Pet-proofing homes in Dhaka’s high-rises

Owning a pet in Dhaka has always meant companionship, warmth, and a fair bit of chaos. But as the city has traded courtyards and rooftops for high-rise apartments, pet ownership has become more complicated.I've had animals all my life, from dogs and cats to, at one point, more birds than I could count. Back then, space made it easier: dogs stayed outside, cats claimed the indoors. These days, even with one dog, three cats, and a handful of birds, I find myself constantly planning around them, especially during those early potty-training mishaps on clean laundry.

For apartment dwellers, the challenge is even greater. Some buildings are openly anti-animals, and neighbours can be less than forgiving. A friend of mine once nearly fainted when a neighbour's cat slipped into the elevator with her. Not everyone shares the same affection for pets, which is why in apartments, pet-proofing isn't only about keeping animals safe it is  also about keeping the peace with those around us.

A cat, a balcony, and a lesson learned

Nigar Sultana, a fellow teacher living in Mirpur, didn't think twice about letting her cat, Momo, enjoy the view from her fifth-floor balcony. "She loved watching pigeons," Sultana recalls. "I thought she was smart enough to stay on the railing." But one afternoon, Momo lunged for a bird and slipped. She survived the fall thanks to a patch of shrubs and a quick-thinking security guard. "It was the scariest day of my life," Sultana admits. The very next morning, she had nylon netting fixed across her balcony. The cost was minimal, but the peace of mind was priceless. For apartment cat owners, this simple step has become essential in Dhaka's vertical living.

Dogs in the city: more than just walks

For dog owners, the challenge is different. Space is tight, walks are limited to crowded streets, and noise travels far in tiled, echo-prone apartments. Arif, a software engineer in Dhanmondi, struggled when his spitz mix, Bruno, barked at every horn and rickshaw bell. Neighbours complained, and Arif found himself apologizing more often than enjoying his pet. The solution came in layers: heavy curtains, floor rugs, and a bit of soundproofing. His online shopping addiction came to play. He sourced door gap sealant in the form of adhesive foam strips muffled the doors. "It changed the whole mood of the house," Arif says. Not only did it muffle Bruno's barking, it made the apartment feel warmer and calmer.

For him, it was a reminder that pet-proofing can also be people-proofing by creating a better home environment for everyone inside.

Birds and the fan dilemma

Ceiling fans are so common in Bangladeshi homes that most of us don't even notice them anymore. But for bird owners, they're an ever-present danger. My own cockatiel which I keep inside the house, nearly collided with a spinning fan on his first flight outside the cage. I turned it off just in time. Now, whenever the bird is out, the fans stay off. I have even set up a corner perch with climbing ropes so his pets can explore safely. It is not always convenient, especially in summer but pets force you to think beyond convenience. Another solution is to add a lead buckle to their leg that limits their flight capabilities somewhat. Also, netting on the balconies and windows help prevent them flying out, and in some cases, stop neighbor cats from paying a lunch visit.

More than safety: living in harmony

Pet-proofing is not only about avoiding accidents. In apartment complexes, it also means being considerate of neighbours. Cats roaming into stairwells can annoy those who aren't fond of animals. Barking dogs can spark arguments. Bird droppings on balconies can sour relationships. In a city where shared spaces are unavoidable, responsible pet ownership is about balance. Clean litter boxes, timely dog walks (with waste bags in hand), and some basic sound control go a long way toward ensuring harmony.

The aspirational side of pet-friendly living

The best part? Pet-proofing deals with safety as well as making apartments more comfortable and even more fun. Balcony netting, done neatly, blends into the exterior. Rugs and curtains soften noise while adding warmth. Cat shelves or scratching posts become playful design features, and bird perches can spark conversation. Kids especially love these little corners, turning them into shared spaces with their furry or feathered friends. As Dhaka grows taller, our homes may look different, but the bond with our pets, and the joy they bring, remains the same.

Key Takeaways for Pet Owners in High-Rises

• Balcony netting: Simple, affordable, and life-saving for cats (and small dogs).
• Soft furnishings: Rugs, curtains, and cushions help control noise from dogs.
• Fan awareness: Always switch off ceiling fans when birds are flying free.
• Neighbour etiquette: Clean litter boxes, manage dog walks responsibly, and avoid shared-space conflicts.

The writer is a former interior designer having now chosen the more chaotic task of teaching.