Tips for Cleaning Up After Cats

Stains and odours from hairballs, vomit, urine and poo can be tough to remove.

Reduce the stress and make the job easier with our hints for cleaning up after cats.

First, identify the cause of accidents

If you discover your cat throwing up or find poo and urine outside the litter tray, never scold your pet. You’ll confuse and distress them. According to the RSPCA, inappropriate messes can indicate behavioural, environmental or medical issues such as:

• Stress from changing routines, moving house or meeting new family members.
• Territorial disputes leading to marking with urine or faeces, often from pets that are not de-sexed.
• Individual preferences in toileting behaviour.
• Medical problems.

 

You must identify the cause to find the best solution. See your vet to check issues such as food allergies, urinary tract infections or blockages. They may recommend medical treatment, a different diet, de-sexing or changes to their environment.

Cleaning up after cats effectively

1. Cat hair

 The state of your best black trousers will prove your cat is shedding copious quantities of hair. But this isn’t simply a cosmetic issue. Ingesting hair can cause your pet to suffer hairballs, constipation and other health problems. It’s vital to know how to clean up cat hair.

• Brush your cat regularly to remove loose hair.
• Vacuum carpets and upholstery once a week or more. Consider pet vacuums with HEPA filters.
• Remove hair from furniture using lint rollers, masking tape, rubber dishwashing gloves or sticky fabric cleaners.

2. Cat vomit and hairballs

• Clean up soggy messes before they set to limit odours and stains.
• Use a disposable spoon to scrape the vomit into a pile then grab paper towels to wipe it up. Dispose of the mess as you would dispose of cat litter.
• Remove the odour with an enzymatic cleaner and apply stain remover if needed.

3. Cat urine

Urine leaves a lasting impression so your cat will return to the scene of the crime to pee. Ammonia-based cleaning products leave the same scent so choose odour-neutralising products to stop inappropriate toileting.

• Tackle accidents while they’re fresh. As urine ages, it decays and releases a strong ammonia smell. This can seep through floor coverings to damage padding or wood beneath.
• Use paper towels or an old bath towel to blot the area.
• Use a commercial or homemade chemical, enzyme or bacteria/enzyme odour remover.

4. Cat poo

• Cat poo can contain a parasite than causes toxoplasmosis, which is dangerous for children and pregnant women. Wear gloves to reduce the risk of transmission, and if you’re pregnant, ask someone else to clean up.
• Use paper towels to pick up the poo.
• Clean with a mild detergent and water mixture then blot with paper towels.
• Spray with an odour-neutralising product.

Preventing future messes

Toileting areas

According to the RSPCA, cats often feel vulnerable when toileting. Put litter trays in private corners that are easy to access. Avoid placing trays in open areas or near glass doors, bedding and food. Choose tiled surfaces or lay old towels underneath.

Forget the tiny house trend. Cats need ample room to turn around in and use the litter tray. You’ll find a range of options, from covered models with doors and odour filters to open boxes with lower sides for older or less mobile pets. Cats won’t use a tray if they dislike the litter, so try different brands.

Many cats won’t share or use soiled litter trays. Have a tray for each cat plus one extra. Scoop out poo and sweep the surrounds at least twice a day then replace the litter every two weeks.

Food and water

Food and water bowls are often kept in the kitchen. But they are easily knocked in high traffic areas, especially if children are darting about. Place bowls or automatic feeders in a quieter area where your pet can eat undisturbed. Use a feeding mat so spills are easy to clean.

 

 Regular house cleaning

Choose pet-friendly furnishings in easy-to-clean fabrics, such as machine washable blankets or pillows with removable slips. Cover formal furniture with throws so guests don’t leave wearing the latest fur fashions.

Don’t assume your cat complies with the “no walking on the table” rule. Their escapades may leave traces of urine and faeces on surfaces where food is prepared or eaten. Use a cleaning solution to wipe down kitchen benches and tables.

Cleaning up after cats is a lot easier with effective cleaning techniques, and a little patience can help to reduce the frustration of dealing with cat mess!