Creating a Cosy Cove for Animals in a Small Flat

a CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

Creating a cosy cove for animals isn’t as easy as many people think. If you have ever owned more than one pet, then you know that they are all different. What works for one may not work for another. While one is fine with a floor blanket, another may want a dedicated space inside a crate. This can be tricky when you live in a small flat or house, but not impossible. From choosing the right location to using multifunctional furniture, here are some handy ideas.

Invest in Quality Supplies

There are so many places you can buy stuff for pets now that it is hard to know where to go. Cheap sites like Amazon, Temu and Shein are popular because of the lower price. However, with a lower cost comes a lower quality. And poor quality pet toys, chews and even food aren’t the best option. Your pets deserve better. Sourcing small pet supplies from Moony Paw takes your mind off their needs so you can get on with making some space for cozying up with them.

A Cosy Cove for Animals by Location

Among other pets, there are an estimated 13.5 million dogs in the UK, and all deserve a comfy space to feel safe. Choosing the right space for your pet can be a tricky thing, especially in a small flat. It can get in the way, and it can be confusing for the pet if you keep moving it:

  • Find a space with minimal foot traffic that is out of the way for minimal disruption.
  • A space with fewer visual distractions will help pets stay relaxed and calmer.
  • Some pets are sensitive to temperature, so ensure you place their cage appropriately..

Finding the Right Bedding

Bedding is essential for some pets, just like it is for humans. Cute rodents enjoy comfort and warmth and will snuggle into anything they can find. However, they won’t just sleep anywhere and on anything. When it comes to sleep, some pets can be restless if they aren’t comfy. Bedding ranges from blankets to covered foam beds, and you may have to go through some trial and error. However, there are also fold-away products available for smaller spaces.

Use Your Flat’s Vertical Space

There is so much unused space in small homes, such as vertical space. Vertical space is typically classed as space on the walls. You can use the walls to put up shelves, units and even hooks. Any of these can be pretty handy when storing pet stuff such as food, treats, collars, leads and clothing. Just as you would for your own stuff, you can make better use of limited space by designating an area for the pet’s stuff that doesn’t take up valuable floor space.

A Den-Like Cosy Cove for Animals

Whether a beloved childhood pet or the family dog today, we all love our animals. The average Brit spends around £150 a month on their dogs, but this varies based on the pet you have and its needs. Of course, all pets need a space of their own to feel comfortable and safe.

Provide plenty of enrichment

Pets, of course, love to be comfy, and they usually have their favourite blankets and toys that they prefer. Any suitable pet place should include these to help them feel safe and calm.

Include your scent

You are the parent in the eyes of a pet, and a pet feels safest when it knows you are around. Scented toys and other items can be a comfort to a pet when someone is overnight pet sitting.

Allow for free access and exit

Unless there is a good reason why, it isn’t fair to keep some pets locked in a cage or crate. Free access allows pets to stretch their legs but also feel unrestricted and safer when at home.

Install a Multi-Purpose Feeding Station

If there is a bit of space available, then you might want to try a multi-purpose feeding station. These are very handy units that combine storage with pet bowls for water and food. In one handy unit, you pretty much have everything you need. Most good pet suppliers have these impressive units at various price ranges, depending on the size and features. However, they are a Godsend when you have limited space and need a safe place for a cage and supplies.

Add Personal Touches

Animals are most relaxed when they are in familiar surroundings. They love a personal space they feel is their own, and just like humans, they enjoy personal touches. For the most part, this includes toys and blankets. However, there are other ways to make a cosy space for a pet. You can include everything they love, such as water bottles, bedding and toys, in a designated area. With their scented items in one place, they are likely to stay there and enjoy the comfort.

A Multifunctional Cosy Cove for Animals

A recent survey found that 81% of Brits feel they don’t have enough space at home, and this is especially apparent with a smaller flat. However, like furniture for people, you can utilise multifunctional furniture that can double as storage for keeping your pet supplies out of the way:

  • A storage ottoman has plenty of space and can be a cosy spot for pets and your feet!
  • Benches with built-in pet crates are available and will make great use of limited space.
  • Bookshelves and consoles come in handy as you can make use of the drawer space.

Keep the Space Clean and Tidy

Living in a small flat alone can be trying if something is out of place. Throw in a pet, and it gets a bit complicated. Like the kids, some will just leave their stuff all over the place. It’s just how they are. It is up to you to ensure their stuff is kept tidy and their area is clean. This will help keep your flat safer and look and feel better. Also like the kids, you can use storage solutions to keep the animal’s stuff in when they aren’t using them, such as extra toys, clothes and blankets.

Summary

Quality pet supplies don’t make better use of space when creating a cosy space for animals in a small flat, but you will have better peace of mind when thinking about space. Space for a den, even in a small home, can make a world of difference to the welfare of a pet. However, you can also make better use of the limited space by keeping the home and pet area clean and tidy.

🐰 How to Keep Your Rabbit Cool in Hot Weather: Essential Summer Care Tips

Warm weather can be a real challenge for rabbits. Unlike humans, rabbits can’t sweat, and they rely mainly on their ears to regulate their body temperature. When the temperature soars, rabbits can quickly suffer from heat exhaustion or even heatstroke — a potentially fatal condition.

In this blog, we’ll cover simple, effective ways to keep your rabbit cool, plus a critical warning about a summer danger every rabbit owner needs to know: flystrike.


☁️ 1. Create Cool Airflow

If your rabbit lives outside or in a warm room indoors, air circulation is key. A fan placed near (but not directly on) your rabbit’s hutch can help move the hot air and provide relief. Even better, use a misting fan to cool the air down even more.

💡 Tip: Never blow cold air directly at your rabbit. Always create gentle airflow around the space.


🧊 2. Frozen Water Bottles = Bunny Coolers

A simple and safe cooling trick is to freeze plastic bottles of water (keep the lids on), then place them along one side of the hutch or cage. Your rabbit will naturally lie next to them to cool off.

You can also add cool tiles or slabs to the floor of their enclosure — ceramic tiles and marble slabs stay nice and cold and give your bunny a place to sprawl and chill.


💦 3. Keep Water Cool and Fresh

Hydration is vital in hot weather. Always make sure your rabbit has plenty of clean, cool water available. Drop in a few ice cubes to keep it refreshing.

Whether you use a bowl or a water bottle, check frequently — water can heat up or evaporate quickly in the sun.


🌡️ 4. Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Rabbits

Even with precautions, rabbits can overheat fast. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Lethargy or lying flat and unresponsive
  • Panting or fast, heavy breathing
  • A wet mouth or nose
  • Hot or wet ears (your rabbit may dip them in water)
  • In severe cases, convulsions or seizures

🐾 What to do:
Move your rabbit to a cooler, shaded area immediately. Wet their ears, paws, and body gently with cool (not cold) water. A light misting or a shallow bath can help lower their body temperature.

Then, call your vet without delay. Heatstroke can cause internal organ damage and must be treated quickly.


🥬 5. Serve Chilled Bunny-Safe Treats

Cold, juicy snacks can help cool your rabbit from the inside out. Try refrigerating water-rich treats before offering them, such as:

  • Romaine lettuce
  • Carrot tops
  • Cucumber
  • A slice of apple or melon (treats only — not too much sugar)

Avoid iceberg lettuce and always feed fruit in moderation.


🐛 6. Beware of Flystrike – A Deadly Summer Risk

Flystrike (myiasis) is a serious and often fatal condition that occurs when flies lay eggs on a rabbit’s soiled or damp fur — especially around the bottom. Within hours, the hatched maggots can begin burrowing into the rabbit’s flesh.

How to prevent flystrike:

  • Check your rabbit’s bottom twice daily for any signs of dirt, moisture, or fly eggs
  • Keep the hutch clean, dry, and disinfected
  • Use fly screens or mosquito netting on outdoor hutches
  • Apply vet-approved flystrike prevention treatments during warm months
  • Ensure your rabbit is mobile and grooming properly

⛑️ Emergency warning:
If you see maggots or signs of flystrike, call your vet immediately. Time is critical.


💛 Final Thoughts

Summer can be a dangerous time for rabbits, but with just a few precautions, you can help your bunny stay happy, cool, and safe. Focus on airflow, chilled surfaces, hydration, and daily health checks.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for signs of heatstroke and flystrike — both are emergencies and need prompt action.

Your rabbit is counting on you this summer!


Need help with rabbit care or setting up a cool-safe hutch? Leave a comment or contact us — we’re here to help!