Health & Fitness
Feline Focus: 5 Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Cat
Cat's tend to shed in the spring and here are a few things that you can do to reduce shedding and make sure that you have a happy healthy cat!
While we humans are busily cleaning this spring, our cats are, well, doing the opposite. Spring is when cats shed, which could easily impede your cleaning efforts and cause your allergies to flare up, but with a few helpful tips you can have a clean house this spring and a happy, healthy cat! So as you’re tackling your to-do lists, consider these tips that will make spring cleaning easier on you and your cat:
1. Coiffed Cat: A well-brushed cat will help keep the house clean and keep your allergies to a minimum. A thorough brushing 3-4 times a week goes a long way towards reducing shedding. Some grooming tools remove loose fur and dander in the undercoat.
2. Bath time: For most cats, a bath is their worst enemy, but if your cat will allow it, try bathing your cat using a pet shampoo. For those cats who refuse a bath, consider some earth-friendly, all natural hypoallergenic cat wipes. They can be used daily and help to remove dander and maintain a healthy coat.
3. Wash Your Cat’s Bedding: Take a look around the house and find any places that your cat frequents and wash/clean them. Pillow covers and blankets can easily be thrown in the washing machine and many cat beds will have removable covers that are washing machine safe. Remember to use a gentle, unscented detergent that won’t irritate your cat. If it’s something that can’t be put in the washing machine, then vacuum it thoroughly. Some vacuums have special pet hair attachments.
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4. Take Caution: While you’re sprucing up your place for spring don’t forget to keep the cleaning chemicals away from your pet! Almost all commercially sold cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to animals. Keep your vet’s emergency hotline in a prominent place, just in case. Remember to properly dispose of old cleaners and hazardous materials that may pose a danger to your cat.
5. Allergies: Yes, pets get them too! Pay attention to any changes in your cats health of behavior – scratching, irritated eyes or runny nose may be symptoms of allergies. Cleaning can stir up mold spores or dust that can irritate their delicate respiratory system.