Owning a cat means companionship, snuggles, and playtime. It also means urine stains, hairballs, and fleas. As a cat owner, you’ve likely realized how quickly your home can become smelly and messy even when you consciously try to keep a clean living space. For the cat owners out there, consider these six budget-friendly cleaning tips for your home, courtesy of Brevard Humane Society.
1. Invest in litter box furniture.
Litter box furniture is like the pet version of multipurpose furniture. Instead of storing blankets in the ottoman or converting the couch into a bed, litter box furniture has the appearance and function of a normal piece of furniture but with the bonus of a hidden litter box. For instance, you can get great-looking nightstands, end tables, benches and other pieces that serve as a litter box/pet house. To get the most for your money, check out online reviews and guides.
2. Keep your cat clean.
Few things will dirty up your home faster than cat hair. The first step to keeping a clean home is keeping your cat clean. Each day, take a few minutes to brush through your cat’s hair to remove loose hair, dander and dirt. It’s especially important to do it once a day if you have a long-haired cat. This activity is also healthy for your cat’s well-being as cats spend most of their day grooming themselves and the hair you remove helps them. They also love the attention!
3. Wash their bedding often.
There are a large variety of cat beds available bound to keep your feline comfortable, including heated, covered, and cave-like models. It’s important to purchase a cat bed that can be washed or that has a removable cover; there are plenty of cost-effective options. Wash their bedding once a week, including any pillows and blankets they use.
4. Clean their litter box often.
As with their bedding, you should clean your cat’s litter box regularly. This will help to minimize the random odor and litter you find strewn through the home. Also, consider adding absorbent bedding material to reduce odor, and use a vinegar solution to clean up any urine build-up.
5. Sweep or vacuum.
This is going to sound like a lot of work, but it can save you a lot of money in the long-term: Vacuum often. Depending on how much hair your cat sheds, you should vacuum your home at least once a week, if not every other day, including carpet, hardwood floors, drapes, furniture, and anything else that collects hair.
Pets love to lounge on the furniture, so in multi-kitty homes, consider bringing in a professional furniture cleaning company to periodically clean your furniture. Vents Magazine notes that a pro comes with experience and expertise in cleaning all types of fabrics and types of furniture, and the longer they’ve been in business the better. They’ll know how to treat a range of materials, including the most delicate natural fibers. Also, chances are good that they use a quick-drying process once the cleaning is completed, leaving most fabrics dry in a short period of time, so you and your kitties can get back on the couch in no time. Keep in mind that fabrics that don’t dry quick enough can develop mildew and mold, which poses a health risk for you and your felines. Go online and check out a service directory like Angi, which features rating, reviews, and contact info for pros near you.
6. Always have cleaning products on hand.
Finally, you want to always have the right cleaning products, for the health and safety of your cat while you clean. And, especially with urine, it’s important to clean it up as soon as possible. Not only is it unsanitary but allowing urine to sit will quickly make your house smell, and your cat might be tempted to urinate again on the same spot. Professional carpet cleaning services advise using cleaning products with enzymes that neutralize uric acid, just check the label for pet-friendly usage.
Life with a cat (or five) is grand, but it’s essential to take steps to keep your home clean and tidy. Look into litter box furniture, brush your cat daily, and clean their bedding and litter box regularly. Also, sweep or vacuum at least once a week, consider using other hair removal products, and always keep cleaning products nearby. A cat owner with a clean home is a very happy cat owner.
Brevard Humane Society provides animal welfare shelters and programs that foster a humane ethic toward all animals. Contact us today to see how we deepen the community’s commitment to spaying and neutering, as well as to the adoption of homeless companion animals! (321) 636-3343 x201