTES. The white one is my favorite because it blends in so well with the wall.
One Cat Tower
Grove Cat Tower
The only tower I loved was this one! That doesn’t mean there weren’t other good options I saw but none measured up to this one in my heart.
Food Bowls
Fable Bowl| Ceramic Bowl (2 sizes + 3 other colors) | Fable Bowl | Nate & Jeremiah Ceramic Pet Bowl (1 other color)
So while your pet doesn’t need a fancy bowl, you might like looking at one. I love these more neutral options for many different reasons. Farmhouse Pottery is perfect for vintage or farmhouse style homes. The middle one is suitable for all styles but would look great in any modern home. The ceramic piece on the left would look great in a house with lots of organic elements. You can’t lose!
Ripple Bowl (four colors + 3 sizes) | Ripple Bowl (3 sizes + 4 other colors) | Vice Woof Pet Bowl
This patch is perfect for those who want to have a bit of fun. I like the one with feet because it looks like an actual planter. Blue is cool, and it comes in many other colors. Finally, the Jonathan Adler dog dish is the most expensive but also the funniest if you like humor and pattern.
Mats
Waterhog Squares Pet Mat – Food n Water Set| Waterhog Squares Pet Mat | Food n’ Water Set
We all know that our pets can be messy, especially with food and water. (I have personally experienced this in dogs.) A mat will help at least to contain the mess. The mats all have anti-slip properties, which are great. Also, the side that is gray in the photo at the right is quick drying.
Raised Food Bowls
Premium Non-Skid Elevated Dog & Cat Bowl (2 sizes) | Elevated Dog Bowl (3 sizes) | Elevated Dog & Cat Double Bowl Feeder (3 sizes)
These are all cool looking, but maybe your dog needs or wants a raised bowl. The one on the far left has a MCM feel to it, but would work in many homes. The middle bowls come in a range of different heights, but they also have the option to tilt them! I really liked the one to the right. I think I would stain or paint it a different color (with an animal-safe product) because I think the cutouts are so sick but for me, the finish isn’t my style.
Cube App Dog & Cat Feeder
I’m not going to lie, after feeding wet food to three cats for two weeks, I would have LOVED an electric dispenser. TBF, it’s for dry food. This would be a game-changer and it’s under $100.
3 Height Adjustable Elevated Dog Bowl Stand with Anti-Slip Design| 3 Height Adjustable Elevated Dog Bowl Stand with Anti-Slip Design
Here are two curveballs. The set on the left is one. It’s a super cute raised bowl setup WITH a great-looking food storage container. Win-Win. It’s great that you can adjust height with the black dog bowl. When my old dog returned, we would have needed a higher bowl for him.
Food Storage
Pet Food Storage Container (3 sizes) | Vacuum Dog & Cat Food Storage Container
My cousin wanted me to include some food storage options and to be honest, I wasn’t overwhelmed by a lot of cool options. I believe most people can conceal their regular bin of pet foods. But if you can’t, I really liked these two!
Litter Box
Cove Litter Box
From Caitlin (who has a WONDERFUL cat): “It’s like if Apple designed a litter box. Also, I’ve had it since 2020 and it’s so easy to clean! I don’t have problems with anything getting stuck to it which is rare. Scooping litter sucks but this makes it a little less gross and more tolerable.”
I think that’s enough for now.
Litter-Robot Smart App-Controlled Auto-Cleaning Lid Box
However, if you’ve been curious about this bad boy then I have a review for you. First off, I wouldn’t call this litter box beautiful but if it makes cleaning up your cat’s “stuff” a lot better then basically who cares what it looks like? My neighbors LOVE it (yes, in my building cats are allowed but dogs aren’t) and say it’s been a game-changer. It’s really large and took her cat some time to adjust to it, but it is worth 10/10.
Litter Box Furniture
Rattan Cat Litter Boxes Furniture with Doors (another color) | Haven Litter Box Enclosure
You don’t want your box to be visible to your guests and you, especially if your place is small. These two are so cute with their perforated and rattan details. Simple, stylish, and fun!
Modern Plywood Litter Box Cabinet (in 3 other colors) | Modern Plywood Litter Box Cabinet (3 other colors) | Drop Down Door Bench Cat Litter Box Cover
These are the ones I would select based on personal style. The two black ones look very understated and cool, while the brown plywood is meant to be noticed! You know I’m a sucker for a medium to large cutout.
This was a great resource for all dog and cat owners (including me). Enjoy your Friday!
Love you.
Kaitlin G. Green is the photographer of the opening image.