"How to Keep Your Home Smelling Like You Don’t Have Cats"
Sharing your home with cats is a joy, but it’s natural to want your space to smell clean and fresh. As a breeder with several cats, I’ve perfected strategies to ensure my home doesn’t reveal its feline inhabitants through odor. A visitor recently commented that she couldn’t tell I had cats, which was the ultimate compliment! With a consistent cleaning schedule and the right tools, you can maintain a fresh-smelling home, too.
Create a Cleaning Plan for a Fresh-Smelling Home
A cleaning routine tailored to your cat-friendly home is essential. Break tasks into daily, weekly, and bi-weekly intervals to stay on top of potential odors. Here’s a suggested plan:
Daily: Clean cat dishes, water bowls, and scoop litter boxes.
vacuum high traffic areas.
Weekly: Vacuum cat trees, stands, and common surfaces.
Deep clean litter boxes and other high-use areas.
Wash floors around boxes or high traffic areas.
Bi-Weekly: Bath your cats and kittens
Launder cat bedding
Tips for Cleaning Cat Dishes and Water Bowls
Cat dishes, especially those used for wet food, can be a significant source of odors. Follow these tips:
Clean wet food dishes immediately after meals to prevent unpleasant smells.
Dry food dishes don’t need as much attention, but they should be washed regularly.
Refresh water bowls twice daily with clean, cold water.
If using a water fountain, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid buildup.
Maintaining Cat Trees, Stands, and Common Surfaces
Cat furniture can harbor fur and odors if not cleaned regularly. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Vacuum cat climbers and stands weekly, or more frequently if you have multiple cats.
Use damp hands to loosen fur from carpeted areas before vacuuming.
Wipe down surfaces where your cats rest with a pet-safe cleaner.
Daily Vacuuming: A Must for Cat Homes
Vacuuming is crucial for keeping your home smelling fresh, especially around litter boxes. If daily vacuuming isn’t feasible, consider sweeping or using a handheld vacuum for quick clean-ups.
Cat Litter Box Maintenance: The Key to Odor Control
The litter box is the most significant contributor to odors in a cat home. Proper maintenance not only keeps your home fresh but also helps prevent behavioral issues.
Why Do Cats Avoid the Litter Box?
Inappropriate elimination (not using the litter box) is the top reason cats are surrendered to shelters. Understanding the causes can help you prevent and address this issue. Common reasons include:
Health Issues: Always consult a vet if your cat avoids the box.
New Pets or Stress: Changes in the household can cause anxiety.
Litter Box Placement: Avoid high-traffic areas for litter boxes.
Box Preferences: Some cats prefer open boxes, while others like covered ones.
Litter Type: Experiment to find what your cat prefers, as some are picky.
Best Practices for Litter Box Maintenance
Follow these guidelines to keep your litter box clean and odor-free:
Provide Enough Boxes: The rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one extra.
Scoop Daily: Remove waste as soon as possible and place it in a sealed, outdoor container.
Deep Clean Weekly: Empty boxes completely, wash them with a mild detergent, and refill with fresh litter.
Choose the Right Litter: Test different types to find what works best for you and your cats. Crystals, for instance, are excellent for odor control.
Recommended Products for Odor Control
If you’re looking for effective litter options, I recommend Fresh Step Health Monitor Crystals, available at Chewy. They offer excellent odor control and are a hit with my cats. Watch for sales to stock up at a great price!
Final Thoughts on Keeping Your Home Odor-Free
Maintaining a fresh-smelling home with cats is entirely achievable with a little planning and effort. Regular cleaning, proper litter box maintenance, and using the right products make all the difference. By following these tips, your guests will only notice the love and joy your cats bring—not their presence through odor.
For more tips on living with Exotic Shorthair cats, check out our other blogs, including Water: Never Underestimate the Importance of Water.