Having a cat turns a house into a cozy home. The mess they bring with them, however? Not so much. If only they could keep your house as clean as they do themselves. I’ve got six of tips for you today to keep your home clean so you enjoy your cat’s company without resenting them for the disorder they can create.
1. Start with a little pampering for your feline friend. Groom your cat regularly if not daily to stay on top of shedding fur to ensure it ends up in the trash instead of all over your furniture. You may also want to trim claws regularly or invest in a set of claw caps to prevent your cat from scratching up furniture or snagging on fabrics.
2. Vacuum your carpets, drapes, and furniture weekly to prevent hair from building up on every possible surface. You may even want to vacuum high traffic areas a few times a week to maintain your carpetings condition. Investing in a handheld vacuum is a great way to easily swoop in on messes throughout the week without lugging your main vacuum out several times a week.
3. Dusting regularly is also ideal to cut down on fur and dander from building up on surfaces. Dusting one room per day is an easy way to stay on top of the chore. Keeping a microfiber cloth tucked away in each room makes it even easier to get the job done and keep surfaces clear of debris.
4. Wipe down counters and tables regularly with disinfectant. While you can’t guarantee your cat isn’t strolling over your counters when you aren’t looking and wiping surfaces down at least daily ensures they are clean. Keep germs at bay especially from paws that may have just recently left the litter box by keeping disinfectant on hand at all times.
5. The litter box. The source of the most dreaded of cat messes. Obviously, scooping daily and doing a full clean out every two weeks cuts down on odor. But putting a litter mat underneath the litter box catches litter outside the box right away and prevents your cat from tracking it throughout the house. Some clever placement can also keep cat litter from finding it’s way throughout the house. Place the box in the furthest corner from the door and in a low traffic area.
6. Clean up hairballs asap. Pick up solid messes with a towel and scrape any excess off with a butter knife. You’ll also want to use an enzyme based odor neutralizer to prevent odors from settling into carpeting. Grooming your cat regularly is a not only a great way to keep hair from clinging to every surface as mentioned in tip number one but also prevents hairballs from happening in the first place.
Owning a cat is such a rewarding experience. The messes they leave behind, however, can feel anything but. With a regular cleaning schedule and the right tools, you can keep a tidy home in a manageable way so you can get back to snuggling up with your cat faster.
