As a collector, your collection is the nucleus of energy that continually propels you forward in the hobby and drives your passion. The unquenchable thirst to never stop learning. I love it so much! But the other side of your collection which truth be told is more important is the financial investment aspect of it. If you collect shot glasses from every state you visit, taking a loss here or there it is not catastrophic. However, if you collect contemporary art glass you might want to really give it some thought in how it is displayed. You wouldn’t want Lil’ Ms. Pepper to knock over your Dale Chihuly vase. By the way, my girlfriend and I have two cats, Peggy and Pepper, the cast members of today’s article. We also have a turtle Tommy, but he is innocent in these events. Guy lives in a tank with three fish.

If you desire to display things on low shelving, a tabletop, bookcase or anywhere in potential jumping or bumping (large dogs apply here) range, glue dots are your saving grace. If you go to any department, hardware, or art supply store glue dots can be easily found. A glue dot is approximately the size of a mini-M&M and acts as an adhesive between your collectible and the surface to which it is displayed on. Best part is you never have to worry about it ruining the surface or item. Easily removable even years later. Clear, simple, and cost about $3.99 for a pack of 300 of them. That $4.00 investment can ultimately save you thousands.

This next tip really applies to cat owners, because those kittens could be all star contenders on American Ninja Warrior. For example, Peggy’s parkour course is from the floor to coffee table to top of couch jump over the great void to the recliner and end near paw swinging range of the bookcase. Just as if she is trying to hit that red buzzer. Bookcases even if modern tend to be rather deep, maybe because there is a cabinet section as the base but regardless, they’re typically 18” deep. A much safer alternative is floating shelving, they typically range 8” to 12” deep. A bookcase may appear deeper, but the actual shelving space is typically smaller due to the outer case of a bookcase. Plus, unless you are a furniture lover and would miss a large shelving unit floating shelves are a great way of decluttering and creating floor space. My feeling is that they are a two for one victory.

These are only two tips of many that could be said, but the point is to be smart. Think before you put that vase, sculpture, or toy on display. You want to protect your investments, and who likes getting mad at their pets.