How do I Feng Shui my pets?
Many of my clients ask how they can Feng Shui their pets. Well, pets need Feng Shui almost more than we do. They are incredibly attuned to their environments. In fact, having things out of whack can cause them to become stressed out, scratch things that they shouldn’t, or relieve themselves in areas you’d rather they didn’t!
Pets pick up on our happiness, or lack thereof. They often act as mediators or peace-makers in disagreements. They are like little barometers running around measuring the atmosphere and responding to it.
If you Feng Shui your home, your pets will probably be even happier than you are about it. Having a peaceful, beautiful, clean and balanced home will benefit everyone who lives there, including your pets. A little tweaking just for them will really enrich their lives. It’s fairly easy to transform your pet’s areas, making them happier, more balanced, and calm.
Noise
Generally speaking, animals do not like loud noises. Listening to heavy metal music at full volume would probably be the opposite of good Feng Shui for your pets. Try to avoid loud noises around them, especially around their beds. This includes yelling! If you’re having an argument, don’t let your pet get in the middle of it. It’s just as upsetting for them as it would be for a child. Pets can easily become skittish or nervous when unexpected, loud noises are a part of their home life.
As for me, while I’m working, I like to listen to binaural beats on Youtube, such as:
Reiki Angel Meditation Healing Music
Tibetan Singing Bowls – Binaural Beats
Release Inner Conflict & Struggle
These relaxing audios are a great backdrop for working. Pets love them too!
Good Feng Shui is not “optional”
When pets have to deal with unhealthy environments, it can lead to anger, anxiety, depression, loss of sleep, or illness. Because pets are even more sensitive than we are, they really need a calming, zen, happy environment.
Basic ways to achieve balance
Due to the importance of good Feng Shui, what can “pet parents” do to help their fuzzy family members?
A home should not be too light, nor too dark. In Feng Shui terms, it should not be too Yang, or too Yin.
It should be calm from an auditory standpoint, but not so still that it’s “dead”. For example, having a tabletop fountain with circulating water is an excellent way to stir up the chi. Another suggestion is a small fan, to circulate the air. Put the fan in the Southeast (Wealth area), which correlates to “Wind” on the Bagua. Let the fan blow some Wealth your way, while you’re at it!
When pets are stressed out by their environment, birds might pull their feathers out. Dogs will lick the same spot endlessly. A cat might relieve themselves outside the box. While we’re on the topic, cat boxes should be kept scrupulously clean. They should not only be cleaned daily, but probably multiple times per day. Neither humans nor cats like to look at a dirty litter box, or deal with unpleasant odors. The cat box should be in a private place, if possible, and not “in the way” of anything.
Kitty Espresso Comfort Room Hidden Cat Box
By the way, what about hiding your cat box entirely? Check out this cool cat box that’s hidden in a piece of furniture (see photo):
Other “bad Feng Shui” symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, achy joints, or trouble breathing.
One of the most crucial steps in improving your home is eliminating clutter. Clutter: (noun) a lot of things in an untidy state, especially things that are not necessary or are not being used; a state of confusion.
This past year, I had the responsibility of cleaning out my parent’s home. The basement and garage were so packed with stuff, it took 4 dump trucks, 3 van loads, 1 pickup truck, and countless PT Cruiser loads to thin them out. All that really did was remove the first layer of stuff so we could really see what we had left.
Right on the heels of that fabulousness, I did a cross-country move. I had to purge my home on the West Coast, and reduce all my worldly possessions to whatever would fit in a 7′ x 8′ POD. I got so good at purging that when I finally landed in one zip code, I was fearlessly slashing through piles and piles of stuff with abandon.
What I realized through this whole process is that we need hardly anything to survive. Removing clutter is especially important in your bedroom, and your pet’s bedroom too.
Clutter is stagnant energy, and is omnipresent in our culture. Both people and pets can be affected with premature aging, eating disorders, and lack of focus.
Jack Russell Terrier
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step
Are you overwhelmed at the thought of purging your home? Hire a professional organizer!
Even though I’m a Feng Shui Master, I recommend that people hire both a professional organizer AND a Feng Shui consultant.
This is because organization often takes the most time of all. Having your Feng Shui consultant log all those hours can really add up. Organizers often provide discounts for large blocks of time. Check out:
http://www.napo.net/The National Association of Professional Organizers
A trained Feng Shui Master can assess your space, determine the problems, and provide solutions, usually through the use of design, and aesthetically pleasing methods. Another thing to keep in mind is that pets themselves are good Feng Shui!
Feliway Pet Pheromones for Multi-Cat Households
Final Tips for better energy flow:
Follow these simple suggestions to ensure that your pets benefit from as much positive energy as possible.
Make sure any litter boxes are situated in secluded areas, preferably in their own nooks.
Be certain there are no exposed beams above your pet’s sleeping area.
Do not situate your pet’s sleeping area near any electronic devices.
Consider switching from a water bowl to a pet fountain with a continuous water flow.
Make sure there are no sharp corners pointing towards your pet’s food, sleeping, or toilet areas.
Create an area in the house that is just for your companion animal.
A crate, cushion, or special bed will do the trick and honor their need to retreat when desired.
If you have fish, do not keep the tank in your bedroom.
Keep your pet’s toys tidy and organized in one basket or box.
Be sure the water dish is always sparkling clean with fresh water.
When introducing a new pet to an existing pet, try Feliway Pet Pheromones for Multi-Cat Households: