It's important to take the best care of your pet--but you can do so while keeping your home free of all the damage, stains, smells and noises that pets may provide, along with all that wonderful companionship!

An Austin, Texas agency recently posted great advice from Laura Foster-Bobroff - throwing consumers a few bones about taking better care of their homes while exhibiting responsible pet ownership at the same time.

She observed that window sills are favorite spot for cats to sit and watch the world. They like to lean against them, and don't those screens or window frames make irresistible scratching posts?

According to Foster-Bobroff, cats can scratch away the better part of a three-quarter inch thick board — with most of the damage concealed behind a drape or curtain. She advises homeowners to regularly check screens for holes and frames for scratches.

Provide your cat an approved place to scratch - cat condos, scratching posts, etc. - and if necessary, have your vet dull the ends of claws by trimming and filing.

Puppies can do damage by using corners of doors as teethers, gnawing away as long as they’re allowed. Foster-Bobroff, says you can discourage chewing by purchasing products with a bitter taste, available at most pet supply centers.

From the day they arrive home, train dogs not to claw when they need to go out; otherwise, you are inviting gouged-out doors. For stubborn dogs, install a protective metal plate during training.

Finally, did you know that animal hair is a major contributor to reduced energy efficiency?

According to Foster-Bobroff, hairballs clog up fans that cool refrigerator coils. Air movement draws hair up and in, causing a strain on compressors, and shortening the life of appliances.

Animal owners should move refrigerators out every few months to thoroughly vacuum behind and underneath. And vacuums should be well maintained as well, since hair will jam up rug-beater attachments.

She says simply empty the system or change bags often to minimize risk of blockages, and remove hair from around wheels to keep them moving freely.