Recent research has highlighted that Australian households face substantial financial losses due to pet-related damage, with dogs proving to be the bigger culprits compared to cats. According to a new study by Ring, the smart home security company, pet-induced property damage is costing Australians hundreds of millions annually.
The study reveals that 83% of pet owners report their furry friends engage in mischievous behavior when left alone. Notably, dogs account for 59% of these incidents, while cats contribute to 40%. The financial repercussions are significant, with dog owners experiencing damages totaling approximately $222 million annually, compared to $153 million for cat owners. On average, households report damages of up to $50 per year, with those owning multiple pets facing costs as high as $500.
The findings contribute to the ongoing “dogs vs. cats” debate, shedding light on the types of mischief each type of pet gets up to when unsupervised. Ring’s Pet-ty Crimes Poll aims to provide pet owners with insights to help mitigate these behaviors and enhance their peace of mind.
Dr. Katrina Warren, a renowned Australian veterinarian, emphasizes the benefits of using technology to monitor pets. “Pets are part of the family, and technology allows us to keep an eye on them, whether they’re being adorable or mischievous. Tools like the Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera enable pet owners to stay connected and ensure their pets’ well-being, even from afar.”
Common Pet-ty Crimes
Pet behavior issues typically arise when pets are left alone for extended periods. The most frequent pet-related misdeeds include:
Total for All Pets
- 1. Jumping on or lying in prohibited areas (46%)
- 2. Indoor urination/fouling (45%)
- 3. Scratching at furniture (42%)
- 4. Chewing on socks/clothes/shoes (41%)
- 5. Shredding paper (34%)
Dogs
- 1. Chewing on socks/clothes/shoes (53%)
- 2. Indoor urination/fouling (43%)
- 3. Scratching at furniture (25%)
- 4. Shredding paper (34%)
- 5. Jumping on or lying in prohibited areas (39%)
Cats
- 1. Scratching at furniture (59%)
- 2. Jumping on or lying in prohibited areas (48%)
- 3. Knocking items off tables/shelves (36%)
- 4. Indoor urination/fouling (34%)
- 5. Unrolling toilet roll (34%)
Some pet owners have reported extraordinary incidents, such as a dog accessing the roof and attempting to catch birds.
To manage pet mischief, many owners adopt various strategies, including providing toys (45%), offering chew items or activities (38%), exercising pets (29%), or confining them to a specific area (23%). However, the effectiveness of these methods often remains uncertain until the owner returns home.
Embracing Technology for Pet Monitoring
An increasing number of pet owners are turning to smart devices and indoor cameras to monitor their pets’ activities. The survey reveals that 32% of Australian pet owners use smart technology for this purpose, with 81% finding it beneficial for reducing anxiety about their pets.
Dr. Warren recommends several strategies for maintaining peace of mind:
Enrichment Toys: Use toys to keep pets engaged when alone.
Indoor Cameras: Install cameras like the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera to monitor and interact with pets remotely.
Controlled Access: Limit young pets’ access to certain areas of the house.
Two-Way Communication: Utilize features that allow you to speak to your pet while away.
Additional Tips for Dog and Cat Owners
Dog Owners
- Exercise dogs before leaving to reduce restlessness.
- Play calming music to soothe them, using routines like ‘Calm My Dog’ with Alexa.
Cat Owners
- Provide a scratching post and a tall climbing tree for exercise and comfort.
- Offer ‘hidey holes’ for timid cats to feel secure.
As pet-related mischief remains an ongoing concern, employing technology and implementing effective strategies can help pet owners manage their pets’ behavior and reduce property damage, ensuring both pets and their owners remain content.
Related Topics
Why Havana Brown Cats Are Rare?
