Owning any pet is a lot of responsibility, but most of them will also require that you spend a little more time cleaning. Anyone who isn’t used to dealing with issues like shedding and destructive tendencies may not be prepared for what having a cat might entail or know how to keep the home safe for their pets. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to make taking care of your house a little easier, no matter how many cats you have. If you’re finding fur all over the house, read on to learn more about how to maintain a clean home when living with cats.
How can you Keep your Home Clean when you own Cats?
There’s no denying that having pets will give you a little more work to do when it comes to keeping your house clean. One of the best ways to cut down on the presence of allergens and pet fur is to groom your cat regularly. While cats do some grooming themselves, you still need to brush them. How often you should groom your pet depends on the length of their fur. Medium- and long-haired cats need to be brushed every day, while short-haired cats should be brushed once per week.
Even with proper grooming, getting rid of pet dander can be particularly challenging. Investing in an air purifier can make a big difference. In big spaces like your living room, you should make sure you get a top large room air purifier. Look for a brand that you can trust and make sure the model you purchase is the right size for the room you intend to place it in. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is the best bet if you want proper filtration and an improvement in your indoor air quality.
What can you do to Keep your Home Cat-Safe?
There are a number of recommendations that animal experts have for making sure that your home is safe for your cats. A good first step is to inspect your home and get a sense of what objects are within your cat’s reach. Cords should be hidden, as should small objects that have the potential to become choking hazards. All household chemicals should be stored somewhere safe. Fragile items should be hidden or moved, and windows should always be secured. If it’s your first time owning a cat, you can find new cat checklists online to help.
If you like to keep houseplants or other greenery at home, make sure that you only have cat friendly plants. There are many plants that can be toxic for pets, and it’s essential for you to know which ones are safe to keep in your house. Money trees, spider plants, Boston ferns, and even rosemary Christmas trees are safe to keep in the house with cats. Most of the best plant shops will clearly label what products are pet safe, but you can always ask if you have any questions.
Some plants to avoid include aloe, American holly, daffodils, carnations, calla lilies, gardenias, lavender, poinsettias, tulips, and many more. It’s a good idea to check before making any plant purchase if you want to make sure that you’re not creating unnecessary risks at home.
Proper grooming and care can help minimize the presence of cat fur and combat destructive tendencies. If you notice allergens are a problem indoors, consider purchasing an air purifier to help improve overall air quality. You should also take inventory of your entire home and ensure that it’s completely cat safe. Taking care of your home when you have cats can involve a significant investment of time and energy, but it’s more than worth it to keep your furry friend safe and your house clean.