Getting a pet is a bit like moving in with a tiny, furry celeb. They have very specific requirements, expect you to organise their meals and entertainment, and somehow weasel their way into becoming the most important member of the household without contributing a single dollar to the rent… rude!

But alongside the cuddles, saliva-laden affection and excellent excuse to leave a party early, there are a few things nobody quite prepares you for. Consider this your unofficial guide to the realities of life with a four-legged housemate.

YOUR HOME WILL NEVER BE ENTIRELY FUR-FREE AGAIN You might think you've got a handle on the cleaning situation, but pets have a diabolical ability to distribute their hair across every imaginable surface. Your favourite black dress? Fur. The couch? Fur. The special tea towel you have never used and are saving specifically for when you have visitors? Fur, and a heap of it!

Regular grooming can help manage shedding and keep your pet's coat in good condition. It's worth finding a routine that suits their coat type, whether that means brushing at home or seeking professional grooming when needed. Getting your paws on some dog grooming and hygiene essentials can help you get started, while cat owners can explore cat litter and grooming supplies to keep their feline friend's care routine on track.

MEALTIMES ARE A WHOLE PRODUCTION You thought dinner was just dinner. Wrong! Silly human. Pets have a lot of strong, peculiar thoughts about dinner time. There may be a preferred bowl, a particular feeding spot and an extremely dramatic performance needed on your part (especially if you’re trying to hide medication in a clump of peanut butter).

Establishing regular mealtimes can help make feeding more predictable. Choose bowls that are easy to clean, keep fresh water available and follow feeding guidance appropriate to your pet's age, size and needs. Get yourself some dog bowls and feeding accessories for canine dinner dates, plus cat bowls and feeding essentials for your resident feline. Keeping your pantry stocked with dog food or cat food can help you never run out and need to go to the shops in an emergency dinner mission.

And treats? An excellent way to reward good behaviour or make training more fun, provided they're suitable for your pet and don't take over their diet. Keep some dog treats handy for training sessions and little moments of triumph.

LEAVING THE HOUSE IS NEVER SIMPLE A quick trip to the park sounds fine until you're gathering leads, checking the weather, packing water and trying to convince your dog that the harness is not, in fact, a personal attack.

Before heading out, check that your pet's collar or harness fits securely, bring water for longer adventures and make sure your dog is safely restrained when travelling in a car. A well-fitted lead is essential for walks, and there are so many dog collars and leads in cute colours if you want to match your outfit (which you obviously do). For cats, a properly fitted cat collar can be useful, provided it has a bell to warn lovely native birds like magpies and lorikeets that a cat is about.

Planning a longer trip? Or even just heading to the V-E-T (shhh)? There are some pretty nifty pet travel supplies and accessories worth exploring before you pack the car or attempt to maneuver your cat into a bag. And if your dog needs extra protection from the elements (or if it’s simply a diva who loves to accessorise), take a look at the cute and colourful dog apparel such as knits, pyjamas and bandanas out there.

YOU’LL BECOME AN EXPERT IN A VERY NICHE FIELD Eventually, you'll learn exactly which treats motivate your dog, which brush your cat tolerates and the precise sound of someone scratching at the door to be let in (hopefully not at 5am). You'll develop strong opinions about pet accessories and become fluent in a language made entirely of squeaks, whistles and increasingly ridiculous nicknames.

The secret is to make the everyday jobs manageable: keep supplies somewhere accessible, build care into your routine and ask your vet if you're unsure about feeding, grooming or behaviour. You don't need to be a perfect pet parent. You just need to pay attention, stay consistent and remember that they're learning how to live with you, too.

This article was produced in partnership with Kmart. Take a look at their pet range that covers the everyday essentials at famously low prices at the Kmart website.