Cats can be messy, but the cleanup doesn’t have to be hard!
Cats make great company with their unique personalities and their cuddly affection, but they can also be messy and smelly, not to mention being harbingers of fleas, parasites and other germs! As a cat owner, you’ve likely found hairballs, urine, spray spots, and other usual, but not-so-fun, things!
As much as this can be frustrating and disrupting — especially if you keep a type-A, spotless home — but, you don’t have to love your feline friend any less!
At The Vet Set, we know how much you love your cat, but how much their messes can get on your nerves, we hear about it in our Carroll Gardens vet office all the time! To bring peace back into your home, learn the best tips to keep your home clean when it comes to owning cats!
Cat Urine
Cat urine has a pretty distinct smell, so if you smell it, you know an accident or stain isn’t too far away! If your home has anything other than carpet — wood, tile, vinyl, etc. — cleanup is a breeze! You can simply spray a disinfectant on the area and wipe it up.
If, on the other hand, you have carpet, cleanup can be a bit trickier. Blot up as much as the urine as you can, and spray a spot cleaner that can neutralize uric acid (for example, vinegar or baking soda) so your cat won’t go back to that spot. Another thing you may want to invest in if urine becomes an issue is a steam or carpet cleaner.
Cat Hair
If you have fluffy cats, and even short-haired cats, the hair can get out of control, especially if you own multiple cats.
The best means to control cat hair is with a great vacuum. You can look for one that’s specifically designed for pets, but at minimum, you’ll need one with good suction and one that doesn’t clog easily. A vacuum with parts that can access small nooks and crannies, such as in-between your couch, is highly encouraged.
You can also help minimize the amount of cat hair that floats around by grooming your cat. There are many great grooming tools and products on the market that gather excess hair and helps keep your cat’s coat shiny and healthy.
Other products that may come in handy to you are lint rollers or rubber brushes that effectively remove cat hair from clothing (great for when you’re leaving the house) and for a quick tidy-up of your furniture or upholstery.
Your Cat’s Personal Space
Your cat likely has a cat bed, litter box, or even a favorite blanket they like to snuggle up on, and over time, these can all become hot spots for smells!
Be diligent in washing your cat’s bed or blanket at least twice a month and clean the litter box regularly. Hooded litter boxes contain smells better, and there are a variety of products that work well in elimination odor.
Cleaning Up the Mess
When it comes to keeping your home clean and cat messes to a minimum, using the right products for cat hair, urine, bedding, and litter box is vital, just as much as keeping a consistent cleaning routine. Some cat owners even have a designated cat-cleaning portable container that has everything they need — from disinfecting sprays to scrub brushes — everything is in one place for quick access.
Having a cat doesn’t have to be messy and you can all live in (clean) harmony together!
For more information about our cat vet services, reach out to our Carroll Gardens vet clinic.