Published 16:28 29 Dec 2017 GMT

IKEA has launched a pet furniture line and we couldn't be happier

There are certain signs in life that act to inform you that you love your pet a little bit too much. They're fairly easy to spot. For example, when there are more pictures of your cat around the house than of your son and daughter. Or when you spend hours discussing the exact amount, consistency, and timing of each one of your dog's poops. Oh, not to mention that surprise party you threw for his birthday. That was weird. So, what about buying pet furniture? Does that belong on the list? Nah, that's pretty reasonable as far as I'm concerned. Luckily for everyone out there who agrees with me, IKEA have launched a line of products and furniture for the modern pet, and I'm betting that our furry friends are going to be pretty darn thrilled with it. Named LURVIG - which, for your information, because I know you were interested, means "shaggy" in Swedish - the new line was introduced as a pilot in five markets this October, with IKEA shoppers in Japan, France, Canada, the US, and Portugal being the fortunate few who get the chance to heighten their Swedish furniture shopping experience. But don't worry if you're from elsewhere, your pets won't be missing out for long, with the company confirming that the range is set to expand its reach to five additional countries in Spring 2018. So, I know you're dying to find out. What pet furniture and accessories can IKEA offer us pet fanatics out there? The answer fulfils every one of our hopes and dreams, with minimalist beds, bed frames, sofas, houses, cushions, blankets and travel bags being only some of the items on offer. [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/thegingerchap/status/934767860567732224]] [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/meg_shuler/status/933025458899341312]] [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/lil_why_lack/status/926869798792790016]] Strongly believing that pets should be pets, the Swedish company - which owns stores in 41 countries - worked with a veterinarian while designing their products to ensure that they didn't humanise animals too much. Designer Inma Bermudéz spoke out about the process, saying: "Our pets have their own personalities, but they have five things in common: They love sleeping, eating, playing and exercising, and being close to us. So these behaviours have been the first thing on our minds when designing these products. I feel that my pets are the ones who can really take me to the present moment. When we share our time together, my head is more free, and other worries and stress fall away. They teach us respect, and their unconditional love is priceless.”

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The LURVIG range was developed with the assistance of trained veterinarian Dr Barbara Schäfer, who also works in product risk assessment at IKEA. Despite it being a fun range for owners to enjoy with their pets, the first thing the team thought about was safety. Schäfer told all about how IKEA is dedicated to creating a durable product which was also safe for animals to use to their heart's content, stating: “It’s really important to use an animal’s natural needs and behaviours (like how they sleep, eat or play) as a starting point. Then we can design a product that fits in with our human needs, such as style and form. Dogs will definitely chew on their toys and bring in dirt from their daily walks. Cats will definitely scratch on most surfaces and are sensitive to smell and texture. So safe, durable materials are very important.” To be honest, it's no wonder that the global retailer is jumping aboard the pet furniture craze. According to the American Pet Products Association, the new line comes as the pet industry is at an all-time high, with people across the United States expected to spend $69 billion on their furry friends this year alone. That means that overall spending in the pet industry has surpassed previous spending by a whopping $6 billion. Our pets must be living a better life than us. In case anyone out there is pondering on why on earth we're spending so much on our feline friends and doggy pals, the answer is relatively simple: They're adorable and we love them more than we love our own family. Veterinarian Schäfer managed to sum up our feelings on the matter in just a few words when she said: "I share my life with three dogs and I've always missed nice pet products at an affordable price. As an animal lover I’m proud and happy to be part of this project. I would love it if it inspired people to spend more quality time with their pets." So then, what are you waiting for? Get down to IKEA right this instant and buy your pet a stately home's worth of furniture - and grab yourself some of those delicious Swedish meatballs while you're at it. I just really hope your cat likes assembling furniture.

uncategorised3 min(s) read

Published 17:53 07 Nov 2017 GMT

IKEA is trialling a line of pet furniture

Tom Wood

To non pet-owners, the way us animal-lovers treat our "fur babies" might sometimes come across as a little strange. We dote on them day and night, put up with their constant messes, and spend ludicrous amounts of money on toys which inevitably get destroyed after a day or two. But for those of us who are familiar with how it feels to be a parent to a four-legged ball of fur, we also know that all that hassle is totally worth it. They might be trouble sometimes, sure, but they're also part of the family, and so really it's only appropriate to treat them the same as our friends and relatives. IKEA have come to realise this - as well as the fact that there is a distinct gap in the market for pet-specific furniture. Or, at least, there used to be, because the Swedish company has stepped up to fill it. Yes, you can now get a range of furniture especially designed for your cat or dog, and it's just as high quality as the rest of IKEA's stuff. For cats, there are scratch mats that wrap around table legs, minimalist-looking end tables with a built-in nap pad, and cute little shelf-inserts that fit neatly into existing IKEA range furniture pieces. Dogs, on the other hand, get to enjoy tiny sofas, luxurious beds (with a frame, of course), and a whole range of toys from balls to Frisbees. On top of that, you can also purchase collars, leashes, bowls, harnesses and tons of other pet essentials, all with the classic chic IKEA aesthetic, of course. In a press kit, the designers of the range shared their enthusiasm for providing only the highest quality accessories for mutts and moggies:

"Have you ever felt like your cat or dog wasn’t just a pet but a member of the family? It’s exactly that focus that led IKEA to make the comprehensive LURVIG pet product range. Created by pet-loving designers with support from trained veterinarians, the range covers all the bases of our shared life with pets indoors and out, so you and your pet can enjoy your home together."

The company went to great lengths to ensure that the products were ergonomically suited to animals, so - even though they might just look like mini versions of regular, people-shaped furniture - you can rest assured that they'll be the best quality possible for Fluffy McFlufferson. Inma Bermudéz, who worked on the project to create pet-friendly furniture, explained in the press release that a lot of time and energy went into making the products safe, durable, and comfortable. "Our pets have their own personalities but they have five things in common: they love sleeping, eating, playing and exercising, and being close to us," she said. "So these behaviors have been the first thing on our minds when designing these products." So, if you're someone who wants your pet to be happy, but doesn't have the heart to tell them to get off the sofa or quit walking all over the shelves, why not invest in some furniture that's a little more suited to their personal needs? If nothing else, it'll be ridiculously cute.

funny2 min(s) read

Published 12:23 10 May 2020 GMT

People are buying IKEA children's doll beds and using them for their cats

Tom Wood

There are two types of people in this world: Dog people and cat people.

Now, dog people love their canine companions like family, and understand that when they welcome a pooch into their home, they become part of their wolf pack. Yes, dogs are perhaps the most loyal and loving partners us humans will ever have, which is why I truly believe they are "man's best friend".

And then there are cat people... who do things like this.

Yes, despite the fact cats expect their owners to wait on them hand and foot - all for little more than a purr - some feline fanatics are now purchasing little IKEA beds intended for children to use with their dolls, and are instead using them for their cats.

IKEA's £13 (roughly $15 USD) DUKTIG Doll's Bed is currently being sold with the intention of "[encouraging] make-believe play" for young children and their toys. Look, there's even a picture of a child playing with his doll on the website:

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[[imagecaption|| Credit: IKEA]]

However, some cat owners have decided to use the mini-bed for another purpose entirely, and are instead using them for their cats.

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And it's not just cats who are getting involved in the fun. There are even some rabbits getting treated to their own IKEA bed:

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The DUKTIG beds are also available on Amazon, where the customer reviews section has become my favorite part of the internet.

One five-star reviewer writes: "I use this for my rabbit she loves it! Although getting her up in the mornings from the bed is nearly impossible she hates leaving it lol. fantastic all you rabbit owners this is perfect"

And another happy customer writes: "I bought this cat bed from Ikea, she *loves* it. Good quality and safe (no sharp edges), raises her off the floor out of any draft. She even prefers it to the settee. We did put a plush cushion on it for her though, for comfort. Very easy to assemble. One of our best buys for her."

If you're looking to treat your small furry friends, you can buy your own DUKTIG bed from IKEA by clicking HERE.

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lifestyle1 min(s) read

Published 11:00 10 Mar 2020 GMT

Aldi is releasing tiny sofas for your dog this month

Tom Wood

If you're anything like me, you treat your pet like your baby, and that means they deserve the best. While our four-legged friends might not be able to walk and talk the way we humans do, we certainly have no qualms about making them miniature versions of our human world - whether that's with gourmet treats, grooming, or, in some cases, their furniture.

And speaking of the latter, Aldi has now released miniature sofas for dogs, and we love to see it.

Check out this cuss collar that swears when your dog barks:

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Now, these incredible pet sofas aren't quite available yet, but they are likely to be a hit when they are released on March 21 as part of Aldi's Pampered Pets Special Buys.

A dog in a tiny sofa.

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Aldi]]

As the name suggests, the sofas, which are available small and large sizes, are part of a collection, so there's more than one item on offer if you're wanting to treat your pet this spring.

Other offerings include memory foam mats, toys, snacks, and a cat nook. However, as we're sure you'll agree, the sofas really are the best thing on offer.

A tiny dog sofa.

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Aldi]]

Aldi's small pet sofa was created for puppies or small dogs weighing up to 15kg, and it will set you back $59.99. In addition to the sofa itself, you can also get a matching pawprint blanket for $9.99, pictured below draped over the side of the doggy sofa.

Whereas the larger pet sofa was created for dogs weighing up to 45kg, and it costs $99.99 (think of it as an investment in you and your doggo's happiness).

A dog on a tiny sofa.

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Aldi]]

After the Pampered Pets Special Buys drops this Saturday, March 21, it will be available for as long as stocks last, so you'll have to be quick if you want to nab the tiny sofa of you and your doggo's dreams!

Meanwhile, if the tiny sofa wasn't enough to set your heart racing and doggo's tail wagging, you can now also purchase matching necklaces for you and your dog.

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stories2 min(s) read

Published 11:59 08 Dec 2019 GMT

Aldi is selling gorgeous sofa beds for your pets just in time for Christmas

Tom Wood

Christmas is a time for everyone to be overindulged. But, as one enterprising business is intent on proving, there’s no reason to limit the pampering to the human members of your family. After all, pets love Santa just as much as the rest of us. Probably.

New for this year, bargain supermarket Aldi has created a range of luxurious pet furnishings - perfect for any pooch who likes to live in the lap of luxury. Included in the range is everything from mini sofas to soft faux-igloos, ideal for any dog or cat that’s convinced they are just as human as the rest of us.

Watch as a pit bull pretends to faint in order to stop her nails being clipped:

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Pride of place in the soft plush collection is arguably the £39.99 Collection Sofa Pet Bed, a stylish chaise-longue style piece that wouldn’t look out of place at an Andy Warhol house party. According to the official description of the product:

“There's nothing better than relaxing on your sofa at the end of a long, hard day at work. Well, who’s to say the same doesn't apply to your pet? Give them this adorable gift and enjoy cosy evenings together with your pet, enjoying a sofa each!”

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[[imagecaption|| Credit: Aldi]]

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[[imagecaption|| Credit: Aldi]]

“With a solid plywood frame, this sofa bed is sturdy for your furry friend, and is elevated on legs for draught-free sleeping. Also features a back pocket for storage and faux suede cushion.”

The fact that it comes in your choice of grey or black just adds to the stylish ambiance.

Check out the Aldi Christmas advert here:

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For pet owners who maybe can’t fully justify dropping £40 on a dog sofa, there are other options to help make this Christmas the most comfortable yet.

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[[imagecaption|| Credit: Aldi]]

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[[imagecaption|| Credit: Aldi]]

Also included as part of the supermarket’s range are a “Small Pet Teepee” and an “Igloo Tweed Cat Bed” (both £12.99). It just goes to show that Britains really will go to any lengths for their pets.

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lifestyle1 min(s) read

Published 08:59 22 Sep 2020 GMT

Lidl is selling an adorable dog teepee for just £12.99

Tom Wood

If you're a cat or dog lover, then chances are you've gotten your hand on some cool pet merchandise in your time. I'm talking anything from cute little doggie ponchos to giant cat face-imprinted cushions.

I mean, let's face it - our little four-legged companions are the pride and joy of our lives and they deserve a little something to show them just how much we adore them. Something like their own little teepee perhaps...

Well, if that sounds right up your little pooch or kitty's street, you're in luck as Lidl is now selling an adorable teepee for cats and dogs - and get this, it's only £12.99!

teepee

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Lidl]]

According to Lidl's official product description for the item, the teepee is "a cozy place for your four-legged friend to relax". It also adds that it is perfectly "suitable for cats and small dogs." Plus it has a removable reversible cushion and comes equipped with a sturdy frame with five wooden poles.

teepee

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Lidl]]

Plenty of buyers loved their new pet teepee and have taken to Twitter to praise their purchase, with one writing:

"Bella is loving her @LidlGB #zoofari pet bed with sun shade, even better to have it in the house where it’s nice and cool."

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Another who purchased their very own pet teepee from a Lidl in Ireland, wrote "@lidl_ireland whiskers loves his new teepee. Even slept the night in it," along with the hashtag "happy cat".

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Yet another happy buyer posted an adorable pic of his cat Neville, writing: "I mean what else do you do when you find a £12 cat teepee Lidl?"

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Related - This is the very naughty and hilarious moment three dogs were caught working together to steal a meal:

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